I had never heard of Gwen Smith before I picked up this book. I came across this title and thought it sounded like a message worth exploring. This book is all about how God restores the wounded heart (that’s its subtitle) and it is excellently done.
Gwen Smith is incredibly genuine. You know how you can sometimes tell when you are reading a book that the author ‘likes the sound of their own voice’ and are talking just to talk? Just because they can? Just because they managed to sell the idea of a book to a publisher? Well, that’s not Gwen. There was something very real in the way that she shared her own story of brokenness and related various other women’s stories that drew me in, as the reader, and encouraged my own soul.
Gwen Smith’s story is that she had an abortion in college which she proceeded to keep a secret for the next fifteen years. She had no intention of sharing her story at all because she accepted forgiveness for herself and had experienced God’s grace in this particular situation. Although involved in public music ministry she did not feel like she had to share every bit of her past to somehow justify her position in ministry. I do believe I agree with her opinion in saying that it’s not necessary to “empty your trashcan” to the general public but it is important to share your story if God asks you to. He asked her to and she has been obedient in doing so, which opens up an entirely different ministry of healing.
In this book she not only shares her story, but the stories of other women and the problems that they have faced in their path. This is not done in a vulgar way at all, but rather exercises a great deal of taste and maturity that I think is quite admirable. Coupled with the fact that she compares each individual woman’s story with a story from scripture, this book is quite well done. Smith doesn’t leave the answer to life’s problems in human hands nor does she rely on human wisdom (or the lack thereof) in facing the sin and dealing with it. Rather she throws her readers in the right direction — before the Throne of Grace.
This book is tasteful, encouraging, compelling and necessary. This book fulfills a need in a sympathetic yet solidly Biblical way for which I am incredibly grateful. After finishing reading the book I hopped on Youtube and watched an interview with Gwen and was left with the same impression of sincerity. She is a beautiful woman and has a beautiful story to share. To learn more about the book or to read an excerpt of it, check out the publisher’s, Harvest House website here.
I’d strongly encourage it because I believe you will find yourself blessed in doing so. I know I was.
If you’d like to win a copy of this book, leave a comment and we’ll announce one random winner next week (U.S. addresses only).
Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.
Sounds great!
I would love this book for my brother
Sweet niblets!
I would love to win this book; please enter me. Thanks!
This looks like a great book and something I would love to read!
Wow I would love to read this book!
Would love to give this a read.
Thanks for the chance to win! 🙂
i want to win
I have heard of her and would like very much to read her book.
I want to win
Looks like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway!
I could definitely use this book and relate, in my own way. Thanks for the chance to win.
sounds great
would like to read this
Sounds wonderful , would love to read
Nice prize! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
thanks
Sounds amazing, thanks
Sounds like a wonderful read! Please enter me…thank you!
I believe I was lead to the contest to learn about this wonderful sounding book. Thank you!
Sounds like a wonderful book. Hope I win.
PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY 🙂
Please enter me 🙂
This like a book I need to read!
I’d love to read this 🙂 *Thanks* for the giveaway!
I would like to give this book to my friend. She lost her mother, and her best friend and mother in law to cancer this year. This might help her.
This is just what I need right now in my life. Other christians’ testimonies are always an inspiration to me.
Sounds like a good book. I know exactly who I’d give it to.
This looks like a beautiful testimony.
Thanks for the giveaway. Sounds like a good read.
This book sounds wonderful! Thanks!
This book sounds great! I am trying to teach my 2 and 3 year olds about god and that he will forgive everyone if they ask forgiveness and repent. God teaches us everyday to accept and apprectiate everyone in their own way. God Bless You!
I know I could use this book in my life. Please enter me. Thanks
This sounds like an inspirational and wonderful book. I am always looking for new spiritual and testimonal books. Thanks! [email protected]
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
Sounds like a really good book. Thanks for having the contest!
Thanks for the giveaway. Sounds like a great read.
Sounds like a good read,Count me in.
It sounds like a blessing.
Gwen Smith sympathetic yet solidly biblical message rings true.
That sounds like a really inspiring read. I’d love to win a copy.
I would def. like to read this! Thanks!
this really looks interesting would love to read it
If I win this I will give it to my mother, this would be a great book for her!
This book sounds very inspirational.Please enter
me and thanks.I need a renewal of my soul
This sounds like a great book. Please enter me.
Count me in please.