Speak Love: Your Words Can Change the World

by Annie F. Downs, Jamie Grace (Foreword)

Through funny stories, Scripture, and a Speak Love Revolution challenge that could help you change the lives of every person you see, tweet, or message for the better, Annie F. Downs explores the difference you can make when you speak love to others, to God, and to yourself.

This expanded version of Speak Love:


Includes 30 daily readings with a relatable topic, a Scripture verse, thoughts from the author, a prayer, and a motivational challenge to say, write, tweet, or post something that will change lives for the better
Is the perfect gift for young women ages 13 and up who are ready to speak love and speak life
The question is, are you ready to use the power of your words to make a real difference in the world? With relevant content and 30 bonus devotions, this newly revised edition of Speak Love sparks the perfect motivation to use your powerful and loving voice for good.

Start your Speak Love journey today!

Genres: Christian, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living

336 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2020

About the author

Annie F. Downs is an author, blogger, and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God.

An author of three books-  Let's All Be Brave ,  Perfectly Unique , and  Speak Love , Annie also loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students, and adults.

Read more at anniefdowns.com  and follow her on Twitter @anniefdowns.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written for young women/men but the information is for everyone.
At times the book and language is immature.
I get it. Annie is a youth leader and she is around them all the time.
I feel like the book didn’t need her to act like that because the information she is giving is truth.
Youth can understand truth and the goodness it brings. We don’t need to dumb things down.
The book has SO much information.
A few take aways….
Love yourself-easier said when you are an adult.
Memorize scriptures - love this idea
Do what you love.

About the author.. I admire her. I am so grateful we have people in the world spreading goodness. Spreading love and speaking love. I am grateful she is willing to reach out and help others. She burns with the spirit and I love that!
I love that she uses her time wisely, making connections with other people. Showing them the way to happiness as she has found.
I would love to sit and do a puzzle with her ❤️

[Sidney Million · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book was actually written for teenage girls…which I did not know until the first couple pages haha but there were still lessons for me in there. Anybody who was a teenage girl should have them read this. I wish I had when I was a teenager.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating is a tough one to give I’ve read Annie before and particularly love 100 Days to Brave so much like other authors I love I decided to read this book strictly by the cover and because Love was my one word for 2020. I just wrapped this one up and while I highly recommend for a Christian Girl 13+ I found it personally to not align with some of my beliefs. But there were parts that I enjoyed and like I said I think it would be wonderful for a younger girl. I feel bad giving a three star especially because I didn’t research the book before beginning but in honesty I did so. I think my favorite part of the book is the edition I received from the library included a 30 day challenge and that is a true self development book in my mind. May we all speak more love especially in this current season of life.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Annie F. Downs and find her very relatable. This book, Speak Love, is one that I would highly recommend for girls 12+. I think that I am not the targeted audience (tween/teen) for this book, but I enjoyed it. One thing that I love about Annie is that she writes in a conversational style, which makes scriptures and ideas easily to digest. I wish that there would have a been a book like this when I was younger and will definitely be giving to my daughter to read. The main idea of this book is show girls that their words matter, and they need to rise above the “mean girl” mentality. Don’t be mean to yourself or mean to others. Always choose to build yourself and others up.

[Kennedy Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEVOURED this book in one day for AFD Summer…partially by accident and partially not. Okay first things first, this book is written for a younger girls audience. Second thing second, Annie had me amen-ing up and down these chapters of things I wish I knew as a younger girl and try to be transparent about as I mentor the girls younger than me now. Third thing third, wow did my heard needed to hear a few of these chapters today. I was wrecked in the best way and more in awe of the Lord and his creation of words, graciousness, and the power of our voice. This spoke right to a tender part of me today and was perfectly timed. Well done Annie for the younger girls sitting on the floor in the front AND for the older girls in the seats behind them. Amazing example of mothering the generations!

[Jennifer Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie F Downs has grown as an author tremendously! I’ve loved everything she’s written, so going back in time to one of her earlier books was a joy. I appreciate her conversational writing style that breaks down scripture and truth much easier. I do think the audience for this book was more so of a teenager/high schooler, so although some things weren’t aimed at me, I still learned. However, I wish someone had put this book in my hand when I was a teenager!! Favorite chapter was by far labels - how we put labels on ourself and why we should flip the narrative. Hit me right in the gut!

[Cassiejoan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I started this that it was intended for teen girls. However, I stuck with it b/c: 1) there were parts I found helpful, even though I am not the target audience, 2) I wanted to see if it would benefit my daughter, and 3) to preview for our church library. Annie has a fun, relatable style that I think younger readers would appreciate. I appreciated that it is based on Scripture without being heavy-handed for young readers and offers practical advice on topics such as gossip, self-talk, and bullies.

[Cathy O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-ordered this in December and it arrived in April. I’ve picked it up/down several times and then really pushed through in the last week. I am not the intended demo for this book (teen girls) but it spoke to me. Good lessons throughout. Good advice. I wrote stuff in the margins (yes, I read a hard back book!) and in the back cover. I dog-eared pages. In short, I learned and will continue to learn from this book. (No promises about not cussing any more though)

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted my teen daughter to read this book, but wasn’t sure how she’d feel about all the messaging so I read it first. I think it’s a great book for teen girls encouraging them to stay above the ‘mean girl’ culture and remember to Speak Love to all. The book is based in Biblical references, but the message is universal. A great book for moms committed to raising children with kindness at their core.

[J Adele LaCombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved listening to Annie F. Downs podcast That Sounds Fun. So when I saw this book I was thrilled to read something she had written. I was at first disappointed because the target audience is about 35 years younger than me. Regardless, I listened to it. And I am grateful she wrote this book. Teen girls need these truths and Annie delivers them in an easy to consume way. My own daughter is 20 now and I feel this book is geared more for 14 years old. If you have a 14 year old in your life who is struggling with identity and possibly bullying get them this book.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for teen girls about how your words matter. Includes a 30 day devotional at the end as well complete with journal prompts. A nice read about using your words to deepen your relationship with God, others, and yourself. This book is perfect for the teen girls in your life and a good refresher for the women in your life as well.

[Elayna Miracle-Frisby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sobbed almost every time I read this book! Annie F. Downs is one of my favorite authors! I love how she writes her books! She makes personal, biblical and emotional connections throughout the book; which made it so easy to connect to every chapter.

This book shows the power of our words through a biblical perspective.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was geared toward young adults, but so much of this book also was truth for adults. We take words for granted and this book really dissected that and its impact. I love how personable Annie F Downs is and makes it feel like you are just talking with a friend!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to all girls and while it aims for teen girls and middle school students it can be read by women of any age.

This book tells you how to use the words you speak to love others and reflect God! We need more of that. This was a great read and I really enjoyed it.

[Macie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Annie’s books, writing, and great storytelling! She shares the gospel and bible stories while also telling stories. And showing ways we can use the gospel and stand strong against the world! I’m a bit of a slow reader so breaking up the chapters here and there helped!

[Ashley Hostetler]

Definitely aimed at teenage girls/ new Christian’s. It had some really good topics that I wish I had read in middle school/ hs. A little light of a read but it’s never bad to remind yourself of the basics

[Kristi B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! If you are a tween-teen girl OR work with with this age group, it is a must read. So much wisdom and truth!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous book. Teens need to read this book as well as adults. Written to girls, but also good for guys.

[Beth Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good teaching for young (middle school/early high school) girls

[Lindsay Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book - for the YA crowd. I did not realize but this is more geared towards high school / college girls: good to know if I need a reference! Definitely truth throughout!

[Mariah Brewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book- although I don’t think I’m the target audience. I’m going to save this and give it to my sweet niece one day <3

[Emily Strite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring read, not my favorite book by this author, but I love how she incorporates her own humorous stories and playful writing style into the book.

[Gretchen Hand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was geared more towards teen girls, but still a great read. Annie is relatable and funny. My biggest takeaway was spreading joy like a confetti cannon. Definitely practice that I want to do more of.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a quick read. I especially loved the journal prompts after every chapter.

[Teagan Schwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great self help/devotional book!

[micayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

intended for younger audiences, but i really enjoyed the book. i don’t think many of us recognize the impact our words have on others and ourselves. annie’s writing has influenced the way i think about words.

[Nicole White]

DNF - written for tween/teen and I just couldn’t read. I’m sure it’s very good and relatable for that audience as I really like and admire AFD.