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Worth It: Overcome Your Fears and Embrace the Life You Were Made For
Brit Barron grew up in an Evangelical megachurch in the '90s, trying to fit neatly inside the boundaries her church and its narrow view of God had placed around her. She was boxed in by her fears, unable to realize her full potential. All that changed when she met a girl named Sami, fell in love, and chose to leave behind those narrow boundaries in favor of a fuller and more vibrant life.
In Worth It, Brit tells her story to inspire all of us to overcome our own fears--the kinds of fears that keep us from evolving beyond the narratives that have been handed to us by others. We can't avoid or outrun these fears, but if we face them, we'll find out that it was so worth it!
In Worth It, Brit tells her story to inspire all of us to overcome our own fears--the kinds of fears that keep us from evolving beyond the narratives that have been handed to us by others. We can't avoid or outrun these fears, but if we face them, we'll find out that it was so worth it!
200 pages, Hardcover
First published July 21, 2020
57 people are currently reading
1067 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 12, 2020
Here I go filling up on personal stories by reflective, wise, black women. Yes! I am not a Christian. Yes! I have so many issues with the church. Yes! I absolutely loved this book.
Brit Barron put forth a short and sweet empowering memoir of what it means to be a young, gay, Black, Christian woman and it was just so deeply inspiring to read.
She’s got so much to say to young black women and men going through deeply religious upbringings where they may not feel valued and most of it can be illustrated through a couple of her important points:
THIS! This highlights the truths about the change the world is pushing its way through at this very moment. When there is hate, bigotry and other adverse experiences in places that are supposed to hold you up; realize that those experiences are a reflection of the oppressors’ broken, outdated, corrupt, morally bankrupt, sometimes underhanded, sometimes boldfaced fucked up systems. Other people's hate and bigotry are in no part, a reflection of your value! This is a fact that can never be understated and when Brit Barron’s takes you on that exploration through her youth, and shows you how she grew into speaking her truth and sharing her experiences, it is an invaluable lesson for those younger than her. She hits the nail on the head sharing in how valuable we all are and how valuable our diversity is.
So important. It is SO so important to stand in your truth and liberate yourself from the lies that people have spoken about you. It's not easy; but it is very important. Yo, this segment of the book really arose so much happiness in me. Just hearing a gay black women SNATCH back her identity from the clutches of people who use and who seek to use the church to further oppress generations of women, black and brown folks and gay youth.. I was here for it! I’m here for it. It elevated my spirit.
I love Brit Barron’s encouragement towards jumping into the life you’re called for with both feet, taking risks, and standing in your truth.
Lastly, my issue with this book.. I love-hated the friendly cross reference with Rachel Hollis' book Girl, Wash Your Face because 1) it's nice that you want to share in your friendly comraderie, but 2) don't let people advertise their shit on your back, even if they are your "friends".
It's funny because I went back and skimmed "Chapter 19" in G,WYF. Brit Barron and her friend group, including Hollis, all have a "19" tattoo and I could see in G, WYF that Brit Barron provided that safe space for Rachel Hollis to explore her "race questions". Many black women bare the brunt and the burden of explaining to their white girlfriends our experiences of race that they aren't privy to or "interested in" - until it's necessary to be interested. Especially at a time like this in America.
However, I felt that we could have just dealt with this book being what it is, a story about Brit Barron, instead of having to remind everyone of the familial connection to R. Hollis. Instead of highlighting the "mother's" work. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Rachel Hollis. However, couldn't we have just experienced this book as this book without her (I mean outside of the intro)?
Anyway, that leads to my second gripe.. y'all added R. Hollis instead of a serious editor? Where's the editor on the beginning of this work? Someone should have caught some of the sentence fragments, a few phrasing issues and a typo before publishing. It's a book for crying out loud. It's not an article, it's not a review. *wink**
Anyway, outside of those things — this book was beautiful. Brit Barron has so much to share. I love that she called Brené Brown a prophet; Brené is a prophet spawning prophets like Brit. I hope Brit keeps writing, because I'll be reading whatever she puts out next!
Brit Barron put forth a short and sweet empowering memoir of what it means to be a young, gay, Black, Christian woman and it was just so deeply inspiring to read.
She’s got so much to say to young black women and men going through deeply religious upbringings where they may not feel valued and most of it can be illustrated through a couple of her important points:
1: "...that is a reflection of a broken system and not a reflection of my value." // 98% in 'Worth It: Overcome Your Fears and Embrace the Life You Were Made For' by Brit Barron
THIS! This highlights the truths about the change the world is pushing its way through at this very moment. When there is hate, bigotry and other adverse experiences in places that are supposed to hold you up; realize that those experiences are a reflection of the oppressors’ broken, outdated, corrupt, morally bankrupt, sometimes underhanded, sometimes boldfaced fucked up systems. Other people's hate and bigotry are in no part, a reflection of your value! This is a fact that can never be understated and when Brit Barron’s takes you on that exploration through her youth, and shows you how she grew into speaking her truth and sharing her experiences, it is an invaluable lesson for those younger than her. She hits the nail on the head sharing in how valuable we all are and how valuable our diversity is.
2: "I get to reclaim what it means to be black and a woman. I get to reclaim what it means to be gay and a Christian every day." // 98% in 'Worth It: Overcome Your Fears and Embrace the Life You Were Made For' by Brit Barron
So important. It is SO so important to stand in your truth and liberate yourself from the lies that people have spoken about you. It's not easy; but it is very important. Yo, this segment of the book really arose so much happiness in me. Just hearing a gay black women SNATCH back her identity from the clutches of people who use and who seek to use the church to further oppress generations of women, black and brown folks and gay youth.. I was here for it! I’m here for it. It elevated my spirit.
I love Brit Barron’s encouragement towards jumping into the life you’re called for with both feet, taking risks, and standing in your truth.
Lastly, my issue with this book.. I love-hated the friendly cross reference with Rachel Hollis' book Girl, Wash Your Face because 1) it's nice that you want to share in your friendly comraderie, but 2) don't let people advertise their shit on your back, even if they are your "friends".
It's funny because I went back and skimmed "Chapter 19" in G,WYF. Brit Barron and her friend group, including Hollis, all have a "19" tattoo and I could see in G, WYF that Brit Barron provided that safe space for Rachel Hollis to explore her "race questions". Many black women bare the brunt and the burden of explaining to their white girlfriends our experiences of race that they aren't privy to or "interested in" - until it's necessary to be interested. Especially at a time like this in America.
However, I felt that we could have just dealt with this book being what it is, a story about Brit Barron, instead of having to remind everyone of the familial connection to R. Hollis. Instead of highlighting the "mother's" work. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Rachel Hollis. However, couldn't we have just experienced this book as this book without her (I mean outside of the intro)?
Anyway, that leads to my second gripe.. y'all added R. Hollis instead of a serious editor? Where's the editor on the beginning of this work? Someone should have caught some of the sentence fragments, a few phrasing issues and a typo before publishing. It's a book for crying out loud. It's not an article, it's not a review. *wink**
Anyway, outside of those things — this book was beautiful. Brit Barron has so much to share. I love that she called Brené Brown a prophet; Brené is a prophet spawning prophets like Brit. I hope Brit keeps writing, because I'll be reading whatever she puts out next!
December 6, 2020
Honestly, this is the book that I wanted “Untamed” to be. While it’s very similar to “Untamed”, this book reads more like a personal growth growth instead of a memoir- which I liked.
I disagreed with some of the author’s comments on Christianity but I won’t fault the book for that because it was interesting to hear her views! I think it’s important to hear the stories of people of color and those in the LGBTQ community.
As a Christian, I think it’s so important to hear the stories of those the church has marginalized so we can be the solution.
It did start to feel repetitive and little fluffy near the end, but overall I liked it!
This would be a great read for someone in the LGBTQ community, those who have been burned by the church or heathy Christians looking to hear a different perspective.
I disagreed with some of the author’s comments on Christianity but I won’t fault the book for that because it was interesting to hear her views! I think it’s important to hear the stories of people of color and those in the LGBTQ community.
As a Christian, I think it’s so important to hear the stories of those the church has marginalized so we can be the solution.
It did start to feel repetitive and little fluffy near the end, but overall I liked it!
This would be a great read for someone in the LGBTQ community, those who have been burned by the church or heathy Christians looking to hear a different perspective.
July 20, 2020
I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of this book and wow is it one of my favorites I've ever read. I found Brit "Beans" Barron through Rise conference and her sense of humor and transparency has been something I admired since seeing her speak on a stage in Dallas. Through social media I met her wife Sami and got a glimpse into their beautiful love story. 'Worth It' tells the trauma and triumph of their love through the battles that Beans has faced. It makes you tear up when she describes the people at her wedding and how she had to feel so ashamed of her identity. And equally I laughed out loud more times than I could count while reading Beans' stories and some childhood memories. This debut book is full of reasons to have joy, appreciate those around you and realize that anything worth having will be 'Worth It'. This is a book I will read over and over again and tell anyone who will listen to do the same!
July 29, 2020
I started this book last night and couldn’t put it down until I finished it today. I was struck and deeply moved by Britt’s authenticity and vulnerability as she shared her story. Her bravery rings through every word, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who, like me, has worked through a deconstruction and rebuilt a faith centered around a loving and inclusive Jesus who fights hard against injustice.
July 20, 2020
Brit Barron grew up in suburban Colorado, a Black-Mexican woman in the Evangelical church who often found herself as the only Black woman in the room and the only girl on her hockey team, forced at a young age to learn how to defend her existence. She attended a conservative Christian college, became a pastor at a megachurch, and felt that she had "arrived." Then she fell in love with a young woman named Sami. That love led her to embrace her sexuality, leave the community and job that she once felt safe and comfortable in, and find freedom that she never thought possible.
I've had the great fortune to hear Barron teach and preach, and this book is like a text full of sermons. Her writing is approachable, friendly, and joy-filled - just like Barron herself. She weaves everyday anecdotes with stories of heartbreak and hard decisions, holding her past self, fears, and relationships with honesty and care. Out and proud queer people will be reminded of their own strength through re-living Barron's journey, and those in the closet will be inspired to leave oppressive boxes and spaces behind them. Although this book is intended for and will resonate most with those connected to (especially Evangelical) Christianity, anyone who's felt a disconnect between who they are and how they're living won't be able to read it without feeling a stir in their heart to take a deep breath, have courage, and move towards wholeness.
Worth It is full of encouraging quotes and sound bites, little nuggets that ring true and sound good. But the power of those nuggets come from Barron's willingness to share her journey and help others find their freedom, and they cannot and should not be divorced from that. I'll also note that I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am a proud member of her launch team. More than a stand-alone, this book is part of the vast body of Barron's work (including anti-racism and sharing the biggest story of God possible) and a vibrant, growing movement. Welcome, friends.
• • •
"It blows my mind to think about the fact that I almost gave up everything I have now for people in a room whose names I can barely remember. I almost let the approval and disapproval of peripheral characters in my life keep me in a cocoon that was only hurting me—not them."
"It’s okay to look at yourself in the mirror sometimes and remind yourself who the fuck you are. Actually, it’s not just okay—it’s necessary. If you look in the mirror and don’t see strength, then grab a picture of someone you see strength in and borrow theirs until you can see it in yourself."
"You can stop being who you are, stop moving forward in your life, stop pursuing love so you can keep people and circumstances in your life the same, or you can shed that false self but know that everyone might not feel the same about who you really are. Both are hard, but one is free."
"Freedom is the opposite of fear because fear is oppression. Fear keeps us bound and keeps us small. Freedom says, 'Go, grow as big as you can, and go as far as you can. Tell as many stories as you can, and never be afraid that you will outgrow goodness.'"
"I don’t think it’s an accident that so much of my healing has come from reclaiming the thing that hurt me. The same is probably true for you. Our healing doesn’t come from avoiding, pretending, or moving on. Our healing most times looks like going head-on into those wounds and reclaiming the things in our lives that we have lost."
"Our deepest journeys of healing happen when we are able to reclaim the very thing that hurt us, the very narrative that oppressed us, the very story that kept us small."
I've had the great fortune to hear Barron teach and preach, and this book is like a text full of sermons. Her writing is approachable, friendly, and joy-filled - just like Barron herself. She weaves everyday anecdotes with stories of heartbreak and hard decisions, holding her past self, fears, and relationships with honesty and care. Out and proud queer people will be reminded of their own strength through re-living Barron's journey, and those in the closet will be inspired to leave oppressive boxes and spaces behind them. Although this book is intended for and will resonate most with those connected to (especially Evangelical) Christianity, anyone who's felt a disconnect between who they are and how they're living won't be able to read it without feeling a stir in their heart to take a deep breath, have courage, and move towards wholeness.
Worth It is full of encouraging quotes and sound bites, little nuggets that ring true and sound good. But the power of those nuggets come from Barron's willingness to share her journey and help others find their freedom, and they cannot and should not be divorced from that. I'll also note that I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am a proud member of her launch team. More than a stand-alone, this book is part of the vast body of Barron's work (including anti-racism and sharing the biggest story of God possible) and a vibrant, growing movement. Welcome, friends.
• • •
"It blows my mind to think about the fact that I almost gave up everything I have now for people in a room whose names I can barely remember. I almost let the approval and disapproval of peripheral characters in my life keep me in a cocoon that was only hurting me—not them."
"It’s okay to look at yourself in the mirror sometimes and remind yourself who the fuck you are. Actually, it’s not just okay—it’s necessary. If you look in the mirror and don’t see strength, then grab a picture of someone you see strength in and borrow theirs until you can see it in yourself."
"You can stop being who you are, stop moving forward in your life, stop pursuing love so you can keep people and circumstances in your life the same, or you can shed that false self but know that everyone might not feel the same about who you really are. Both are hard, but one is free."
"Freedom is the opposite of fear because fear is oppression. Fear keeps us bound and keeps us small. Freedom says, 'Go, grow as big as you can, and go as far as you can. Tell as many stories as you can, and never be afraid that you will outgrow goodness.'"
"I don’t think it’s an accident that so much of my healing has come from reclaiming the thing that hurt me. The same is probably true for you. Our healing doesn’t come from avoiding, pretending, or moving on. Our healing most times looks like going head-on into those wounds and reclaiming the things in our lives that we have lost."
"Our deepest journeys of healing happen when we are able to reclaim the very thing that hurt us, the very narrative that oppressed us, the very story that kept us small."
July 31, 2020
Beans is an incredible storyteller. She shares her experiences in a way that is both real and affirming. She doesn't tell you it will be easy to be true to who you really are – it is definitely not. Instead, she confirms it will be worth it on the other side.
The perspective and insight in this book really resonated with me. One of the stories in particular. Beans talks about her friend with special needs and her willingness to change her behavior as a result of her relationship with him yet she wasn't willing to do the same for her friend who is gay. I literally said “Whoa!” OUT LOUD. The ability and/or willingness to change is directly related to the stories we are told and the values that we hold. It is up to us to change that narrative if it no longer serves us or the world we want to live in. She says, “Whenever we choose to let our love for people expand the story, we're on the right track".
Here are a couple more quotes that especially spoke to me:
“Change costs us, fear is real, but even when everything you fear happens, the person you’ll become on the other side of those fears is a fuller version of yourself.”
“It’s okay to look at yourself in the mirror sometimes and remind yourself who the fuck you are. Actually, it’s not just okay—it’s necessary.”
At the end of the book, Beans talks about “feeling”. I felt it. Throughout the whole book. I could feel the strength, the joy and the redemption in her story. Your journey does not need to look like hers to find value in her message. If you are looking for a book to make you think about who you are – you've found it. It and you are WORTH IT!
P.S. I first “met” Beans at RISExMINN and then again at RISExLIVE. This is why I refer to her as "Beans" - because that's what her friends call her and she said we became friends when I became a part of her launch team ;) I got an advanced copy of this book and I am so excited the whole world gets to experience her voice! Want to dig a little deeper? I would encourage you to check out all the other valuable work she continues to do in this space.
The perspective and insight in this book really resonated with me. One of the stories in particular. Beans talks about her friend with special needs and her willingness to change her behavior as a result of her relationship with him yet she wasn't willing to do the same for her friend who is gay. I literally said “Whoa!” OUT LOUD. The ability and/or willingness to change is directly related to the stories we are told and the values that we hold. It is up to us to change that narrative if it no longer serves us or the world we want to live in. She says, “Whenever we choose to let our love for people expand the story, we're on the right track".
Here are a couple more quotes that especially spoke to me:
“Change costs us, fear is real, but even when everything you fear happens, the person you’ll become on the other side of those fears is a fuller version of yourself.”
“It’s okay to look at yourself in the mirror sometimes and remind yourself who the fuck you are. Actually, it’s not just okay—it’s necessary.”
At the end of the book, Beans talks about “feeling”. I felt it. Throughout the whole book. I could feel the strength, the joy and the redemption in her story. Your journey does not need to look like hers to find value in her message. If you are looking for a book to make you think about who you are – you've found it. It and you are WORTH IT!
P.S. I first “met” Beans at RISExMINN and then again at RISExLIVE. This is why I refer to her as "Beans" - because that's what her friends call her and she said we became friends when I became a part of her launch team ;) I got an advanced copy of this book and I am so excited the whole world gets to experience her voice! Want to dig a little deeper? I would encourage you to check out all the other valuable work she continues to do in this space.
August 4, 2020
I was very interested in reading Brit Barron's book as I was really impressed with her keynote speech and the Rise Live 2020 this year. I didn't really know who she was but after that event I started to follow her. When I found out that she had written a book that would be released on July 21, 2020 I pre-ordered it ~ I was lucky enough to find out that she would engage her FB followers to help her promote her book officially. Yes, I jumped on that as well and was blessed to receive an advance copy along with a bonus chapter.
This book is about embracing your life by over coming your fears of what others think of the things you do, the way you think, the way you feel, who you are attracted to, who you want to love and any and all choices that so many of us fear what others might think of those things. Making the other person's opinions and judgements they lay upon us and we give them so much power. You feel the triumph of how she decided no more and how her life, especially with the love of her life could have and almost didn't happen...she set herself free of that all and followed her heart. In the process she lost people whom she didn't think she would lose and as much as that hurts, in the long run it was liberating to let them go because her happiness and joy...and love and family are so more than enough. It is a great and book that encourages you to embrace the life you were made for because you are worth it!
Thank you Brit Barron!
This book is about embracing your life by over coming your fears of what others think of the things you do, the way you think, the way you feel, who you are attracted to, who you want to love and any and all choices that so many of us fear what others might think of those things. Making the other person's opinions and judgements they lay upon us and we give them so much power. You feel the triumph of how she decided no more and how her life, especially with the love of her life could have and almost didn't happen...she set herself free of that all and followed her heart. In the process she lost people whom she didn't think she would lose and as much as that hurts, in the long run it was liberating to let them go because her happiness and joy...and love and family are so more than enough. It is a great and book that encourages you to embrace the life you were made for because you are worth it!
Thank you Brit Barron!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
OOOOOOooooo!!!!! SO GOOD!!! I had butterflies while reading this and thinking about all the ways in which I can be more vulnerable and more ME!! AND, I just did one of the things that was on the little list I made, so I’d say this book has already had a positive impact on my life.
I love how Brit Barron wrote this book from the heart—you could feel it.
I love how Brit Barron wrote this book from the heart—you could feel it.
August 8, 2020
5 stars
i was lucky enough to receive this amazing book as an ARC. i was so excited to receive it that i flew through the pages the first time i read it. i have since read it throughly a second time, allowing myself to read Beans’ story.
“Worth it” is Beans’ story of overcoming fear, and going through the hard stuff to live the life where you feel true to oneself. I laughed, i cried. i will definitely pick up this book time and time again when i am feeling stuck, or when i am feeling as though fear is taking hold.
I encourage any one and everyone to pick up this book. you will not be sorry.
i was lucky enough to receive this amazing book as an ARC. i was so excited to receive it that i flew through the pages the first time i read it. i have since read it throughly a second time, allowing myself to read Beans’ story.
“Worth it” is Beans’ story of overcoming fear, and going through the hard stuff to live the life where you feel true to oneself. I laughed, i cried. i will definitely pick up this book time and time again when i am feeling stuck, or when i am feeling as though fear is taking hold.
I encourage any one and everyone to pick up this book. you will not be sorry.
August 9, 2020
I loved this book!
Britt "Beans" Barron is witty, funny, and hilarious! I felt all the emotions going through this book from laughing out loud, to actual tears. She has a beautiful story about love, but also about learning to let go of fear to embrace your true self. It is encouraging, but realistic in that embracing the fear is still scary, and can be gut wrenching, but it is still worth it. I will be rereading this one again!
Britt "Beans" Barron is witty, funny, and hilarious! I felt all the emotions going through this book from laughing out loud, to actual tears. She has a beautiful story about love, but also about learning to let go of fear to embrace your true self. It is encouraging, but realistic in that embracing the fear is still scary, and can be gut wrenching, but it is still worth it. I will be rereading this one again!
August 7, 2020
Brit Barron gives a new light to what it feels like to truly be awake. She sings life into hard topics like race, religion, and sexuality in such a beautifully honest light. This is a great quick read, the paper is also a good weight (which oddly is very important to me), and her thoughts are down to earth and easy to comprehend. This book is just like a little ray of sunshine in a dreary world.
July 30, 2020
Brit Barron aka Beans has an amazing story to tell you. Worth It is Brit Barron's story of becoming all you were meant to be.
We live in a world where people hide parts of themselves to better assimilate to the crowd they are surrounded by. We are not a society of people that openly accept people for being different than ourselves. This is sometimes a hard concept to fully understand.
Worth It could not have chosen a better time to arrive on book shelves. This book will have you see another side of the acceptance.
It takes courage to be unapologetic you. It should be so natural to be your true self in any situation, but that is not how life is. Brit Barron wrote "...but I realized that sometimes just existing as a woman of color in a room is powerful. I don't need to perform or teach or explain; I can just be." This was so enlightening as I have been searching for the words to explain my own feelings of being true to yourself. Brit Barron has brought my thoughts to words on the page. Later on another page, "Stop defending your existence and show us how to be here." This, right here is exactly what we should be doing. We know that in order to teach our children we must model the behavior we are seeking to see, so why are we not modeling the behavior we are seeking within our selves and others around us?
We live in a world where people hide parts of themselves to better assimilate to the crowd they are surrounded by. We are not a society of people that openly accept people for being different than ourselves. This is sometimes a hard concept to fully understand.
Worth It could not have chosen a better time to arrive on book shelves. This book will have you see another side of the acceptance.
It takes courage to be unapologetic you. It should be so natural to be your true self in any situation, but that is not how life is. Brit Barron wrote "...but I realized that sometimes just existing as a woman of color in a room is powerful. I don't need to perform or teach or explain; I can just be." This was so enlightening as I have been searching for the words to explain my own feelings of being true to yourself. Brit Barron has brought my thoughts to words on the page. Later on another page, "Stop defending your existence and show us how to be here." This, right here is exactly what we should be doing. We know that in order to teach our children we must model the behavior we are seeking to see, so why are we not modeling the behavior we are seeking within our selves and others around us?
Read
July 25, 2020I've had the honor to watch Brit 'Beans' Barron grace the stage at RISE Conference, have listened to numerous podcast episodes featuring her, have enjoyed reading her weekly newsletter, and have frequently watched livestream's of her and her wife, Sami, on Instagram, and I can say without a doubt that the same energy, enthusiasm, humor, and realness she brings on stage and online is woven throughout the pages of her new book, Worth It.
This book truly made me feel ALL the feelings - joy, sadness, hope, love - but most of all gratitude - Gratitude for how she worked up the courage to own her truth, to speak her story, and to share it with the world.
Beans is and will be an inspiration and leader for many within and without the LGBTQIA+ and Spiritual world.
Thank you, Beans, for this gift! Such a delightful and easy read that anyone who is on the path of growth can find something to relate to.
This book truly made me feel ALL the feelings - joy, sadness, hope, love - but most of all gratitude - Gratitude for how she worked up the courage to own her truth, to speak her story, and to share it with the world.
Beans is and will be an inspiration and leader for many within and without the LGBTQIA+ and Spiritual world.
Thank you, Beans, for this gift! Such a delightful and easy read that anyone who is on the path of growth can find something to relate to.
Read
July 26, 2020I have followed Rachel Hollis for about a year and listened to Brit Barron's talk during the RISE LIVE event earlier this year and her talk during the "Next 90 Day Challenge". Both were powerful experiences. As a white, straight woman I have limited experiences and have tried this year to expand my worldview and the voices of experiences into my life. Brit Barron told her story in an authentic and vulnerable way that made for enjoyable reading but held concepts and thoughts that I can spend a very long time pondering. Thank you, Brit Barron, for sharing your story. Beautiful.
July 21, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am so glad I did. I had already pre-ordered it after seeing Brit speak at a Hollis Co. Rise event (and can't wait to have that copy as well). I read this book in one day it was so good. Brit has a way of bringing her story to life and making it relatable, even if you don't have the same struggles that she talks about. It is a great reminder that we are all worth being who we were meant to be and not putting so much weight on what others think about us. "If you stand still or try to stop the ripples you create for others, you are going to miss the very best parts that this life has to offer." I would recommend this book to any teenage girl (or grown woman) looking to find/define themselves while they figure out life or are struggling thru a hard season. I can't wait to read it again in the hard copy and underline all my favorite parts again <3 Thanks Brit!
July 17, 2020
I have been blessed to read an advance copy of Worth It, and it is one of the best books I have read in 2020 so far! Brit Barron is a beautiful storyteller. I could hear her voice as I was reading each page! In the wake of what is going on in the world today, Brit’s words are exactly what we need to hear. Her story is relatable, and the lessons she has learned can apply to everyone’s unique situation. The most important thing I learned is that in order to be truly free, we need to SHARE our freedom. And healing is a process and takes time. “Your freedom and healing and my freedom and healing need each other.” Life is hard, Brit says, but finding and sharing freedom, learning to heal, is it worth it. Doing hard things is worth it. Pain often comes from the same well as joy, Brit recounts, so if you are looking for some freedom and healing, Brit shares her beautiful story with us and the things she has learned on her journey. She has inspired me to keep doing hard things and live into my truth. I am capable, and I will keep going!
July 5, 2020
I was lucky enough to receive and advanced copy of this book as part of the launch team. I have been following Beans on social media for over a year after discovering her via Rachel Hollis. I cannot sing enough praise regarding the message she shares with the world. The book made me laugh, cry, and laugh again all before chapter 1. If you’re facing tough times, living in fear, struggling to live in authenticity, or just want to look at a different perspective- this book is for you. Living as a lesbian in the south being a Christian seems out of reach or not possible anymore. This book gives me hope that I’ll find a home church once again. It’s so encouraging to see both/and play out over and over again in this book and know that it’s possible for everybody. This is a book I will read over and over again as a reminder that both/and is not only possible but will give me freedom to live authentically in everything that I do!
July 6, 2020
We are all afraid. Of something. Of many things. But if we move through our fears, especially those fears created by opinions or limitations of others thrust upon us, we can become liberated and be the person we were made to be! Brit tells us her own personal story of learning to overcome her fears and how it was totally WORTH IT! If you're in need of a book to inspire, motivate and encourage you, this is it!
March 10, 2022
Hmmm….it was a quick easy read. I wanted to read it because I saw Brit speak in conferences and wanted to hear more of her story. I guess, I just feel that I wanted more. I either wanted more details on how she actually overcame her trials and not just her saying it was hard, but what was hard? How did you recover? What steps did you take? How long did it take? I wanted more details. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who didn’t know who she was because, although there was nuggets of wisdom and motivations, There wasn’t enough of it for me to tell someone else to read it. Still like her, wasn’t a total bust but it just didn’t do it for me.
November 9, 2023
Thought Provoking
I challenged myself to read new perspectives this year, and I’m incredibly grateful I found this easy, short read. So many friends in the LGBTQ+ community have shared stories of religious trauma, but a glimpse into Brit’s experience brought by unexpected clarity.
Reading this felt like listening to her speak directly to me which is a testament to her memoir skills. I felt like my new friend was opening her heart to me, allowing my me to understand some of her trauma, and showing me a way to more forward. I have recommended this to several people already. Where you are an ally, curious, or a member of the LGBTQ+ community…this is valuable.
I love that she really focused on her experiences. When she makes parallels between other underrepresented groups, it’s brief. The focus is her story, her experience, and her learnings. I find this approach to teaching and sharing incredibly impactful because the reader is forced to make their own connections and parallels. I am not a member of the LGBTQ+ community and have little religious trauma, but I found value in the message of embracing what’s worth it.
I challenged myself to read new perspectives this year, and I’m incredibly grateful I found this easy, short read. So many friends in the LGBTQ+ community have shared stories of religious trauma, but a glimpse into Brit’s experience brought by unexpected clarity.
Reading this felt like listening to her speak directly to me which is a testament to her memoir skills. I felt like my new friend was opening her heart to me, allowing my me to understand some of her trauma, and showing me a way to more forward. I have recommended this to several people already. Where you are an ally, curious, or a member of the LGBTQ+ community…this is valuable.
I love that she really focused on her experiences. When she makes parallels between other underrepresented groups, it’s brief. The focus is her story, her experience, and her learnings. I find this approach to teaching and sharing incredibly impactful because the reader is forced to make their own connections and parallels. I am not a member of the LGBTQ+ community and have little religious trauma, but I found value in the message of embracing what’s worth it.
October 29, 2025
I heard Brit Barron speak at last year's Q Christian Fellowship conference and thought she was fantastic (I highly recommend watching the recording), so I was interested to pick up her book. In a nutshell, she's telling the story of meeting her wife (while they were both working at a non-affirming church) and eventually coming out of the closet, and she uses that as a basis from which to encourage the reader to move through fear and into freedom in whatever situation they're in. I highlighted a lot of great lines throughout the book, though it was pretty repetitive on the whole; where one might typically say a book would be "better as an article" I think this would be "better as a sermon" (Barron is a pastor) than trying to stretch it to be book-length. That said, I can't really say that I'm coming from a place of being held back by something I'm too afraid to do, and for someone who is in that position, the repetition may be exactly what's needed. If my library had had the audiobook version, I would have gone with that, but it was still worth reading in print.
March 17, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ I wish I had read this as a physical book and not as an ebook. The words were so deep and impactful but I didn’t feel like I could slide into it like a hot bath like I can with real books. One day I will purchase this book, reread it, and sink in. But this was delightful to read. Despite all the struggles she spoke of, and those she didn’t, this mental dive into fear came at the perfect time for me. Often fear, and more often paranoia, control the choices I make in my everyday life. But I was to be free like Britt and enjoy life more and not take everything so seriously. Mistakes are a given, and forgiveness can be given. I can’t let my fears control me and dictate what and how and when I live my life. If I really only have one life I don’t want to continue living it in this state.
November 29, 2021
I throughly enjoyed reading this book and getting to know more about Barron's story. I liked her conversational writing style and her transparency in discussing difficult topics. However, I disagree with Barron that freedom is best in all circumstances. For instance, Barron stated that she knew many LGBTQ+ individuals who lost their parents when they came out, but ". . . they have older people who love them and can attempt to help fill the gaps." However, this is obviously not the case with every LGBTQ+ individual, as shown by the higher rate of homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
December 11, 2021
After hearing Brit Barron speak on Dirty Rotten Church Kids in an episode that rocked my world, I knew I had to read this book. I value her perspective so much and bookmarked several quotes. Despite the positive message, I overall felt the book was a bit repetitive and thus difficult for me to get into. But I'd recommend it for anyone who feels stuck in life, especially if the evangelical Christian church is the thing keeping you stuck.
August 9, 2020
I love when I hear the author speaking the words as I read a book - and that is exactly what happened with this one! Beans is one of my absolute FAVORITE speakers to listen to. No matter what she is speaking on, it always hits my heart. In this book she touched on so many struggles that she has dealt with, and she keeps on going. This book left me feeling good, and I finished it with a smile on my face.
August 15, 2020
Reading this book is like sitting down at a coffee shop with a good friend and digging in deep. Love, loyalty, church life, God, dreams, freedom, Beans speaks to her journey and let’s us in on her past and where she has found freedom. How she has changed and continues to challenge herself to grow as she continually seeks a life of freedom to be who she feels God has called her to be.
I was provided an advanced copy by the publisher.
I was provided an advanced copy by the publisher.
September 14, 2020
I really loved this perspective. This was such a great intersectional read about religion, sexuality, and race–and it really worded modern day issues we are dealing with around hatred towards people who are different in a very upbeat and positive encouraging light. I will read this again for sure.
I highly recommend for anyone like me who has real trouble with modern Christianity as this is written from the perspective of a pastor.
I highly recommend for anyone like me who has real trouble with modern Christianity as this is written from the perspective of a pastor.
February 10, 2021
Do you need a little pick me up? Maybe you're feeling unmotivated to continue your life. I know I get like that sometimes. Do you want to read stories about being who you know you're supposed to be no matter what's pushing you down? Than this may be something you want to check out.
Check out my full review here!
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Check out my full review here!
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May 2, 2021
Liked the story just felt it was a tad bit discombobulated. I also wanted more story.
A needed story for many... church and how it affects your life ( not always in a positive/Jesus like way- aka conservative church is not welcoming to all). Brit shared her experience as a pastor at a mega church. She comes out as gay and then leaves the church ( shown the door) . She ends up starting her own church- which I was disappointed that part of the story wasn’t delved into.
A needed story for many... church and how it affects your life ( not always in a positive/Jesus like way- aka conservative church is not welcoming to all). Brit shared her experience as a pastor at a mega church. She comes out as gay and then leaves the church ( shown the door) . She ends up starting her own church- which I was disappointed that part of the story wasn’t delved into.
July 27, 2020
I read Brit’s book in one sitting. I’ve been following her for years on social media, but this deep dive into her journey gave even more insight into her journey of becoming her authentic self. It’s a great reminder to choose a path that is right for you, not the path you think will make everyone else happy. I highly recommend you read this book. It’s worth it! 😉
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