Right Where You Belong: How to Identify and Fully Occupy Your God-Given Space

by Heather MacFadyen

Most lifestyle books for women are saying one of two "Hustle!" or "Slow down!" We are either prodded into endless activity and productivity or told that what we really need is to prioritize rest, relaxation, and simply "being." Is it any wonder we feel torn in every direction, worried we're missing the opportunities God has placed before us while at the same time feeling guilty that we're doing too much?

Into this confusion comes Heather MacFadyen's empowering message to simply occupy your God-given space--a Hebrew definition of humility . God has given you talents and a sphere of influence. Your role is to fill that space, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In this book, Heather presents four boundary lines to help you identify your unique God-given space and shows you how to evaluate your next steps with confident peace so that you can stop feeling exhausted and guilty and start feeling fulfilled.

It's time to replace FOMO, inadequacy, and hustle culture with the satisfaction that comes from owning the space we've been assigned. Right Where You Belong helps you get there.

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Inspirational, Audiobook, Self Help

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Heather MacFadyen wrote online before Facebook existed. After years of blog entries, in 2013 she launched a trailblazing podcast called God Centered Mom. In 2018, the show rebranded to the Don’t Mom Alone podcast. With over fourteen million downloads, Heather’s weekly interviews have been listened to at least once in every country on the planet. When she’s not recording conversations in her messy closet, she’s driving in Dallas traffic, feeding four growing boy-men, or walking around the “hood” with her entrepreneurial husband, Bruce.

Reviews

[Stacy Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re in a season of life where you wonder: what the heck should I be doing and where do I belong? This would be a great read for you.

I learned so much about myself in the pages. The biggest lesson: reassurance that if I’m in God’s will, I’m not missing out. And what is His will? To be like Him and share the gospel with the world. We do this in the season we are in and the place we are planted.

It’s so easy to feel like we should be doing all the things - but the truth is, we shouldn’t. We should do the things where we are planted, using the gifts that we have.

I have a lot of clarity about what God wills for me to do. So now, I do the things.

*I felt like the forms in the book were kinda unnecessary. They didn’t help me any more than reading the chapters. And I think the chapter on suffering seasons should have a disclaimer that it should be read for those in that season. I am not, but reading that chapter left me heavy because of some triggering things in it that I have encountered before. Good info if you’re planted there. Skip if you’re not and come back during that season.

[Tasia Mcfeters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been listening to Heather’s podcast since 2015 when I had my first son. Since then she and her guests have walked along side me in some of my darkest days. Every time I thought I was alone or needed some wisdom for my situation, I’d turn to her podcast and be able to find interviews from guests who had walked through the same hardships I was currently facing. This book offered the same biblical insight and wisdom that her podcast and guests have offered me over the years. I listened to it on audio which was great because Heather narrates her book and it’s her voice that I’m familiar with and comforted by, however I wish I had also bought the physical copy because there are several portions that I’d love to highlight and read over again.

[Kim Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thrilled one of my favorite podcasters has written this book! I know it’s one I’ll turn to time and again when life feels uncertain and I’m unclear on God’s path forward.

“One aspect of occupying our God-given spaces is to trust that no matter the current season, there are reasons we haven’t moved on to the next one yet.” ~ Heather

Trusting that God has us right where he wants us is so hard sometimes, especially if you’re a ‘behind-the-scenes’ kind of gal.

“We can all be on the same team with a secured kingdom victory, but watching from the bench feels less important than playing in the game.” ~ Heather

Heather helps us explore the boundary lines of how God has wired each of us as “co-laborers for Christ” and helps us discover what’s unique about this present season we are in and how God is calling us to fill that time.

With helpful discussion questions at the end of each chapter, I’d highly recommend this for your next book club with your girlfriends! It would also make such a sweet gift for moms and teachers who may feel the nudge towards a new assignment and want to spend the summer exploring it!

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through all the stages in your life the Lord is right there guiding you and using you at that moment for His glory. This book helps you see that right where you are now is where you belong. There are different times in your life for different ministries. For example, they may all involve writing but now may be when you are studying a subject so that when your kids are older you can write the book. I liked how the author used 1Corinthians 7:17 as the guide for this concept. Using the time, we have now instead of worrying about missing out on some service we were called to do. The author explains how you may feel called to a ministry that you won't be involved in for years. Doing what you can now are just the steps to the door that will eventually open for you. An excellent book for anyone wondering if they are doing the Lord's will or are where they need to be at the moment.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Revell, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need some girl time? Wondering if there's more to this life while you're stuck in the grind? Then Heather's book "Right Where You Belong" is for you! This book is a path that turns away from comparison and FOMO and towards growth, no matter where you are right now. It is full of down to Earth examples of how God uses the simple things and changes us. It also shares how He then builds on it in ways that we could never have predicted. Her progression of specific boundaries that define the way you occupy your space give clarity to what that looks like in many different ways. If you are a fan of her lighthearted, playful and deep conversations on her "Don't Mom Alone" Podcast, then you will enjoy the spunk and wisdom Heather brings to light. Grab a cup of coffee and fill your heart with a journey pondering this time, space and the gifts you have been given. There's even a cool "Draw up your space Worksheet" at the end of Part 1. See what stepping into what God has specifically for you looks like!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“By leaning into God’s presence and accepting His invitations, we never miss out on the redeeming work He’s doing right where we are. So, here’s your permission slip to do uncomfortable and unfamiliar assignments: You are in Christ and Christ is in you. He is redeeming all things.”

I really enjoy Heather MacFadyen's writing. I love that her writing is conversational and leaves you feeling encouraged. I love that the message in this book wasn't DO MORE, but was one of being empowered by God to confidently BE where God has called us in this time and place.

This book would be particularly great if you're in a season of wondering what you should be doing or feeling unsettled about where you're called. But even if you're not and are feeling confident about where you are right now, this is a great read. I got a lot of encouragement to embrace the confidence about where I am.

Read this for book club with a lovely group of Jesus-loving ladies and I'd recommend it for that purpose as there are helpful discussions/reflection questions at the end of each chapter.

[Amy Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right Where You Belong by Heather MacFadyen is a wonderful reminder that God has you where you are for a reason or He’s trying to move you somewhere if your will pay attention to His leadings. Heather covers both ends of the spectrum because she has been on both ends, where she felt the leading to stay where she was even though it wasn’t pleasant or easy and she’s felt the leading to go somewhere else, which is also not always pleasant or easy. This book came at the right time in my life and was an encouragement to me right when I needed it.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right Where You Belong by Heather MacFadyen is a wonderful book about accepting the challenges of parenting and truly listening to God’s call on your life right where you are. This book highlights the seasons of parenting and life and how God can use us throughout these seasons. He knows where you are and can use you right there, right now. Great reminders throughout this book! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You are right where you belong.”

This book is a helpful tool when it comes to identifying and then fully occupying your God given space! I appreciated the questions at the end of each chapter and found them great for journaling.

Thank you for the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honesty review.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right Where You Belong released right when I needed this message. I have been struggling with feeling pulled between all the roles God has called me to but walking through this book and completing the worksheet on my God given space has been so helpful. I feel freer and ready to step into what God has for me. Thank you Heather for filling your God given space to encourage others to do the same.

[Amy Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Heather as a podcast host and author! Being a mom of four boys myself in the trenches of baby and toddler and early elementary age kids, it is HARD to feel like my mundane matters… but IT DOES! I listened on audible and like the layout of each chapter with questions at the end to reflect on. I feel like she’s a mentor from afar for me! Definitely recommend!!!!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a low four star, because of the writing style mostly. MacFayden writes a bit drily, and mostly from her own life - using much time on the stories and little time on what we can learn from them, making it more like a memoir but a fractured one. Content was mostly good, but I was not the right audience.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally am not a reader, but my wife spends alot of time reading . I wanted to see why she spent alot of time engrossed with a book. so I started reading this , just to see. She was right I couldn't put it down. No it doesn't have to be just for women.

[Jackie Matney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Heather’s work after she spoke at a MOPS group and am so thankful as she has been a source of encouragement and truth in my life ever since. Right Where You Belong is the reminder I needed as I transition from one to two kiddos. The podcast conversations are a great addition!

[Diane Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Right Where You Belong" by Heather Macfadyen is a great reminder that God has you where you are supposed to be right now. Sometimes we need reminders of this, and the author did a good of job of reminding us of this. She uses scriptures and stories in the Bible to reiterate this.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an encouragement to be faithful right where you’re placed. Heather Macfadyen is such a gentle and wise guide, and I’ll definitely be revisiting this book.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Heather's book. I finished feeling so encouraged, empowered, and ready to own the space God has assigned to me. This is exactly what I needed and a must read book.

[Alex Banwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this idea of learning to identify and occupy my own God-given space. This book was exactly what I needed for this season in my life.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lovely combination of personal experience, practical advice, and biblical application! It is an easy read that is both motivating and encouraging. I highly recommend!

[Victoria]

DNF August 2023 at 36%.

I just never want to listen to it.

[Brooke Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. So encouraging and scripture based.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok inspirational

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed listening to this , got done good take aways

[Rachel Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there were some good things in this book, I felt like the author tried cramming too much information in here. Because of that, it had a very random feel, didn’t connect well 🤔.