Alright ladies, let’s get real, we’ve all felt the pain of rejection at some point in our lives. Maybe it was from your parents, friends, classmates, or crush, but whoever it came from, the wound cut deep and it may still be festering inside of you. Lysa doesn’t shy away from the struggles of rejection but comes at them head on. Revealing the lies of the enemy, the truth in God’s word, and how we can reject the feeling of being unwanted and embrace who we truly are in Christ. This is a popular book right now for a reason.

2. Triggers: Exchanging Parent's Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses, Wendy Speake

So thankful for this book and the authors brave enough to share their mistakes.  There is comfort in knowing I'm not alone in my struggles. But even better, they pointed me towards the Lord at every step. I love that there are practical ideas and suggestions that actually work. This is book is so impactful that I sometimes have stayed on one chapter for an entire week! I cannot recommend this book enough. It gives space for proper reflection, but yet offers helpful solutions rather than just making me feel guilty and like I’m failing as a mother when my triggers cause me to lose it. 

3. Kingdom Disciples, Dr. Tony Evans: 

All the books in his Kingdom series (and I've read all but one) are fantastic, and inspire readers to view all of life through a Kingdom lens. This latest book is a practical overview of discipleship, and it teaches what a disciple is, what a disciple should do, and how to make disciples of others. It is highly informative, but also deeply inspiring and even challenging at times.

4. The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren

FInding out our purpose in life can be really hard. The world tells us to get a degree, find a good paying job, get married, buy a house with a white picket fence, and save up for retirement. God’s ways are different then the worlds though and His purposes for us don’t always include the typical “American Dream”. Warren helps us discover what our own unique purpose is by taking a look at our passions, desires, and the word of God. Each chapter ends with a couple of questions to ask ourselves to get us closer to finding our purpose. If you’re struggling to figure out what God wants you to do with your life then this book can definitely help!

5. Girls with Swords, Lisa Bevere

In Girls with Swords, Lisa Bevere encourages women to make the choice to be heroes. The cross is our greatest weapon and as we study the Word of God as a whole, and proclaim it, we raise our swords to bring light and life. This book is a call to be prepared and trained. It equips you for battle as you read and apply the truths on its pages. 

6. Captivating, John and Stasi Eldredge

This book centers around how God created the heart of women for beauty and romance. The Eldredge’s go into depth about why God created women this way and how it is actually a reflection of Him. If you haven’t read this book yet then do yourself a favor and get it as soon as possible!

7. Transforming the Prodigal Soul, Scott Prickett: 

Scott, a trial lawyer and year of professional ministry, brings a fresh perspective to what it means to walk in the Spirit through the trials of life. The chapters are short, but powerful and so full of thought, which makes for and easier but profound read. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with the ups and downs of life. 

8. Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado

Whether you are an adult or a child, anxiety doesn't discriminate. I've met more people this year alone who have opened up to me about their struggles with anxiety than ever before. Lucado writes about how having reliance on the Lord in this crazy world can calm our hearts and our minds. The key is to follow after God and not get out ahead of where he wants you to be. If you struggle with anxiety and worry, I would highly recommend this book. Appropriate for young adults/teens. 

9. . Boundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud 

This book has been around for a while but it is an amazing read! This book is for those who are tired of being stepped on. Those who have been victims of any kind of abuse, are often those who struggle with boundaries- I am one of them! Their life experience has taught them that inappropriate line crossing is part of daily life. It is a hard lesson to UN-learn. This book is a tool to help people  with boundary issues, to learn where the line is and how to defend it. 

 10. Unglued, Lysa T

The way Lysa writes makes you feel like you are actual sitting down with a friend and just talking about life struggles together . She is encouraging, real, and funny! She shares her struggle so you feel safe to say "yes me too!" And not feel like a failure for having those struggles, but instead feel human and normal.
I cannot recommend this highly enough!  Having three small children, coming unglued is not how I want to be, but I need the gentle reminders that I have a choice to extend grace and teach it in a fun with my littles.

11. (BONUS): BIBLE:

 Of course I had to add the best book of all to this list! The word of God truly is alive and active and will encourage you through the ups and downs of life. It’s full of adventure, romance, lessons, poetry, prophecies, and TRUTH! If you crack open any book on this list I pray that this is the one! 

 Many Blessings!
Brittany

Makin' Jesus Famous