Magnify: pursuing virtue as a feminine genius

by Kaylene M Brown

Magnify is a book of reflections on virtues geared to deepen a woman’s interior spiritual life, so that her exterior life magnifies the Lord. Each day begins with passages from scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or the writings of female saints; then readers meditate upon a guided reflection. Women are asked to prayerfully take up an ascetic way of life for 3 months, to give more room to silence for listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we live a simpler life, we can more easily practice the virtues. The introduction offers particular mortifications to root out vices that so frequently blur our pursuit of holiness. This book is for all adult women, no matter her state in life, and may be read independently of the ascetic components. Virtues discussed humility, affability, gratitude, magnanimity, prayerfulness, docility, industriousness, zeal, modesty, moderation, foresight, and perseverance. Magnify was initially a response to Exodus 90, a valuable and worthy masculine spirituality endeavor, because women shouldn't do Exodus 90. But it’s actually so much more than just that. It’s a pursuit of virtue by meditating on the genius of women. God calls us all to be Saints. We women are invited in a particular way to Magnify the Lord like Mary! Prior knowledge of Exodus 90 is not at all relevant for a woman reading Magnify.More details can be found on mag90 website"Women who commit to the daily discipline, prayer, and reflections found in “ Pursuing Virtue as a Feminine Genius” will find great spiritual refreshment and opportunities to grow in their friendship with Jesus. I think the 90-day program found in this book would be a good spiritual project for a parish women’s group or for any individual desiring to discover her own “feminine genius.” I heartily recommend this book for such use in the Archdiocese.”— MOST REV. JOSEPH F. NAUMANN, ARCHBISHOP OF KANSAS CITY, KS

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Faith

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2020

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept of the Magnify90 fast, which I participated in for the first time this past Lenten and Easter season. This book is a comprehensive resource designed to challenge, teach, and encourage women who want to deepen their faith and relationship with God.

Each week of the 90-day fast, the book explores a different virtue (ranging from zeal to humility, affability, perseverance) and invites readers to learn more about a female saint who exemplifies that virtue. I loved loved loved learning about the saints (so many inspiring women, wow!)

That being said, the voice and style of the writing was a bit lofty. Each day started out with some good spiritual quotes and excerpts from various Catholic texts and resources, but the reflections by Brown themselves could be a bit dense and hard to relate to.

OVERALL, this book is an awesome invitation to dive deeper into one’s faith, and it has encouraged me to explore more of the amazing resources the Catholic Church has to offer. I’ll probably be revisiting this program soon. :)

[gardeningmom7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Can we stop being attached to being appreciated or found worthy by other humans? This is called the sin of human acceptance. It falls under pride, but it’s also affected by vices against purity and modesty.” - Day 49

“We have such a relatively short time to influence people, and what are we using that time to do? Are we gossips? Are we justifying spiritual weakness? Do we indulge devices together in social settings? How much wallowing and self-pity do we broadcast?” - Day 76

[Eisa985 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnify (reflect) God's love to the world!

This book gave me a welcome structure, plenty of challenge, encouragement and inspiration this Lent.
It helped me recommit to the Christian spiritual life and answer the call to share the good news with others - especially those most resistant to the message.
I sought to more fully trust God and more closely follow his will, and I gained much more along the way.
I appreciated the invitations throughout the book to cinsiddr and then detach from that which holds me bound and to persevere in the journey of faith and grow in virtue and holiness.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a mediocre mommy blog that I wasted money on as part of a parish women's small group program. The saint of the week often is not mentioned, and when she is, it's usually just a quote from her writing or a biography that the author rarely addresses further. A high school English class should be able to identify and correct the numerous grammarical errors that appear on every page. This book will go into the recycling bin on Easter.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concept is great. Some days really struck me, others fell flat.

[Aprilmilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reflections every day. Nice mix of Bible verses and saint stories. Good personal reflection questions.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, and the 90-day journey that accompanied it, was truly LIFE CHANGING. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Rainee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey for sure!!

[Amy Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved working through this book during the 90 days leading up to lent!