Beauty for Ashes

by Joyce Meyer

Many people seem to have it all together outwardly, but inside they are wrecks. Their pasts have broken, crushed and wounded them inwardly. Bible teacher Joyce Meyer says they can be healed. . Isaiah 61 reveals that the Lord came to heal the brokenhearted. He wants to heal victims of abuse! Joyce Meyer is a victim of the physical and sexual abuse she suffered as a child. Yet today she has a nationwide ministry of emotional healing to others like herself. In Beauty for Ashes she outlines major truths that brought healing in her life and describes how other victims of abuse can also experience God's healing in their lives. You will learn: How to deal with the emotional pain of abuse How to understand your responsibility to God for overcoming abuse Why victims of abuse often suffer from other addictive behaviors How to grab hold of God's unconditional love The importance of God's timing in working through painful memories Joyce Meyer suffered for thirty-three years the devastating effects of abuse. Now, God has exchanged her ashes for beauty and called her to help others allow Him to do the same for them.

Genres: Christian, Self Help, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Inspirational, Faith, Christian Living

170 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, Joyce’s books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, Joyce teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on how the Word of God applies to our everyday lives. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.

Joyce’s programs, Enjoying Everyday Life and Everyday Answers with Joyce Meyer, can be seen around the world through television, radio, and the Internet. Joyce has authored more than 100 books, which have been translated into more than 100 languages and over 65 million of her books have been distributed worldwide. She teaches in cities across America as well as internationally. Joyce Meyer Ministries has offices in nine countries.

Joyce’s passion to help hurting people is foundational to the vision of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Hand of Hope provides worldwide humanitarian outreaches such as feeding programs, medical care, orphanages, disaster response, human trafficking intervention and rehabilitation, and much more – always sharing the love and Gospel of Christ.

Her latest book, LIVING A LIFE YOU LOVE, releases Spring 2018.

Hachette Book Group has sold over 30 million copies of Joyce Meyer's books.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who is a survivor of abuse -- physical, mental, emotional, sexual.

This shows in a Christian setting how to pick the pieces of your broken life after trama when you're out of danger and gives guidance on how to rebuild your life on the inside.

I own this book and together God, Joyce, and I "put" the pieces of my life back together. Abuse in any form is very wide spread today. If you know of anyone who is suffering, give this book to that person! Trust me it will be appreciated.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for those who have suffered any type of abuse growing up. This is her story of her life, and I can relate to it very well. In fact she and I have similar backgrounds. The one thing I can say as I watch her now and see her strength in God and see her move on from her past is, if she can do it, ANYONE can do it!

I love her straight forwardness. She doesn't dance around any issue, she tells it like it is, not sugar-coating anything.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made sure that I didn't miss reading a word of this book. This book had so much helpful advice and so many detailed examples of dysfunction and how to deal with it, that this book is definitely one not only to read, but to keep for future reference. I was amazed how much hardship Joyce Meyer endured growing up. It was also amazing how the most wonderful man came along and married her (second marriage to Dave Meyer), and how he didn't allow her issues to destroy their marriage while she worked through them. He, too, is inspiring in that he was so willing to marry a broken person and help her. She has inspired many by her blunt stories of abuse and mistreatment, and how she handled it. People actually have felt more at ease confiding in her because of it. To tell your inner most hurtful secrets is hard...to be that exposed to others, telling others of your shame and hurt. Joyce is to be admired for breaking barriers and being very open. I can imagine that this book could be better than a therapy session, although Joyce warns readers to seek God first for guidance on how to handle personal problems. Her book repeatedly states that one should contact the Throne before the phone. She also states that her solutions might not be the same solutions that God wants for other individuals, as Joyce was mainly able to do things on her own to heal, but by using the word of God and prayer to guide her.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book about emotional brokenness, mentally and spiritually. Meyer's story unearthed similarities in my own life that was hidden by the constant berating by my own birth mother. This book makes you think and think deeply. I literally reached into my own soul depths that I was unaware of. Great book. I accidentally checked it out at the library but truth? God was speaking to me. God bless.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will lift you up when you are feeling at your lowest. I read this book at a very dark time in my life and by the time I was finished my whole train of thought had changed. I made some changes in my life, forgave several people, forgave myself and turned my life around. A definite must read. I lost it in a house fire but have been trying to find it again so I can read it again and again.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a weakness for this type of book every so often, and every so often I indulge it. I like Joyce Meyer especially because even without her religious teaching she offers solid practical advice. Some days what you really need is solid. practical. advice.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why I seem to be reading so many Joyce Meyer books lately, but as I look back over my reading list for the past few years, I have read quite a few of her books. She just has some books that I've wanted to read. I'm probably not done reading books by her, but I'm not choosing her books necessarily on purpose. With that being said, I do always receive a lot of great insight when I read books by Joyce Meyer and BEAUTY FOR ASHES is no different. If I could, I would go through and highlight her the passages/words/phrases that stood out for me throughout this book.

The only problem I have with BEAUTY FOR ASHES--if "problem" is the right word--it isn't, but I can't think of anything better that fits right now--is that Meyer focuses this book on victims of physical abuse. Because I am not really a victim of abuse, that part of the book kind of got in the way for me, but that is not to say that the book isn't valuable even for those who have not suffered abuse. It's just that abuse is the basis for everything she discusses in this particular book.

I look forward to the day when God will "give [me] joy instead of mourning, a garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened and failing spirit, and beauty instead of ashes" (Isaiah 61:3).

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book really helpful, I'm not in anyway religious so I did tend to get really annoyed at some parts. For the main part I took the lessons from this and applied them to my life without the whole religious aspect.

The most powerful thing about this book for me, was it made me realise a lot about myself and the abuse I have faced. She says a lot of simple things that have made me realise how much anger and hurt I've been carrying inside of me and by her recognising it and saying simple things, I've really been able to start applying her suggested techniques to my life.

I do recommend this for those who need healing, it's a book that allows you to realise how much power you have over you life, but you need to take control at some point.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

even though she's pretty hard-core christian, i tend to resonate with her lessons (at least when I see her on tv)... it feels like she's speaking directly to what is happening in my life. i thought i'd like her book due to this, and for the most part i did enjoy it, until i read about how god's plan for her was to submit to her husband, that her husband is her head in all things, etc...a pretty big turn-off, since i personally believe that god values all beings equally and doesn't discriminate between an innie and and outie. dang, can't mainstream people be both christian and feminist?

[Ebonie Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. I've been going back and forth and skipping around to pull bible verses directed at whatever emotional anguish I may be experiencing from time to time. I believe it's a handy tool for battling the emo. And I'm pretty sure I am not the only one who hears "Momma Joyce"'s voice while reading. Always great teachings from her. I definitely recommend this to keep in the spiritual warfare section of your library. I am more than content with my purchase as this was a gift to myself that keeps on giving. ♡

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. I hate that every single quoted verse is broken down into defining every word. Not necessary! I had to skip over a lot because this was annoying.
Other than that, this may be fairly helpful to anyone dealing with issues that cause them private turmoil and wrecked confidence. But! There is a lot of ego and somewhat unreasonable expectations aimed at the victim, I think.

[Eboney]

I got this book years ago as a gift with purchase when I bought some of her tapes.I couldn't put it down! This book spoke on how to move on from past hurts and how not to be so hard on yourself because of it. No favorite chapters here because the entire book was awesome.

[Dante · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for embarking on Christ-centered emotional healing.

This book is a wonderful starting place for Christians at any point in their walk with Christ who want to experience healing in any area in their emotional life. While much of this book’s advice may seem elementary for more mature believers, I still found the book to be a needed reminder in my own life.

Occasionally i found the pacing of the book to be a bit choppy, feeling more like several disjointed thoughts strung together, rather than a cohesive, singular work. However, this is my only critique of the book.

Meyer speaks with the wisdom of someone well versed in the Bible and with a robust emotional maturity. Much of her advice surrounds the area of abuse, as this was her personal area of deepest hurt, but her advice rings true even for those who have not suffered the same circumstances. I had to sit with many of the ideas in this book for a while, as they challenged me to deeper vulnerability in my walk with Christ.

This is definitely a worthwhile read, and worth revisiting on a regular basis. This book gives a lot of good for thought, and challenges the reader in a healthy way.

[Galina Kulikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Багато людей живуть так, ніби у них все в порядку, але їхня душа болить. Минулі переживання залишили в серці глибокі рани, вони відчувають себе зламаним, розбитими і потребують зцілення.
У Бога є план для них. Господь прийшов зцілити зламаних серцем. Він хоче зцілити тих, хто зазнав насильства, кому завдали душевні рани.
У дитинстві Джойс Майєр перенесла фізичне, душевне і сексуальна наруга. Сьогодні вона допомагає отримати душевне зцілення таким же, як вона і всім кого не покидають неприємні спогади з минулого, ятрять душу залишаючи душевного спокою. Книги Джойс Майєр написані на реальних подіях, історіях з її життя або життя її близьких, знайомих, яким Бог допоміг зцілити своє життя. Її книги настільки сильні що витягують з безодні.

[Melissa Webbb]

I loved the study I did on this book in the fall at a local church. If you've been through abuse, I highly recommend completing the same program in your area. I decided to read the book to continue pursing my journey toward healing. I recommend both!

[Kamiel Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved her transparency and applicable steps for the reader. It was very hard for me to put it down.

[Danay Matute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realmente siento que Dios ayudó a Joyce a escribir este libro para mi.

Solo puedo decir que estoy esperando que Dios me recompense todos mis días tristes

[Saskia Dillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God says waiting can be good, because it's how we learn patience. When we are patient, walking in the wilderness, surrendering our dreams, or standing in the line of fire, part of what we are learning is to be patient."

[Claudia Oliveros]

muy buen Libro, es una guía práctica

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Beautiful & encouraging... many tears shed thru hard to read b/c how I related to the abuse I have suffered & I felt I should be feeling jealous in ways that Joyce was so blessed to have been given a 2nd husband a true man of God that actually went thru the many years of her going thru the emotional process of her healing & getting to her full potential. A TRUE MAN of God marrying her knowing what she had been thru & that it was going to be a long difficult road ahead I must applaud him for not having miraculous expectations of her in the marriage & supporting her thru her transformation process. I felt relief that there is at least one man that knows true humility on this planet. I have been dealing w/ all of this alone w/ only God which really has resolved myself into a permanent singleness status of present & future. I have been celibate for 15+ years & that's how I'm going to remain for the rest of my days here on earth!

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I read this woman’s books, I get some form of healing. I pray and ask to hear what I meant to take onboard and boom I get exactly I need. I don’t agree with everything she has written, as I believe we can become too fanatical about our faith. I spent my whole life thinking I needed to be something but now I know, being exactly who I AM enough. I have also learnt that it’s important we don’t concentrate on self-rationalisation. I love how she emphasises this to be an addiction along with worry. However, I deem seeking God obsessively is a shift from one addiction to another, a way of not facing reality. It’s is important for me not to control my feeling but to accept them. I was taught our feeling show us that we like something or there is danger and at times it needed to be trusted. I believe all our journeys are different and what works for one, may not work for another. All in all though, it a lovely healing book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful book for me because of some people I know with abuse in their past--which isn't exactly in the past, as it lingers in their heart and hurts all over again, especially if we are not careful and sensitive to their feelings. I don't agree with all Joyce Meyer's theology or, perhaps, methods of recovery, though it has helped her and may, indeed, help others. Most of it in this book aligns quite with Scripture, though, I think.

The author speaks from experience, which helps me to understand the deep and long-lasting effects of abuse, to work on relationships, and to pray when I can't help, for the ultimate help comes from God and His Word.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book - a quick read but filled with valuable steps that one can take to be healed from past hurts. It focuses on those who were abused in some manner, but I think it can probably also apply to those who have experienced harsh trials and have had trouble getting over them.

I highly recommend this book to any Christian, as I'm sure the vast majority of us have issues in some area that's discussed in the book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I read by Joyce Meyer. After giving up on God and thinking I was doomed to hell because of childhood sexual abuse, a friend recommended this book to me. I was very skeptical, but as I read it, I felt it was written just for me. After reading this book, I began my journey back to God, and healing from the abuse.

[Kelly Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyce Meyer is very down to earth & relatable. I love that she admits her own faults & never attempts to be "holier than thou". Joyce's own personal story is one of true inspiration. If you have ever experienced trauma in your life or even great disappointment then this is a book for you. I personally needed to read this very slowly to absorb it all.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is THE best book I've read in a long time. I loved it and plan to share it with anyone who needs uplifting. Joyce Meyer had a rough life growing up and she expresses her feelings at the time so well. As someone who suffered a similar fate, I can say she knows exactly how I felt and continued to until several months ago. Joyce, you are such a Blessing.

[Elaine Beachy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just excellent. I used this book also in teaching a women's Bible study in my home, and many embarked on a journey to emotional healing. Joyce tells her own story of sexual and verbal and emotional abuse at the hands of her father and how God helped her rise from the ashes of her life. Very powerful!

[Maria Ambrosio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most of my Joyce Meyer books, this is another one that is written in, underlined, commented on and highlighted! Its more than just a book to be read and put away....you can take it out over and over like a good old friend and peruse all those words of wisdom that come back to you with fresh encouragement. Joyce is amazing and this is one of her best.

[Megan Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

got this for Christmas from a dear friend. this book changed my outlook on life. this woman has been through some real hardcore stuff and yet she has moved on. I know it's a Christian book but if you could get past the God part this should be a must read for anyone who wants to live a free life with nothing holding them down. if she can move past her past I can move past me past.

[Denise Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging to know that God wants to take my ugly ashes and swap them for His beauty! I'm still learning how to surrender them to Him but I know that He wants to do that for me becuase He loves me!