Finding your true value and purpose begins with a simple but profound you have been wonderfully made. Do you ever question your worth or wonder what on earth you’re here for? The everyday pressures and struggles women of all ages face and the feeling of not measuring up can be overwhelming. You might be left Is this all there is? A constant striving for self-acceptance and human approval? Or are you made for something more? Allie Marie Smith has walked the familiar road of self-doubt and depression. Like a companion on the journey, she wants you to join her in discovering a better life—the life you’ve been made for. God planned your days before you were born and He longs for you to discover the life He created you to live—here on earth and in eternity. This abundant life comes from knowing you Wonderfully Made is designed to be read in 30 short chapters that help you discover your true purpose and significance. Don’t believe the lie that you are defined by your struggles or that your worth comes from your achievements or looks. Your identity comes from God. No matter what the other voices might say, God declares that you are lovingly and wonderfully made and His eternal plan for you is good.
Theme Verse I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 Format Smith’s 30-day devotional explores facets of our calling and design. Each reflection title begins with the word “Made” and describes how we were made, something we were made for or made to do. Underneath the title, there’s a “she” statement. For example, “She was made for more than what her eyes can see.” The devotional, itself, mingles personal experience with Scripture and social commentary, as Smith discusses the ways that our calling looks different than the world’s expectations. Devotionals also include a call-out, plus an invitation to personal reflection. The “Be Still and Be Loved” sections include questions to contemplate, plus a daily prayer, inviting God’s intervention in the areas of focus.
In addition to the thirty devotions, the book also includes an introduction, an extended Scripture excerpt (Psalm 139:1-18; the basis of the text) and an appendix. Entitled, “Letter from God,” the appendix is such a lovely tool. It’s a series of statements from Scripture, compiled with references to read as a letter: a found poem about our dignity and worth in Jesus.
There are also book club discussion questions and even an invitation for the reader to surrender her life to Jesus.
Design The book’s design is also worth noting, as its gorgeous exterior catches the eye. Inspired by Japanese Kintsugi, the cover design features a gold foil vein running across an ombre teal background. Kintsigi, Smith explains, “is the art of repairing broken pottery with a lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver or platinum,” and it’s also a metaphor for God’s work “in our broken lives.” With this meaning, identified in Day 13, the cover, itself, becomes an object of meditation.
The book’s interior is also soothingly colored, with teal titles and call-out/reflection backgrounds. Given that the devotional is for teens and young women, the chic aesthetic is great for its target audience.
Allie Marie Smith’s Story In the introduction, Allie Marie Smith shares her own story. Having struggled with depression from the age of twelve, she came very close to ending her own life. She was on the way to do so when the Lord intervened through “a silver-haired gentleman with a warm smile.” The two talked, and she felt more hopeful.
While hospitalized a few months later, Allie Marie was reading Scripture and encountered Psalm 139. This was a life-changing passage for her, one which directed her “to the source of [her] true value after depression told [her she] was not worthy of living.”
In college, Allie Marie started a campus club called Wonderfully Made. The group, which began with just four members, grew into a much larger organization of women who grew together in understanding their God-given worth and belonging. Today, you can join the WonderfullyMade community online at wonderfullymade.org.
Overall, my favorite devotions were those that really highlighted relationship with God in terms of femininity, contrasted with our culture’s ideas about what it means to be a young woman. Personal Reflection I have reviewed a few devotionals, but this was my first time reading through a daily devotional, on schedule (as opposed to reading chapters en masse to hit a deadline). And it was such a blessing to do so, digesting it slowly as it’s intended.
The first two days of the text are pretty foundational, which Smith prefaces in her introduction. These devotions address the creation of the world and the divine inspiration of Scripture. For readers who grew up going to church, this may feel like a review, but for young women who are unfamiliar with these ideas, it’s definitely a great place to start— one that makes the book accessible to non-Christians, as well as believers.
For me, Day 3, “Made for a Relationship with God,” was where the text really started shining with meaning, expressing familiar ideas in ways that brought new understanding. From this point, I encountered many more insights concerning self-worth, calling and purpose.
Overall, my favorite devotions were those that really highlighted relationship with God in terms of femininity, contrasted with our culture’s ideas about what it means to be a young woman. (There’s a HUGE discrepancy between the two!) For example, Day 8, “Made for Beauty,” examines the meaning of beauty and the relationship between inner and outer beauty. “Physical beauty,” Smith writes, “cannot sustain the weight of our true worth.” Isn’t that profound? Yes, God has made us beautiful, but our souls are even more extravagantly lovely than our exteriors.
Another chapter that really resonated with me is Day 18, “Made for Soul Care.” Smith explains why, apart from being a cultural trend, self-care is also a significant rhythm of the spiritual life. “It is not about self-indulgence,” Smith writes. “It is about stewardship.” This is a message the Lord has spoken to me, personally, because self-care goes hand-in-hand with my perception of my worth, as a person. “Self-care,” Smith observes, “can rightfully be called ‘soul care.’”
Recommendation Status Wonderfully Made is a title I’d recommend for teens and young women— Christian or not. Its simple devotions bring powerful truths to light, with the important emphasis on our dignity and worth as created beings that God made. Our worth is in Christ, and Allie Marie Smith’s devotional provides a space for a monthlong meditation on that truth.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
I wish I would’ve read this book in high school. I wish I would’ve read it in college. But I am so grateful for Allie Marie Smith for writing it now and putting these beautiful words of truth into the world. Written in a friendly approachable tone and filled with the incredible reminder that we were made for so much. For love, for freedom, for beauty, for forgiveness, for soul care, for friendship, for something more than this— mainly we were made to know Jesus and his love for us.
In thirty short chapters, Allie Marie Smith develops thirty unique purposes we’ve been made for--things like knowing God, creating, living fearlessly, friendship, and transformation. Each chapter is generously sprinkled with scripture and is well-researched, including references from Plato, St. Augustine, C. S. Lewis, Tim Keller, John Piper, and even Bethany Hamilton. Each chapter ends with a reflective question and a prayer, which I loved. For instance, the Made for Beauty chapter poses the question: “What would it look like to cultivate a beauty that never fades?” I read that, and I’m already calculating how much time I spend on hair, make-up, clothes, as compared to how much time I spend talking to God and reading the Word. What a refreshing refocus! Of course, God shining through me is the real beauty. Readers are willing to reflect deeply and be vulnerable because Allie has reflected deeply. All along, she openly, humbly shares her personal journey with mental health. Because Allie’s text flows smoothly, as if she’s chatting with you over a cup of coffee, you’ll be tempted to read quickly. But don’t. Pause to let the words sink into your soul. Pause to discern applications for your life. WONDERFULLY MADE is perfect for a young Christian, but will also challenge a seasoned believer.
Wonderfully Made by Allie Marie Smith is the book that I wish I had read years ago. As a high school teacher and someone who works in christian youth ministry, this is a wonderful book that our young girls should be reading. Allie draws on her own difficult circumstances and shares much knowledge that she acquired on her journey of self discovery. Wonderfully Made is structured as the perfect devotional to accompany your time in the word. There are 30 topics within the book that will help you discover your God given purpose and worth. At the end of each short chapter, Allie has placed poignant questions to journal over and extend your thoughts. I particularly loved Allie's chapters on presence and rest. These two area's I feel are areas that many women in the current world struggle with. The end of the book contains Book Club suggestions and questions and a beautiful love letter from God. Honestly, I loved this book so much and will be gifting it to my daughter and her friends as they come of age. We need more women in this world who are sure of their God given worth and purpose, and as such will be able to gift the world with their love and light.
*I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
This is a powerful and encouraging book. Especially to young adults (in my opinion) who often wonder what their purpose is or question their worth. For someone who struggled with self-doubt when I was younger, I would've loved such a simple yet impactful guide.
The author begins by revealing about her own personal struggles and challenges and how they molded her—and ultimately led her to a personal relationship with God. She now has a passion to help young women discover their purpose and value, and she accomplishes that (in part) with this book, Wonderfully Made.
We all have insecurities, failures, struggles, doubts, etc. But we are made for MORE. Each chapter title of this book begins with the word MADE. Made by God, Made to bloom, Made to belong, etc. Each chapter holds truths that help reveal our worth. This book is a valuable guide and inspiration.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.
Thoughtful, relatable, real, and encouraging. In a confusing world, these words encourage women to recognize their value and worth. Written in short chapters, you could easily flip open to one chapter as a reflection to start your day. I particularly loved the chapter that we are made to create--such a beautifully expansive way Smith looks at the idea of creating.
I will recommend this book again and again. I think it does a great job of reminding us who we are and more importantly, who we are in Christ. I read it on my own fairly quickly but would love to read it again in a study with other ladies.
Reading this book in preparation to deliver a study with my mom was really good. I loved the reminder of God's love for us even in storms, trials, and hard times. Cannot wait to get this book for my goddaughters.
I think that every woman needs to read this book!! So inspiring, influential, and full of TRUTH, the author gets right to the heart of the matter...we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."