Set Apart

by Denisse Copeland

What do you do when that voice in your head tells you you're not enough? Not smart enough, not pretty enough, not capable enough, not present enough. Where do you turn when the world's promise that you can have it all becomes a crushing expectation that you must do it all, at all times, and keep a smile fixed on your face while you wither inside?

Unpacking the biblical story of Mary and Martha as she shares her own story of recognizing her unique giftedness, Denisse Copeland shares the liberating truth that you have a right to be you . Just you, at the feet of Jesus. She shows you how to embrace your identity as a woman set apart, not to do it all but to be exactly who God created you to be. No apologies. No guilt. No compromise.

If you're tired of comparing your life to others as you strive to be all things to all people, Set Apart is your invitation to lay your burdens down and abide in Jesus--faithful, free, and fulfilled.

Genres: Christian

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2021

Reviews

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denisse Copeland bases this book on the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42. She writes that even though this story can seem discouraging to driven, Type-A women, its true message doesn't focus on comparing the sisters or their personal attributes, but calling them both to rest in Jesus. Throughout this book, she encourages women to avoid the trap of comparison, find their adequacy in Christ, and live in spiritual peace instead of constantly striving for perfection. Copeland shares her own testimony of struggling in an unstable childhood, looking for love, and never feeling like enough, and she connects the gospel to her personal experiences, sharing about the freedom that she found when she became a Christian.

Copeland also provides a realistic view of growth over time, showing how she is gradually leaving behind old ways of thinking. Throughout her topical chapters about subjects like worship, prayer, worry, and rest, she shows the reader how her view of God has deepened over time, and she ties each chapter back to the overall theme of finding our worth in Christ. This book will be a breath of fresh air for women who are weary with trying to perform up to their own and others' expectations. Copeland shares lots of honest, vulnerable stories about her struggles with approval-seeking, and I appreciated the range of different illustrations she gave.

Since Copeland is currently a young wife and mother, many of her stories relate to marriage and parenting, but she also writes about her life as a child and teenager, and about experiences that she has had at work. This book can help women regardless of whether they share the author's life stage, and I appreciate the range of experiences that Copeland covered in her illustrations. I also enjoyed her reflections about growing up in Puerto Rico and moving to America in high school. Her unique cultural perspective adds a lot to this book, and she does a great job combining clear biblical teaching with personal illustrations. This is a great book for women with similar identity struggles, especially new believers, and I would recommend it to both adult women and teenage girls.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by a beautiful Puerto Rican young wife, raised by a single mother and now the mother of three living in Oklahoma City with her husband Rashawn Copeland. They are no relation to the Ken and Gloria $300 million ministers on TV. Look up Rashawn and find out the extent of their ministry which reaching 6 million on podcasts and local TV.
This beautiful book is aimed mostly to very young wives and mothers who are seeking to find their own giftedness, to stop comparing and to rest in Jesus. A great deal of the book is based on Martha and Mary’s story in Luke, and how were really should not compare ourselves and come up feeling on the losing end, find yourself in the set-apart sisterhood. There are 12 chapters much of which tells Denisse’s story. Each chapter ending in a beautiful prayer which set-apart sisters could find themselves in partnership with the Lord. It would make a fine gift to a young MOPS mother.

[Selena Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have literally highlighted almost a full page. I only highlight when it is something that I relate to or that can help me, and let me tell you I will need to purchase more highlighters very soon. There is so much of ME in this book that I wonder if I have ever met this author. I am grateful to have came across this author. The transparency is amazing. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you. Anyone who hasn’t purchased this book all I can say is What are you waiting for? God bless!

[Michelle Mueller Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denisse gives me a new look at the story of Mary and Martha. Shows how our gifts that God gives us are different and should embrace what He gave us.

A quote that I plan to hang up to remember is

-Our worth comes only and always from our position as beloved, set-apart daughters of God.-Denisse Copeland Set Apart Daughters.

This would be a great book to read as a study or a book club.

[Shawn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I love how she calls sisters in Christ to join together and not compare. I like how she talked about Mary and Martha and their strengths and how we are all called to rest at the feet of Jesus. I also like the life stories she told about how pride hides itself in many forms. I definitely recommend this book.

[Briana Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was enjoyable, it felt as though you were having a conversation with Denisse. I liked the format but nothing was new information: all of my highlights were points I had heard before however her descriptions were clearer. More practical advice or specific stories could have add to the usefulness of this book.

[Jazmin Grimaldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start with this book? I literally feel like Denisse is speaking directly to me. Starting the book I had some tears. Literally everything about this book is 100% relatable. I will most definitely recommend this book to everyone I know 😃

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. She used so much scripture and truth to create this book. I learned so much about being the woman God has called me to be and not be afraid but to be bold! Blessed to have read this book and would highly recommend to other women in Christ.

[Liliana Lindale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing and relatable. This book and Denisse's story have been so encouraging to me in my walk with God. I have been blessed to share many copies of this book with friends and enjoyed highlighting and taking notes as I studied through it! Definitely will be reading again and again

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me focus my attention back onto the Lord and realize the ways that I strive are sinful and self reliant and the only way to find true peace and rest are in Jesus.