There is a role unique to women that we abandon easily. We live near each other, but not with each other--and not for each other. We don't want to intrude or judge and, maybe, we don't want to see each other truly succeed. And the world is happy with this unhappy state for women--one that pushes us to conform to a pattern of distrust, disengagement, and competition. It's no wonder we've lost ourselves, and our way.In her most personal, powerful book yet, New York Times bestselling author Lisa Bevere offers a catalytic, transformative vision for women of a different way to live--one that embraces the presence of a godmother--the older, wiser women you can go to and learn from, the strong women who partner with us through life. And everyone needs one! Drawing from her own life, biblical women, and the world of fairy tales, Lisa will show you how to transform what you have into what God wants you to have, push you forward during seasons of doubt, and love you enough to speak truth about God's larger, expansive view of your life. Lisa's candid, compassionate words are your best first step to living as a daughter of God, surrounded by strong relationships and confidence in your calling.
Lisa Bevere is a Christian author of the books Lioness Arising, Nurture, Fight Like a Girl, Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry, Out of Control and Loving It! Be Angry but Don't Blow It! The True Measure of a Woman, and You Are Not What You Weigh. In addition to speaking at national and international conferences, she is a frequent guest on Christian television and radio shows. Lisa is also the cohost of the weekly television program The Messenger, which broadcasts to 214 nations. She and her husband, John Bevere, also a best-selling author, make their home in Colorado with their four sons Addison, Austin, Alec, and Arden.
I’m not going to rate this book because it’s non-fiction. There were definitely some good points in this book, but it dragged on and was filled with extra fluff just to make the book longer, at least that’s how it seemed to me. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t wow me. Like I said, the topic is important and there were good points, but the book just fell really flat for me
I read this book as part of a new study that I was undertaking and it has really opened my eyes to what I, as an experienced older woman, have to offer young women who are just starting out with their lives. How to provide information without being overbearing or pushy and be a spiritual Godmother. "Someone to whisper a blessing and word of courage over your life. Someone to help you close your gaps. A guide who sees your potential waiting to be recognized, your challenges in need of transformation, and your questions requiring honest answers."
WOAH. So encouraging. Life is meant to have relationships. God desires us to be living in community and pouring into others. I love how this book gives you suggested questions to ask when meeting with godmothers!
This concept is great and there were some good points in this book, but I was hoping for a wider range. It was very targeted to moms of young children. While that is a stage that needs support, I was hoping this book would cover more of the life span and talk more about being a godmother as well as needing one.
So excited for the study sadly I won’t be able to get the book in time but will be joining along with the study and hoping to get the book further on in time as my birthday is August 12th I’m so excited that Lisa is going to teach us how to be a good godmother to others And guide us along the way this is one book and study I can’t wait to dig into as Lisa is an amazing mentor and would love to have her as my guiding godmother
I have been religiously following Lisa Bevere for over 5 years now. After having read a lot of her books, listened to her sermons and podcasts, I wasn’t so sure that there would be anything new for me in this book. That’s the problem with familiarity and I’m glad it didn’t stop me from reaching out for it because that wasn’t the case for this book.
It’s still mind boggling to me how even after years of writing and speaking to women, Lisa still managed to uniquely write this book.
This has to be my favorite of her books so far. As the title implies, Godmothers is a book written for women on how to be of influence to younger women (goddaughters) who look up to you and also how to find older women (godmothers) who can influence you, more like mentors and mentees, so to speak.
Now what I really liked was how she wrote the book. It felt so intimate, as if I was sitting over a cup of tea with my spiritual mother outpouring words of wisdom and advice into my life. I’m not the one to speak highly of self help books but this felt different.
In particular, I did enjoy a chapter where she was personally answering questions related to ministry, marriage and motherhood she had been asked by her own goddaughters.
She also tackles issues with regards to boundaries, friendships, calling, just to mention a few.
God “has a name for women who mix intense passion with empathy and nurture; they are called godmothers.” We “were made for a relationship with a godmother: a woman who worships the one true God and positions others both spiritually and practically to navigate the crucial and catastrophic seasons in life.” She is on our side and by our side, watching us and watching over us. “She leans in when others have left and loves when others aren’t looking.” A true godmother “will look beyond her own grief, loss, and disappointment and discover that she yet has power to bless the goddaughters that surround her...True godmothers will always point you to...the heart of the Father.” Lisa Bevere's latest book Godmothers inspired me to be the godmother to the children and young women in my life that my aunt and godmother has been to me!!!!
I have loved all of Lisa Bevere's books and this one is definitely added to the list. She shares how important it is to be a Godmother to younger women, to be their encouragement and share our wisdom without being overbearing and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead. As the mother of a daughter and having a "daughter in love" as Lisa calls them, I saw more through her book of how important it is to be that Godmother in their lives as well as the lives of others. She shares her real life stories and scripture that helped me to see that I can be a Godmother and that my story matters. It is an important message to share in our world today.
I listened to this book in April & then lead a women’s study on it this summer.
Her key thought (& I agree!) is women need other women. We need to be encouraged & helped through life & we need to give it as well. We all need Godmothers 💜
However, my group & I did wish she used less of herself & more of the Bible to back her thoughts up. We also thought she went on a lot of tangents & added things in that distracted more than helped.
The audiobook was handy but she enunciates every syllable & is kind of jerky. A few of the ladies in my group tried to listen but couldn’t handle it. The book was good to highlight key thoughts but I did notice the tangents more 🙃
It was a good, encouraging read with an important message, I just wish it was worked on a bit more 🙂❤️
A great read and reminder that we are all Godmothers regardless of our age or experience. Paying it forward like Jesus! I could identify with so much and appreciated the read.
This was a good book to start out the new year. The author encouraged connecting with one another. She reminded us that godmothers help fill in the gaps. She shared the why, how to begin, how to connect, what to do when you collide, and how to be one. The author encourages her readers to dare to be brave, to take a step. Reminded her readers that to godmothers will always point you to the word of God into the heart of the father. The book was beautifully written. The author used the term dear daughters, dear one, you lovely goddaughter and other phrases of endearment throughout the book. She included many of her life stories and the reason behind this book. Each chapter had conversation starters in it which will be helpful for a small group or a one on one time. Chapter 7 was a highlight for me because the author reminded us that FOCUS is our superpower. She reminded us to keep our eyes on Jesus because he never lost sight of where he was headed. So many of us have been deceived by the distraction of the fact that women are multitaskers. When in fact, focus is really what we needed as our perspective improves when our lives are in focus.
Lisa Bevere has so much to offer in her writings. I have loved every book I have read that she has authored. This one is no exception to that. There are young women in my life that I know look to me for counsel... my daughter, my daughter in love, my friend Suzy and many others. Somehow I never saw myself as their Godmother but after reading this I realize that I am. Why? Because I am walking beside them; not in front, not behind, but beside them. I share what I know and sometimes I learn from them!
The last chapter took me by storm. There is so much simple and good advice here on just what to consider when you are a Godmother to another. I know that won't be the last time I read this wonderful book as it is an excellent blueprint for walking with younger women.
Lisa Bevere is a Gansta for Jesus! I love her straight form the hip approach! I read this with a group from my church and the testimonies that came from this book were truly life changing! I'm a huge fan of her no non sense get it done approach! Lisa is a heavy hitter and super relatable! When we watched some of the videos that went along with this reading I felt like I was one of her girl friends/God daughters and I was in her living room and she was speaking to me directly! This is a must read!
As a godmother to my young niece, I picked up this book to get some advice. She's only 4, and I want to do as good a job as I can do. I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting -- maybe more of a user manual -- but this book wasn't that. Also, a solid half the book is for those who are mothers themselves, or at least are married. I'm neither.
That said, there's still a lot of relevant information in here, and I still enjoyed it. While half is for wives and mothers, the other half is just good information for women of God to have, or a pep talk to live out our calling. So even though it wasn't quite what I had expected or hoped for, I'd still recommend it.
But if Lisa wanted to do a follow-up book for the cool, world-traveler aunts and how to be better godmothers, I'd be all for it. ;)
This book had good concepts in it for being spiritual mothers (godmothers) to others. The way she spoke about the people in the first church she ministered in made me nearly stop reading. I feel it was inappropriate, unprofessional, and unkind. These people could probably identify themselves pretty easily. It made me question the spirit about everything else written. I also felt like the MSG and TPT translations were used a lot which tend to have more interpretations of the Bible than accurate translation. Overall, I liked the subject matter and gleaned some good thoughts from it, but I had to make myself finish this one.
I received this book in a good reads giveaway. This is a good book teaching women to focus on relationships and the importance of mentoring/encouraging younger women. American society has become so isolated in the last generation families are no longer close with distant relatives. Relationships have taken a back seat to striving for success. This book stresses that the Bible teaches the importance of investing in other people because Life is greatly enriched by our relationship with God and with each other.
Wow! What an inspirational and imparting book Lisa Bevere has written. Powerful and yes, we are to be Godmothers and god daughters together. This has been a great help. Practical advise how to be a godmother, close the gap and come together. A much needed book with a loud voice! I loved reading every word. To be read again! I highly recommend it to every woman whatever season you're in. Thank you Lisa for sharing your heart and imparting into us exactly what is needed now.
HOLY FIRE. Lisa is a Spirit-inspired writer. I suspect she writes exactly how she lives…honestly, with fierce fear and trembling, and an energized conviction to generously give away her wealth of experience & knowledge of who God is and what that means for the power our lives can have: to see women young & old fully alive and running bravely on mission with Jesus. Exactly what I needed for my new ministry season, it struck the perfect balance of firm and inspiring challenge and nurturing encouragement.
I picked up this book because I am a godmother twice over. Also because it is my favorite character in most fairytales. The author does not disappoint. Her book provides both definition and related task.
My favorite parts this book was the last two chapters because they motivated me to be a better godmother. The idea of being someone who fills in the gaps and repairs the breach is something I truly understand.
The Q&A chapter was interesting. It referred a lot to younger mothers, children and marriage. Since I don’t fit those categories it was hard for me to relate to.
I love this book. It should be required reading for all women. I love the way Lisa addresses the issues that women have with women in an honest straightforward manner. She doesn't dwell on the issues between older women and younger women, but addresses them and quickly encourages and uplifts us all. I wish I had this book when I was younger and definitely appreciate it now, to show me how to be a better Godmother and Goddaughter! It would make a great Mother's Day 🎁
I loved this book - it took a while to read it though. A couple times I put it down for a week or two - mostly cause it was hitting quite close to home . I would definitely recommend the read - for any Christian lady - I think it's a good idea to grow in our walk - and I feel this book did that for me. I like her writing style - kinda like a good friend you're having coffee with - and so real and down to earth.
I found a great deal of helpful information, but the chapters were hit or miss. I would love to get myself a physical copy to keep so that when I’m a mom, I can go back and read that one chapter that was so encouraging. I did read it on my own and not with a “godmother/goddaughter” relationship, so I would imagine I would get more out of it that way. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I won’t be putting it on my favorites list.
Lisa is a surrendered woman to the calling God has put on her life to encourage women of her generations, and generations to come. It is a blessing to read her material if you are looking to find what God has called you to do. She does not speak a fuzzy, warm, message, but one of strength, love, and courage. Let’s rise up, know our voice matters, and become the women of God called us to become.
Lisa, thank you for walking the journey a bit before me and turning around at the right time to pass on wisdom for the gaps I may face. The bridges help you walk the journey so much more safely & pleasantly. This book definitely found me at the right time and seems like Holy Spirit led telepathy haha. I recommend this book to ANYONE — there’s gold in here I’m going to carry with me and pass onto others!
I just finished this with a group of girls from my church. At first I thought this book was for Godmothers but it is for the Goddaughters. It was a perfect study to encourage women to live their life fully for Jesus and what that looks like. Lisa uses the Word of God and personal stories to share encouragement for the Goddaughters. We had so many great convos after each session. Now these girls are empowered to find their goddaughters!!
I am a young mom of 3 under 3. Lisa Bevere just spoke right to my heart. Navigating this new season and affirming what I’ve been feeling for the need of a wiser, faithful, older woman. Thank you Lisa for being my godmother on paper as I open my heart for God’s leading for a local one.
Audio version. It’s a bit heavy and I needed a lot of time to read and digest it all. Not sure if reading it myself would have made any difference. Extremely strong book that has inspired me in more ways than I can put into words, and I’m sure it’ll live with me and work within me forever. 4,4 stars.
I read this because a) I respect the author, and b) a friend asked me to. This book resonated with my friend. She wrote in the margins and underlined parts. And I did the same. But the book didn't speak to me as it spoke to her. I'm looking forward to our conversation about the book, but it didn't make my top ranking books.