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Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A compassionate, intelligent, and wry series of Christian daily reflections on learning to live with imperfection in a culture of self-help that promotes endless progress, from the author of Everything Happens for a Reason and the executive producer of the Everything Happens podcast“Brilliant, hilarious, absurd, honest, hopeful, true-hearted, and good to the core.”—Sarah Bessey, editor of A Rhythm of Prayer and author of Jesus FeministIn Kate Bowler’s bestselling memoir Everything Happens for a Reason , readers witnessed the ways she, as a divinity-school professor and young mother, reckoned with a Stage IV cancer diagnosis; in her follow-up memoir, No Cure for Being Human , she unflinchingly and winsomely unpacked the ways that life becomes both hard and beautiful when we abandon certainty and the illusion of control in our lives. Now, in their first-ever devotional book, Kate Bowler and co-author Jessica Richie offer 40ish short spiritual reflections on how we can make sense of life not as a pursuit of endless progress but as a chronic condition. This book is a companion for when you want to stop feeling guilty that you’re not living your best life now.Written gently and with humor, Good Enough is permission for all those who need to hear that there are some things you can fix—and some things you can’t. And it’s okay that life isn’t always better. In these gorgeously written reflections, Bowler and Richie offer fresh imagination for how truth, beauty, and meaning can be discovered amid the chaos of life. Their words celebrate kindness, honesty, and interdependence in a culture that rewards ruthless individualism and blind optimism. Ultimately, in these pages we can rest in the encouragement to strive for what is possible today—while recognizing that though we are finite, the life in front of us can be beautiful.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 15, 2022
1089 people are currently reading
7318 people want to read
About the author
Kate Bowler
18 books1,761 followersKate Bowler, PhD is a New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and a professor at Duke University. She studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. She is the author of Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel and The Preacher’s Wife: The Precarious Power of Evangelical Women Celebrities.
After being unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at age 35, she penned the New York Times bestselling memoir, Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved) and her latest, No Cure For Being Human (and Other Truths I Need to Hear). Kate hosts the Everything Happens podcast where, in warm, insightful, often funny conversations, she talks with people like Malcolm Gladwell and Anne Lamott about what they’ve learned in difficult times. She lives in Durham, North Carolina with her family and continues to teach do-gooders at Duke Divinity School.
After being unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at age 35, she penned the New York Times bestselling memoir, Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved) and her latest, No Cure For Being Human (and Other Truths I Need to Hear). Kate hosts the Everything Happens podcast where, in warm, insightful, often funny conversations, she talks with people like Malcolm Gladwell and Anne Lamott about what they’ve learned in difficult times. She lives in Durham, North Carolina with her family and continues to teach do-gooders at Duke Divinity School.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
December 18, 2021
I really enjoyed Kate Bowlers other books, so when I saw she wrote a devotional, I couldn’t wait to read it. All the books on my TBR took a backseat so that I could concentrate and get the most out of this devotional. With the busy holiday season, there were days that the only thing I was able to read, was this devotional.
In a society that focuses on perfection, it’s always been something I've battled and continually work on, so the title spoke to me! This book has features from her previous memoirs, but it is organized by theme. I love the short chapters and the “A Good Enough Step” at the end of each chapter to think and reflect upon and then act on if you so wish. It was set up to read one per day and it worked best for me to read it in the morning and then think about it throughout the day. The only problem I had, was that I found myself reading into the next day more than once.
I appreciated the honesty, transparency, rawness and sometimes wit that Bowler and Richie showed in each devotional. They remind us that we need to be kind and have patience with ourselves. Perfection is not the goal.
Did every devotional speak to me....no, but there were many that touch me very deeply and I am still thinking about them weeks after reading it. It will be a devotional that I will reread in the future.
If you embrace your imperfections (I’m trying), then you will enjoy this devotional as a reminder when you have a difficult day/week/month.
In a society that focuses on perfection, it’s always been something I've battled and continually work on, so the title spoke to me! This book has features from her previous memoirs, but it is organized by theme. I love the short chapters and the “A Good Enough Step” at the end of each chapter to think and reflect upon and then act on if you so wish. It was set up to read one per day and it worked best for me to read it in the morning and then think about it throughout the day. The only problem I had, was that I found myself reading into the next day more than once.
I appreciated the honesty, transparency, rawness and sometimes wit that Bowler and Richie showed in each devotional. They remind us that we need to be kind and have patience with ourselves. Perfection is not the goal.
Did every devotional speak to me....no, but there were many that touch me very deeply and I am still thinking about them weeks after reading it. It will be a devotional that I will reread in the future.
If you embrace your imperfections (I’m trying), then you will enjoy this devotional as a reminder when you have a difficult day/week/month.
November 14, 2021
Back when I had just received a cancer diagnosis, I found Kate Bowler’s book Everything Happens For A Reason to be entertaining, inspiring, comforting– all the things you want from a book at a time like that! Recently, I read her follow-up book, No Cure For Being Human, in which she addressed the fact that we really have no control over our lives, being human and all, but that life can still be beautiful. So I was happy to receive a copy of Good Enough (subtitled 40-ish devotionals for a life of imperfection) from Convergent Books and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
OK, I KNEW going in that she is a divinity school professor, focusing on the prosperity gospel and all. And I understand that her aim is to help people who want to stop feeling guilty about not living their “best life” now…but seriously, it’s kinda challenging when you are dealing with cancer, right? But– I digress.
So the real question is: just what was I THINKING? I am not even Christian, so I am not sure why I thought this book of”Christian daily reflections” would be something I’d enjoy. OK, TBH there are times when I WISH I could just be a “person of faith” and believe that there is a plan or a reason. Or, barring that, be someone who accepts that striving for whatever is possible today (living in the moment and all) is the way to find acceptance, comfort, solace, whatever you want to call it.
But that isn’t me. So I tried to look at this as if I were a believer, at least enough to think these “devotionals” were applicable to my life. And I even imagined I was among the people I know whose lives are lived with a huge focus on their relationship with God/Jesus/Whomever. And it still wasn’t for me, but I did appreciate the writing and the positivity. And I will continue to recommend Kate Bowler to people — she is terrific, and I know she has helped many many people. I’m giving this one four stars with all the caveats listed above.
OK, I KNEW going in that she is a divinity school professor, focusing on the prosperity gospel and all. And I understand that her aim is to help people who want to stop feeling guilty about not living their “best life” now…but seriously, it’s kinda challenging when you are dealing with cancer, right? But– I digress.
So the real question is: just what was I THINKING? I am not even Christian, so I am not sure why I thought this book of”Christian daily reflections” would be something I’d enjoy. OK, TBH there are times when I WISH I could just be a “person of faith” and believe that there is a plan or a reason. Or, barring that, be someone who accepts that striving for whatever is possible today (living in the moment and all) is the way to find acceptance, comfort, solace, whatever you want to call it.
But that isn’t me. So I tried to look at this as if I were a believer, at least enough to think these “devotionals” were applicable to my life. And I even imagined I was among the people I know whose lives are lived with a huge focus on their relationship with God/Jesus/Whomever. And it still wasn’t for me, but I did appreciate the writing and the positivity. And I will continue to recommend Kate Bowler to people — she is terrific, and I know she has helped many many people. I’m giving this one four stars with all the caveats listed above.
January 8, 2023
Genres: Nonfiction/Religion
I almost didnt read this one because someone recommended this author's podcast and I just couldn't get into it. Now, after reading this book, I think I will go back and give the podcast another try.
Anyway, I'm glad I did read this one. It was a perfect read for my day. Very uplifting and inspiring. So 5 stars.
I almost didnt read this one because someone recommended this author's podcast and I just couldn't get into it. Now, after reading this book, I think I will go back and give the podcast another try.
Anyway, I'm glad I did read this one. It was a perfect read for my day. Very uplifting and inspiring. So 5 stars.
November 22, 2022
I loved this book. Filled with just the right amount of humor, wisdom and love.
Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie knows how to make us feel better about all the not so nice stuff that life throws at us. They some it up perfectly with this blessing.
Blessed are you
Who realizes there is simply not enough time, memory, resources.
Blessed are you
Who are tired of pretending that raw effort is the secret to perfection. It’s not. And you know that now.
Blessed are you
Who need a gentle reminder that even now, even today, God is here, and somehow, that is good enough.
A great read
Rating: 5
Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie knows how to make us feel better about all the not so nice stuff that life throws at us. They some it up perfectly with this blessing.
Blessed are you
Who realizes there is simply not enough time, memory, resources.
Blessed are you
Who are tired of pretending that raw effort is the secret to perfection. It’s not. And you know that now.
Blessed are you
Who need a gentle reminder that even now, even today, God is here, and somehow, that is good enough.
A great read
Rating: 5
August 25, 2024
I ADORED this book. I read a section every single morning and it helped set the tone for my whole day. Kate Bowler is an absolute gem and I so appreciated the analogies, the humor, and the heartfelt sentiment. I sincerely need to read all her other books and I CANNOT wait to reread this book again. The messages were so profound and so relatable. Do yourself a favor and read this book - you don't need to be overly spiritual or religious to benefit for this book - this book is for all women.
April 18, 2022
I read this excellent book during Lent with the accompanying PDF workbook that Bowler offered on her website. This is my first tasting of these ladies work and I've now become a big fan. I want to read everything they write.
The authors write with a gentle prodding, lots of humour and a vulnerability that makes you wish you had this book in your hands many years ago so you could have better walked through the messes of life. This is almost the antithesis of the typical Christian self-help book. The authors in their gentle manner keep reminding us that Jesus's call is to come to Him, He with the easy yoke and gentle and humble heart. He doesn't want us to fight our own battles, in fact he wants us to hand them over to Him.
Each of the 40 chapters (with the exception of the last one) have a 1-2 page message about doing life using a tidbit from one of the authors' lives or some unusual fact they've discovered. Then there is a lovely blessing and a suggested "Good Enough Step", a gentle way of putting into practice the teaching of the message.
The PDF workbook was a lovely companion to each chapter of the book with the relevant Bible passage, 2-3 probing questions which build on the teaching and challenge you to go deeper and concludes with a beautiful prayer. It was free so I'd encourage everyone who reads the book to grab a copy off Kate's website.
There's such a wonderful commonsense and loving spirit about this book and I can understand why it hit the bestseller lists.
The authors write with a gentle prodding, lots of humour and a vulnerability that makes you wish you had this book in your hands many years ago so you could have better walked through the messes of life. This is almost the antithesis of the typical Christian self-help book. The authors in their gentle manner keep reminding us that Jesus's call is to come to Him, He with the easy yoke and gentle and humble heart. He doesn't want us to fight our own battles, in fact he wants us to hand them over to Him.
Each of the 40 chapters (with the exception of the last one) have a 1-2 page message about doing life using a tidbit from one of the authors' lives or some unusual fact they've discovered. Then there is a lovely blessing and a suggested "Good Enough Step", a gentle way of putting into practice the teaching of the message.
The PDF workbook was a lovely companion to each chapter of the book with the relevant Bible passage, 2-3 probing questions which build on the teaching and challenge you to go deeper and concludes with a beautiful prayer. It was free so I'd encourage everyone who reads the book to grab a copy off Kate's website.
There's such a wonderful commonsense and loving spirit about this book and I can understand why it hit the bestseller lists.
July 9, 2022
“Devotional” could be a stretch, in my opinion. When I think of a devotional, I think of a short, bite-size Bible teaching. These were just stories, anecdotes. Most didn’t even have a s riptide or Bible story that even went along with them. Just some feel good point. Usually I see devotional that have a prayer at the end. But this one has a “blessing” after each day. Not a prayer, per se, but a self-affirming blessing to the person that the story of the day might speak to.
Interestingly enough, the authors put down self-help books throughout their writing, considering them self-affirming feel-good, etc. but that’s exactly what I felt about this book. except it didn’t “help” my self. It kinda just bored me. A few moments were beautiful. A few of the blessings touched me. But again, they were more like pats on the back, not so much help me get through life.
I thought the authors could be veering toward progressive side of Christianity. I don’t know if it’s that or their denominational background. I don’t know. It just wasn’t a fit for me.
*thank you netgalley and publisher for a review copy. My opinions are my own.
Interestingly enough, the authors put down self-help books throughout their writing, considering them self-affirming feel-good, etc. but that’s exactly what I felt about this book. except it didn’t “help” my self. It kinda just bored me. A few moments were beautiful. A few of the blessings touched me. But again, they were more like pats on the back, not so much help me get through life.
I thought the authors could be veering toward progressive side of Christianity. I don’t know if it’s that or their denominational background. I don’t know. It just wasn’t a fit for me.
*thank you netgalley and publisher for a review copy. My opinions are my own.
February 16, 2022
I've been so moved by the story of Kate Bowler, an associate professor at Duke Divinity School and just 35 when diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. In GOOD ENOUGH, she shares hard lessons learned in her first devotional book, co-written with Jessica Richie.
There are 40 spiritual reflections penned with good humor and a light touch, that suggest life is to be lived as a chronic condition, not a quest for perfection. All of us are broken in some way, and Kate's wise words bring comfort and peace.
Thanks to Kate, Convergent Books, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#GoodEnough #katebowler #convergentbooks #NetGalley
#40daydevotions #alifeofimperfection #christiandevotions
#goodenoughnotperfect #bookstagramcommunity
There are 40 spiritual reflections penned with good humor and a light touch, that suggest life is to be lived as a chronic condition, not a quest for perfection. All of us are broken in some way, and Kate's wise words bring comfort and peace.
Thanks to Kate, Convergent Books, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#GoodEnough #katebowler #convergentbooks #NetGalley
#40daydevotions #alifeofimperfection #christiandevotions
#goodenoughnotperfect #bookstagramcommunity
April 12, 2022
Kate Bowler is one of my favorite inspirational writers and her Lenten devotional book did not disappoint me. Life is hard and life is beautiful all at the same time is the thesis that runs through all of her writings. She reminds us to choose joy, but to not insist on a false optimism and to feel the sadness and despair when it comes, remembering that it is all part of the life and death cycle.
Read
April 18, 2022Read with church group for Lent & didn’t do every section but it’s been important for me to sit with the book’s basic premise: perfectionism is culturally pervasive, and its outcome is the discomfort/shame/disappointment I feel when I’m not already the person I want to become. Each devotion centers around loosening up/giving yourself grace and knowing that you are becoming. Each section was brief & had a practice to try which i super appreciate!!
January 27, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Convergent Books for this eARC of Good Enough in exchange for an honest review. If you grew up in the evangelical church, you know the pressure of being "that Christian Proverbs 31 girl". And it's just not possible to be that girl 100% of the time. If you've ever felt alone in that space or shame for not being perfect, but the God of your understanding is one of utmost grace and love, this is the devotional book for you. Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie bring grace and humor to the table to remind us all that we are not alone and we are seen in our pursuits, overtly spiritual or not. They provide beautiful prayers of blessing and practical "good enough" steps to be conducted for each day you read this devotional. I loved this devotional from cover to cover. I hope that many young Christian girls find this book and can begin to dismantle the messages of responsibility and perfectionism that are constantly shoved down our throats in the evangelical church and have so negatively impacted our mental health. There is grace for you, it is here, it is palpable, it is in this book.
January 3, 2024
I start every day with coffee, pets, a quilt and some reading. I usually include a devotional of some kind to set my intentions for the day. I have read other books by Kate and love her writing style. This book was a perfect devotional book for me. It provided a short, light reading followed by an idea of something I could do to connect myself to the devotion and then a blessing for the day. It was funny and relevant and lacked the preachiness that often come with this type of reading. I looked forward to picking it up each day and I have already recommended it to several people. It will be a book I gift to others I see struggling in life.
April 9, 2023
A spectacular devotional that is brutally honest and medicine for your soul. It was my Lenten devotional this year and I will definitely be coming back to this one!
April 16, 2022
This was full of poignant and thoughtful lent devotionals.
May 8, 2022
I read this book when I really needed to. There are so many wise things that I want to hang onto.
June 28, 2022
Absolutely fantastic, will read again. There are some that are "happier" but a lot of blessings for REALLY tough days when the world feels like a dumpster. So basically, the right book for right now.
April 13, 2022
Just what I needed for Lent. Nice excerpts daily for Lent.
December 20, 2023
“Blessed are you who realize there is simply not enough—time, money, resources. Blessed are you who are tired of pretending that raw effort is the secret to perfection. It’s not. And you know that now. Blessed are you who need a gentle reminder that even now, even today, God is here, and somehow, that is good enough,”—Kate Bowler and Jessica Richier, Good Enough.
In their illuminating book Good Enough, authors Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie present a series of insightful spiritual reflections designed to guide readers through the intricate maze of modern life. A New York Times bestseller, it shatters the persistent myth of relentless self-improvement, instead framing life as a condition to be endured and cherished, rather than an unending quest for perfection.
Bowler and Richie, known for their empathetic and intelligent perspectives in their popular podcast, “Everything Happens,” offer what can be best described as a spiritual companion to those of us who often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to live our best lives. Ultimately, in these pages we can rest in the encouragement to strive for what is possible today—while recognizing that though we are finite, the life in front of us can be beautiful.
Good Enough is a radiant beacon of hope, brimming with humor and kindness. Bowler and Richie present biblical concepts in such relatable ways. Each reflection instills a fresh vision of how truth, beauty, and meaning can be found amid the chaos of our daily lives, especially when those lives are disappointing and heartbreaking.
The book invites readers to explore topics such as purpose in life, prayer, and the pitfalls of perfectionism. It is an exceptionally powerful read, demanding time and contemplation to absorb the wisdom it offers. The authors provide practical advice on navigating periods of sadness and disarray, often suggesting humor and absurdity as therapeutic tools.
What makes this book relatable is the everyday language used to articulate complex spiritual concepts. The authors’ use of illustrations and anecdotes to clarify these principles provides readers with real-world contexts and applications. It is a compassionate, intelligent, and wry series of 40 Christian daily devotions on learning to live with imperfection. I cried as I read it, but I also smiled and laughed out loud.
Written gently and with humor, Good Enough is permission for all of us who need to hear that there are some things we can fix—and some things we can’t. It’s a firm reminder that life, in all its messiness and complication, is indeed ‘good enough.’
This book is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, a celebration of our shared imperfections, and an invitation to embrace life as it is, not as we imagine it should be. In short, Good Enough is more than good enough; it’s an essential read for those seeking a new perspective on dealing with life’s challenges. It’s hard to find a devotional that has such powerful life lessons and a sense of humor. A well-deserved five stars.
Follow my reviews at amyhagberg.com
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
In their illuminating book Good Enough, authors Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie present a series of insightful spiritual reflections designed to guide readers through the intricate maze of modern life. A New York Times bestseller, it shatters the persistent myth of relentless self-improvement, instead framing life as a condition to be endured and cherished, rather than an unending quest for perfection.
Bowler and Richie, known for their empathetic and intelligent perspectives in their popular podcast, “Everything Happens,” offer what can be best described as a spiritual companion to those of us who often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to live our best lives. Ultimately, in these pages we can rest in the encouragement to strive for what is possible today—while recognizing that though we are finite, the life in front of us can be beautiful.
Good Enough is a radiant beacon of hope, brimming with humor and kindness. Bowler and Richie present biblical concepts in such relatable ways. Each reflection instills a fresh vision of how truth, beauty, and meaning can be found amid the chaos of our daily lives, especially when those lives are disappointing and heartbreaking.
The book invites readers to explore topics such as purpose in life, prayer, and the pitfalls of perfectionism. It is an exceptionally powerful read, demanding time and contemplation to absorb the wisdom it offers. The authors provide practical advice on navigating periods of sadness and disarray, often suggesting humor and absurdity as therapeutic tools.
What makes this book relatable is the everyday language used to articulate complex spiritual concepts. The authors’ use of illustrations and anecdotes to clarify these principles provides readers with real-world contexts and applications. It is a compassionate, intelligent, and wry series of 40 Christian daily devotions on learning to live with imperfection. I cried as I read it, but I also smiled and laughed out loud.
Written gently and with humor, Good Enough is permission for all of us who need to hear that there are some things we can fix—and some things we can’t. It’s a firm reminder that life, in all its messiness and complication, is indeed ‘good enough.’
This book is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, a celebration of our shared imperfections, and an invitation to embrace life as it is, not as we imagine it should be. In short, Good Enough is more than good enough; it’s an essential read for those seeking a new perspective on dealing with life’s challenges. It’s hard to find a devotional that has such powerful life lessons and a sense of humor. A well-deserved five stars.
Follow my reviews at amyhagberg.com
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
November 29, 2021
I wasn't sure about reading a Christian self-help book, but I'm a fan of Kate Bowler's other books, and I really loved this one, as well. This book has aspects of her other memoirs, yet it's organized very differently, around a theme (grief, loss, letting go, lots of difficult things) with three sections to each short chapter. First there's the narrative about the theme, then a blessing, then "A Good Enough Step," kind of the workbook/homework section, giving you just a little something to think about and act on. I didn't care for the blessing section of each chapter, I ended up just skimming those, but I really appreciated the first and last sections, as well as how short the chapters are. She treats them as daily devotionals, and that would be a good way to read them, just one per day so you have the whole day to think about it. I, however, kept getting sucked in and reading more than one a day. I particularly liked Chapter 10, "When you are exhausted." She talks a lot about grief ("Grief is a long story," amen to that), pain, and grace, and it's kind of hard to read sometimes because there are a lot of emotions, but she also leaves you feeling comforted and hopeful when she is honest enough to say "yes, it sucks right now, but here's your next step." Sometimes that's a great thing to hear. I like how practical she is, for example, when she says, "Empathy and action. That's all you need." I find that's great advice for when you don't know what to say or do, but you want to show up and be there for someone. It is an overtly Christian book, but not in a saccharine or inaccessible way, and even though it brought up a lot of emotions (again, good idea to only read one chapter a day), I'll read it again.
February 15, 2022
Non-fiction
Sometimes a book finds you at just the right time. This was one of those books for me. It was a book I didn't know I needed until I read it and now I'm buying several copies.
I have never read devotionals before, so I didn't know what to expect. I was very intrigued by the title, though. Bowler and Richie write 40ish devotionals just in time for Lent. Perfect for a once a day reading, served up into manageable bites. Good enough tackles a way to bring yourself closer to God without trying to take on too much or making it a burden.
What Kind of Faith is "Good Enough"?
--A good enough faith will establish a sort of rhythm of life to sustain momentum. These are not an effort to ensure 7 Steps to Guaranteed Sainthood, but rather to remind us that closeness with God is not just a question of belief. It is also in the small actions we can take.
--A good enough faith is not reaching for the impossible. We can't be everything to everyone, or even enough for ourselves. We're human.
--A good enough faith looks for beauty and truth in what's possible. No, not everything is possible. But we will hunt for the places where we can find an opportunity for a little more.
The "chapters" have titles like Building a Good Day, Asleep on the Job, and When You are Exhausted. You get a page or two of examples or descriptions of what the chapter is about, you then get a blessing and finally a Good Enough Step to bring God into your life during these times.
Told with a tongue in cheek sense of humor and great insight, this was the perfect book for me. If you are searching for a way to bring more God into your life, this may also be the book for you.
A Blessing for a Joyfully Mediocre Journey
Blessed are you
who realize there is simply not enough
--time, money, resources.
Blessed are you
who are tired of pretending
that raw effort is the secret to perfection.
It's not. And you know that now.
Blessed are you
who need a gentle reminder that
even now, even today,
God is here,
and somehow,
that is good enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this book..
Sometimes a book finds you at just the right time. This was one of those books for me. It was a book I didn't know I needed until I read it and now I'm buying several copies.
I have never read devotionals before, so I didn't know what to expect. I was very intrigued by the title, though. Bowler and Richie write 40ish devotionals just in time for Lent. Perfect for a once a day reading, served up into manageable bites. Good enough tackles a way to bring yourself closer to God without trying to take on too much or making it a burden.
What Kind of Faith is "Good Enough"?
--A good enough faith will establish a sort of rhythm of life to sustain momentum. These are not an effort to ensure 7 Steps to Guaranteed Sainthood, but rather to remind us that closeness with God is not just a question of belief. It is also in the small actions we can take.
--A good enough faith is not reaching for the impossible. We can't be everything to everyone, or even enough for ourselves. We're human.
--A good enough faith looks for beauty and truth in what's possible. No, not everything is possible. But we will hunt for the places where we can find an opportunity for a little more.
The "chapters" have titles like Building a Good Day, Asleep on the Job, and When You are Exhausted. You get a page or two of examples or descriptions of what the chapter is about, you then get a blessing and finally a Good Enough Step to bring God into your life during these times.
Told with a tongue in cheek sense of humor and great insight, this was the perfect book for me. If you are searching for a way to bring more God into your life, this may also be the book for you.
A Blessing for a Joyfully Mediocre Journey
Blessed are you
who realize there is simply not enough
--time, money, resources.
Blessed are you
who are tired of pretending
that raw effort is the secret to perfection.
It's not. And you know that now.
Blessed are you
who need a gentle reminder that
even now, even today,
God is here,
and somehow,
that is good enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this book..
February 12, 2022
I have always believed that there’s no one right way to be the perfect Christian because being perfect is impossible, yet there are still people in positions of leadership who expect this from believers. I enjoyed the book Good Enough because it gives timely advice for Christians in today’s world. I especially enjoyed these 40 devotionals that share concepts for having realistic expectations, hopes, and dreams. Not all of us have all the answers, and this book doesn’t have all the answers, but I think it is a good source for the believer who is looking for solutions rooted in faith. I expect this book will be a great success. Thank you to Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie for these spiritual reflections. #netgalley Thank you Netgalley and Convergent Books for the opportunity to read this amazing book.
May 9, 2022
I loved this book of fresh and vibrant devotions/reflections/essays (choose the word that would most lead you to want to read this book). Bowler and Richie name and face what they call “the perfectability paradigm.” We can’t be perfect, and we’d be better off if we accepted that. Instead, they offer encouragement toward a “good enough” life. I hesitated with that preface, because in some things, I thought, good enough is just not good enough. Relax, Scott. Lean in. And I’m glad I did. With daily honesty, Bowler and Richie encourage us to focus on the possible, to look for joy (and the holy) in the blessed ordinary, and to be honest. Each day of the book brings a reflection, a blessing prayer, and a practice (something to try). The topics run the full range of life, up, down, and sideways. I picked it up mid-Lent, just for me (not for the Lent I was leading at the church), and gave my self space to read it when I could. I will probably share it with them in another season, maybe summer. What a blessing. Highly recommend.
February 1, 2023
Loved this book. Worked through it slowly (took me 6 months!) as a sometimes devotional. The “good enough” title struck me as just right, considering I’m a recovering perfectionist who struggles to ever say those 2 words, besides the fact that I love Kate Bowler’s books.
I loved that I could pick it up, read the devotional I was on, read the prayer/blessing, and have a concrete action step…all in a span of about 10ish minutes. Then I could reflect on it more in a journal, or just as I went about my day. Several stuck with me, but the seed/gardener one near the end was particularly poignant.
I loved that I could pick it up, read the devotional I was on, read the prayer/blessing, and have a concrete action step…all in a span of about 10ish minutes. Then I could reflect on it more in a journal, or just as I went about my day. Several stuck with me, but the seed/gardener one near the end was particularly poignant.
July 30, 2022
This isn't the deepest devotional book you'll ever read. Yet each one contains some gems, food for thought and Scriptural truth. Each devotional is followed by a blessing or prayer (these touch my heart everytime) and a practical action/application to take if so desired. The ending quotes are interesting too. This is a great book to start or end the day, or to enjoy with a mid- afternoon beverage.
August 2, 2022
“Good Enough” really resonated with my soul. I loved this book by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. I actually wrote all over my copy that was given to me by my cousin so I will have it with me forever as a good reference for all the treasures I found while reading that touched my heart. The chapter “Too Few Sparrows” is quite amazing. Kate’s personal story is one of hope and seen throughout each page. I loved the little humor and the blessings in these pages between the grief. Her letter to her body is also quite remarkable.
If I could give this book more than five stars I certainly would. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I could give this book more than five stars I certainly would. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 2, 2023
I read this as a Lenten study. I love the humor and compassion the authors bring. They never try to claim that life isn’t hard or that Christians should never worry or despair. They acknowledge that sometimes we are in times of struggle and depression. And that’s okay. The authors gently point out that we can take a “good enough” next step towards mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Sometimes good enough is okay. These daily reminders were extremely helpful to me!
April 19, 2022
I don't consider myself religious but I found these daily devotionals to be grounding. I know I often get caught up in the desire for perfectionism and the belief to achieve it all I need to do is this or that better. Resting in the right now with all its messiness....both good and challenging resonated with me.
May 6, 2022
I bought this book when it was released so that I would have a different type of devotional reading for Lent. But instead I read it much slower and did not finish by Easter. Still a wonderful book that is meant to be savored and thought about with each reading. I know I will be reading it again. Beautifully written.
May 10, 2022
I loved Kate's other memoir's but this one didn't work for me. This is more of a it's me not you thing though. I'm not religious but I've still gotten a lot out of her other books. However, this one was so heavily religious and I, personally, was unable to get much out of it at all. If you are a fan of Kate's but not religious, skip this one.
January 15, 2022
I love Kate Bowler's writing. She approaches difficult conversations and the work of living with a fresh perspective, humor, genuineness, and honesty. Her writing is deeply engaging and thought provoking without being dry, heavy, or dull.
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