Courageous Faith: A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear

by Debbye Turner Bell

You're not good enough. You don't have what it takes. You're second best. When voices in your life beat you down, telling you that you don't measure up, what do you do? There are moments when you're going to want to give up. Set-backs, failures, and fatigue impacts us all. Miss America 1990 shares her experiences as an African American woman facing defeat and disappointment, and then, ultimately, victory! Courageous A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear is not just an inspirational memoir but a self-help guide on persevering in the face of adversity. Dr. Debbye Turner Bell exposes intimate details of her life in order to encourage you to trust God. Experience a revitalization of your faith and be encouraged to continue on despite what life throws at you.

Genres: Christian

224 pages, Hardcover

Published August 24, 2021

Reviews

[Ancillar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thanks to Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is an honest take on faith,fear and trust from Miss America 1990. She gives an honest take on her relationship with God, the humbling of life and finding the will to trust God and not waver in faith. Every Chapter is divided into topical chapters that speak to that particular theme. One of the chapters was titled determination and it documents how she continuously failed even though her faith and believe in God's promise . I enjoyed meeting her mother (in the book obviously ) and watching her instill faith in her child was quite a heartwarming moment and a clear representation of how parents can help their child grow in faith. I thoroughly enjoyed the honest encounter of failure,miscarriage ,fear and how God will never leave nor forsake you.. If you need some encouragement and inspiration I recommend this book

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good and inspirational read. It really hit home and I was so happy to have the chance to read this. I do recommend this book for sure.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Our Daily Bread & NetGalley for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

I didn't know who Debbye Turner Bell was before reading this memoir, but now she feels like a friend. She honestly and authentically tells her own story of how she depended on God throughout her life, highlighting her odyssey in becoming Miss America, her broadcast career, her marathon running, her search for a husband, their determination to build their family, and above all her spiritual growth and her "pursuit of faith over fear."

Throughout the book Debbye describes how she listens to and trusts God, and quotes scripture as evidence of the foundation of her faith. Each of the book's ten chapters explains another stage in her life as she grows stronger: from "Failure" to "Faith," "Determination" to "Excellence," all the way to "Overcoming" and finally to "Perseverance." Debbye returns again and again to the qualities of the title and how she couldn't have achieved the successes without the "Courageous Faith" from God.

Debbye's story is an encouragement any reader will appreciate. The book includes a short series of questions in each chapter that can be used as discussion questions for a group, or a way to pause and think about how God may be working in the reader's life.

This book would make a nice gift for anyone who wants to pursue a life of "faith over fear."

[DeWayne Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story of God’s providence. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of my big sister in Christ. She has known me all of my little life. I remember so much as she was reliving her story through these pages. I encourage everyone to read this life changing and inspiring book. You will walk away with inspiration and courage to run your race with patience.

[Jennie Ann]

I am very thankful to have received a copy of this book. This book was honestly a very easy read compared to other books of this format. I didn't really know who Debbye Turner Bell was before reading this memoir, but after reading it she now feels like an old friend. She honestly and authentically tells her own story of how she depended on God throughout her life and in the book she gives an honest take on her relationship with God. The humbling of life and finding the will to trust God and not waver in her faith shows continuously through each page and chapter.

Each chapter is divided into topical chapters that speak about the particular theme of each. One of the chapters was titled determination and it documented how she continuously failed even though her faith and believe in God's promise. Throughout the book Debbye described how she listened and trusted in God, and even quoted some scripture's as evidence to the foundation of her faith.

I would consider Debbye's story as an encouragement any reader will appreciate. The book included a short series of questions in each chapter that could be used as discussion questions for a group, or a way to pause and think about how God may have been working in her life.

This was a very interesting and inspiring read about one woman and her journey that made her question her faith, while still holding on to her faith through it all. There are parts that resonated with me and my life, and other parts that will have you in tears, at least it did for me. It has great lessons woven through out the book that are great life lessons for everyone. It was a pleasure to read this book.

[Jeanine M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life Lessons That Resonate

Courageous Faith is an honest, thoughtful, and faith-filled book that surprisingly resonated with me. You see, I am not a business leader, award-winning journalist or former Miss America. Yet, the life lessons that Debbye Turner Bell writes about impacted me all the same. In addition to excelling in many areas of her life, Dr. Turner Bell is also human. She has feelings, and can be deeply disappointed and hurt. Just like us all. But she also can rejoice and find peace in her life. Just like us all.

Courageous Faith is not just a book about one person's life journey. Dr. Turner Bell has woven her faith throughout the book, prompting us to consider important Biblical lessons that help to guide us through life. Lessons about failure, faith, determination, excellence, authenticity, courage, purpose, patience, overcoming and perseverance.

Even though her world is much different from mine, the themes of Dr. Turner Bell's story spoke to me. Such as the impact that mothers can have on our lives, both while they are alive and as we grieve their loss. Such as learning lessons about ourselves as we search for, and find, love later in life. And the importance of listening for God's voice in our lives...in all ways and for all things.

As a Christian, I felt "at home" as Dr. Turner Bell wrote of the impact of God in her life. How she seeks God in both the good times and the bad times. How prayer and patience work hand in hand. And, with God by our side, we are never alone.

Thank you, Debbye Turner Bell, for your story, your voice, your faith, and your life lessons shared!

[Bogens Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I would like to thank Netgalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for allowing me to review this book. Keep in mind that my review, however, is my true opinion on this book.

When she won Miss Arkansas for the third time, she cried harder than ever. She was a mess. And that is when she heard God's calling for her. And her life changed.

You can feel like a failure even when other people see you as a winner. But everyone fails sometimes. And we have to accept that we sometimes do.

So how do you become successful? And what does it even mean being successful? You might get an answer in this book. You might have to figure out yourself, what you believe to be success.

We hear about pageants in this book. What does it feel like to be Miss America? Well, our author knows. And she is willing to tell you. But it is not only a pretty story, so be prepared!

In the book, you are furthermore asked some questions to consider yourself.

Sometimes, you are given opportunities in this life. And it can be hard to figure out, if you are to take those opportunities or not.

Debbye Turner Bell furthermore tells her story of miscarriages and the hardness of those. The pain she went through and how hard it was for her. It is so sad and you can not help but feel sorry and sad, when you read that chapter - so be prepared with some kleenex. But even in this hard time, faith was what got her through.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book comes into my life unexpectedly and ends up being something I truly needed to read at that exact moment of my life. This inspirational and honest book became that for me.

This author's faith in God was never perfect; she shared her journey along God's path for her with personal details of her successes and failures in trusting that God has everything in control. I felt her pain of losing her mom to cancer and the deep grief she allowed herself to get lost in. I also felt the joy of pulling herself up and deepening her faith because of this hole in her life. She shared both her brokenness and healing and this was my favorite part of her writing.

Throughout the book, the author also coaches her readers and encourages them to take honest looks into themselves to find their own unique God-given strengths and talents and not compare themselves to others, depend on others for sense of worth, and to not judge the actions of other people. She shows her readers through so many personal examples that God hears every prayer and even if he doesn't answer right away (her teenage prayer about marriage wasn't answered until her late 30s!), God does answer every prayer. God may not answer in a way you want, but it is part of His plan. This faith kept the author going and taught her to persevere in all times. She reminded me that "Prayer should be a lifestyle....it is as elemental to our life, faith, and survival as air, food, and water." p.45

[Keli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading ‘Courageous FAITH’. I loved the honesty of the author, former Miss America, Debbye Turner Bell. When I was a little girl, I used to love watching Miss World on the TV with my grandparents and, of course, I dreamed of one day being Miss World. Oh, the innocence of childhood. I understand the attraction to beauty pageants but I wasn’t the right personality [at all] to venture into that field. I applaud Debbye for her absolute faith, perseverance and long-suffering. I’m so happy for Debbye and her family that she finally won Miss America after so much suffering. I loved reading about her mummy and how she prayed for everything, fasted for 40 days, declared the Promises of God and taught her little Debbye how to pray: “Get out of here in Jesus’ Name”. Yes and Amen! She sounds like a wonderful woman. God bless her.

The author has faced many challenges in life and her testimony is powerful. She tells her story with heartbreaking honesty. I’m so glad that she didn’t ‘tone down the Jesus stuff’ as some people encouraged her to do, and I thank her for not doing that.

I enjoyed the reflective questions running alongside the writing. They caused me to pause and think about my own life. I experienced some challenges in my own life while reading this book and found it very relevant and encouraging. Like an encounter.
Overall, a really good read and I thoroughly recommend this book.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Courageous Faith
Author: Debbye Turner Bell
Publisher: Our Daily Bread Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Courageous Faith A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear" by Debbye Turner Bell
My Opinion:

'Courageous Faith' was a beautiful story by Miss America 1990. The story gives the reader of Debbye Turner Bell, who 'shares her life principles that lead to her success.' The chapters start with Faith and move on to Determination, Excellence, Authenticity, Courage, Purpose, Patience, Overcoming, and Perseverance. Each chapter was emphasizing what and how Debbyne was able to make it through that particular situation. Debbye's mother, Gussie Turner, taught her well that prayer and faith were essential in the life that continued with her through all of the struggles that came upon her as she succeeds in success.

The read was indeed a good story of 'Courage Faith' where it's not the absence of fear but being able to move forward despite it as it was for Debbye who made it through it all as God will never leave or forsake you on your journey.

Thank you to Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you in advance to the publisher, Our Daily Bread Publishing, for providing a complimentary review copy through BookishFirst. A positive review was not required and all words are my own.

With a tagline referring to FAITH OVER FEAR, it is a good bet this is written by a Christian person for Christian readers.

If you're Atheist, Agnostic, or not Christian in your faith - this book simply will not appeal to you.

This is not a NOVEL as in "fiction". This is definitely a "self-help" type read. And, it comes from a former Miss America title holder. What makes this interesting is that at a moment of low self-esteem she questioned God about her losses in certain pageants. That alone is reaching out to girls and women who struggle with self-esteem by showing them anyone can suffer it.

Turner-Bell recounts certain events in her life from miscarriages and other events and relied on faith to push forward. She uses that as a tool to guide others. It also shaped her mindset, personality, and drive forward. She also shows us that our events do not define us - how we handle them does.

Definitely enjoyed this read and didn't even know about her until I won this book.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book and interesting story. Prior to reading the book, I'd not heard of Debbye's story as Miss America. Her story is heartfelt and interesting and attempts to be useful to readers. Some chapters give questions for the reader to think about, but I didn't think this was done consistently enough to make the questions optimally useful to readers. I enjoyed the pictures and largely enjoyed Debbye's story. Parts of the book were a little slow.

Among my most useful takeaways were the following:
1 - Often it comes down to understanding the difference between what happens to us in life and what we do to make ourselves the best we can.
2 - Being your true self is your true path success. No one can be you like you can. That's an amazing advantage. Don't squander it.

I appreciated Debbye's apparent candor and her sharing of the good with the less than good in her life story. For her to have done all she has to not squander her gifts is an inspiration!

I won this book through BookishFirst and I thank them for the opportunity of an early read.

[Maya Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

To begin this is a religious novel, to which I am not a religious person. With that I thought the first lines were very interesting as they went against what I thought the novel was originally going to be focused on. The author states " I don’t understand, God! I don’t understand! I don’t understand." I thought this was an interesting line since it is clear that the the author herself is of religious faith. I also thought the person was a contestant of Miss Arkansas. This did sway me for a second as it have biased thoughts about any Miss American or such. However, the author clearly states that the purpose of this book is to inspire young people and encourage them to follow their dreams. In terms of the writing itself, I found it to be nothing special. The author says things that most inspiration novels or videos would say. I also didn't care for the rhetorical footnotes. In the end this book was just not for me.

[Amanda F. · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I write this review, I feel bad that I did not like this book. I think that because this was a memoir, I just didn't enjoy it. However, going into the book, I thought that it was going to be more of a self-help Christian book in the style of Bob Goff or Lysa Terkeurst. This was NOT that, so I did NOT enjoy it.
I felt that the book was too focused on Debbye, and not on God. But again, I think this is just because I was expecting something else. Debbye is a great writer, but I just could not get into the book.

However, I did not hate the book. In fact, I still finished it. But, I would not recommend it to others unless they area Debbye or memoir fan. I had never heard of Debbye before reading this book, as I do not follow pageantry or Miss America, unless it's Toddlers and Tiaras.

So, I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. And I did not enjoy this book at all.

[SlythJetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading through this book, I truly understand the meaning behind the title. Faith is scary, you cannot grasp it, only believe in it. In fact, it takes a deep understanding of courage to believe in faith.

Sometimes in life, you feel like no one understands you and the struggles you are currently facing. I felt like this for a while, but I forget that we are all humans. NO matter has famous we become or the amount of success we achieve.

Debbye in no way shape of form put up any pretenses of a quick faith to an easy journey of her success. She is truly genuine, humble and feels like a long time friend giving both advice and and telling her story.

I literally got out a pen and highlighter to write in the book as I went along. I love that occasionally on the side, there would be reflective questions to ask of your personal life. I truly cherish this book as a great read to work on yourself, find inspiration and go after your dreams.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbye was raised by a very religious Mom but had fallen slightly away from her faith. After coming close to winning but only making runner-up, more than once, she turned to God and started renewing her faith in Him. I really liked the book and how it was written. Debbye was very committed to her faith and God. Sometimes things happened in her life that she wasn't happy with, even with all her praying. I liked how she showed how even though sometimes you can't understand why "God would do this to you", you needed to keep the faith and hopefully understand why all things don't go exactly as you would like.

It was amazing how opportunities came up but didn't feel quite right and after praying and asking for God's help, she turned it down and then an even better opportunity came up. This book definitely helped me get back on track with my faith and prayers to God.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you Bookish first for this finished copy of Courageous Faith by Debbye Turner Bell in exchange for an honest review*

This book is was unexpected but in a great way. I really enjoyed it and I don’t normally gravitate towards memoirs but something about Debbye’s story pulled me in and I finished it within a couple hours. Reading her story was very inspirational learning that everyone has triumphs and struggles regardless of an individual’s circumstance’s is a wonderful but very much needed reminder. The chapter about patience really hit home for me. I loved her story it is one of the best books I have read this year!

[Danielle Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith is often a perplexing topic. With all of the sadness, hurt, and tragedy in the world around us, how can there be a God who is watching over us?

Enter “Courageous Faith,” the debut book from Debbye Turner Bell. She tells the story of her time as a pageant contestant, her constant faith in God that helped her persevere and become the 1990 Miss America, a veterinarian, an ordained minister, and a broadcast journalist. None of it was easy, but the Lord remained front and center in her mind and heart, and she saw success in HIS timing.

Debbye’s gift for storytelling makes this book a heartwarming, encouraging, honest memoir.

[Kea4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story and was surprised I ended up enjoying the book.

I liked hearing about how a beauty pageant works. Yes, she was Miss America. Her faith comes into play. Sometimes it’s the little things that can have a big impact. A big lover of animals so natural she studies to be a veterinarian. The book also covers her broadcast career (and yes I remember her), and her family (it’s never too late). Overall I enjoyed this story. It has a nice friendly tone to it. The pictures also add to the story.

https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bookish first for this finished copy of Courageous Faith by Debbye Turner Bell in exchange for an honest review*

This book is was unexpected but in a great way. I really enjoyed it and I don’t normally gravitate towards memoirs but something about Debbye’s story pulled me in and I finished it within a couple hours. Reading her story was very inspirational learning that everyone has triumphs and struggles regardless of an individual’s circumstance’s is a wonderful but very much needed reminder. The chapter about patience really hit home for me. I loved her story it is one of the best books I have read this year!

[Karen Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost put this book aside but am glad I finished reading it. To me it seemed a cross between a memoir and a devotional sermon. I do like memoirs a lot but some of the sermonizing seemed a bit more than I wanted to read.

My favorite parts were her description of her mother’s prayers and how they affected her, her time in the pageant world and especially her time as Miss America, and her longtime-coming of her falling in love with her husband. She has lived an amazing life!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Barrie Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

CONGRATULATIONS Rev. Dr. Debbye Turner-Bell!!!
I just finished your book! I laughed, I cried…I just couldn’t put it down. Your perseverance through life difficulties and challenges is both inspiring and an example of how we can do and get through anything with Christ Jesus! I am forever grateful to you for enhancing my relationship with the Lord through your discipleship teachings. Looking forward to you signing my books. Yes, books, not a typo🤣😁💕🙏🏽😎🎉

[Monica Davy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for an exciting page-turning journey with Debbye Turner Bell as she vulnerably shares her spiritual journey through challenges and defeats. Her courage and faith will inspire you to apply her life lessons to challenges you may experience in your own life. I felt like I was on stage, on top of the Empire State Building and in every challenge with her. Thank you for sharing your powerful spiritual journey!

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting and inspiring read about one woman and her journey and having to hold on to her faith through it all. There are parts that resonated with me and my life, and other parts that will have you in tears, at least it did for me. It has great lessons woven through out the book that are great life lessons for everyone, especially Christians.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember watching her crowned Miss America. Enjoyed reading her story (almost an autobiography) and how her life has revolved in her faith and belief in God. Learned many things about what she did after her year as Miss America.

[Lyle Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT book! Inspirational, direct, and very honest, this book can be used as a roadmap on how God can transform any lump of coal into a stunning diamond worthy of His Crown both on Earth and in Heaven. I already want the hardback copy for my personal library!

[Alice Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depending on what you're looking for, this could have been a 4 star at least. I enjoyed reading about Debbye's journey in life. Her faithful following of God, in spite of doubts, disappointments, and questions is inspirational and an encouragement for readers to do likewise.

[Johnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to hear her story and be encouraged by it.

[Lori Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on her life story winning faith over fear!

[Kate Ofikuru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliche but true: A MUST READ!

Disclaimer: I know the author personally…
NONETHELESS, this is not a series of anecdotes with trite self-help type suggestions for you to go home and practice. This book is overflowing with the love and emotion of a life lived in testimony to all the wisdom that you will find within. I cried a lot, laughed, and cried some more. I cried at the end because I finished reading (listening really) and I know there is so much more wisdom that God has given Debbye to share. Now I need to hard copy so that I can scatter the pages with post it’s to refer back to as I too progress through my challenging late thirties. Thank you Debbye. This book has been truly life changing.