Reading James Bradley’s Flyboys was an amazing voyage through the days of war in the Pacific.  Over the past 65 years many books have been written about WWII, Hitler, Germany and the Jewish annihilation.  We have often been reminded of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima; the vast and horrific smoke plume above the horizon of the Land of the Rising Sun is a sight not easily forgotten. However when it comes to the conflict between America and Japan after the devastation of Pearl Harbor, modern generations are thoroughly uninformed.

Prior to WWII war was fought primarily on the ground.  Not even the conflict in Europe utilized air combat to the extent that it was used between Japan and America.  Flyboys were a new breed of soldier; fresh-faced, naïve, suave and debonair in their aviator uniforms.  These boys had no idea what kind of world they would eventually parachute from their planes into.  Media at the time tended toward a focus on the war crimes of Germany, leaving the average citizen oblivious to Japan’s dealings with China, Guinea, and the American POW.

I was surprised to learn that our previous president, George H.W. Bush, was one of nine Flyboy’s shot down over the deadliest island in the South Pacific.  He was also the only one rescued.  Equally enlightening was the fact that more lives were taken when the Japanese soldiers killed Chinese people in retaliation for America’s surprise bombing on Tokyo then all of those lost when America bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki (250,000).

The “Spirit Warriors” fighting for Japan during WWII were educated from early childhood to despise Americans and referred to them as “the Others” (any Lost fans out there recognize the term?)  While Japanese Samurai were “shrewd strategists and tacticians” that fought to win war, Spirit Warriors conversely believed that service to country meant sacrificing their lives.  By removing this fear of death, Spirit Warriors became eager, fearless, and ultimately suicidal.   They mistakenly believed war was won by this lone sacrificial action.

The US Army built a “Little Tokyo” in southwest Salt Lake City using authentic Japanese wood, authentic furniture, tatami mats flown in from Hawaii, and clothing hung in the closets.  This makeshift city was developed so that the military could conduct tests to discover which bomb, when dropped from a B29, would cause the most damage.  The premise of these experiments was to prove that if the bomb could destroy houses it was “capable of doing an equal job on industrial buildings too.”  No one questioned “why, if industrial targets were the priority for destruction, meticulously constructed homes were the first targets of the tests.”

The result of these experiments produced Naplam as the bomb of choice.  A sticky substance that stuck to anything, Napalm slowly burned whatever it touched.  No amount of water would extinguish it, patting the exposed area simply spread it’s burning capacity.  American B29’s skimmed the surface of Tokyo on death-defying missions —without ammunition—and dropped cheesecloth packed Napalm pipes on civilian neighborhoods.  Napalm killed more victims than the atomic bombs and, according to Japanese military experts, was the reason for Japan’s eventual surrender.

Amazing as those details are, however, they could not prepare me for the shocking descriptive depiction of how Japan treated POW’s.  The account of the eight Flyboy’s demise, long sealed after a top-secret military tribunal, are now described in horrific detail in the story that waited 58 years to be told.  Spirit Warriors on the island of Chichi Jima tortured, executed and cannibalized defenseless American POW’s.  At times the soldiers simply went about blindly obeying the orders of their superiors; often, though, they accepted the responsibility willingly.

My husband read this book before I did.  Actually he snatched it up as soon as I walked in the door from the Library.  When I asked him how he liked my book he would simply shake his head and say, “war is tough.”  Many of the reviews I read on Amazon focused on the author’s attempt to balance how vicious Americans could be (ie the way we treated the American Indian, the tactics of war in the Pacific that targeted millions of civilians) with the atrocities committed on Chichi Jima.  Most thought one culture was far worse than the other.

At the same time I read Flyboys I was reading the Old Testament Prophets.  I often remarked it was confusing which book I was reading!  Not because Isaiah was flying around in a B29…. Just look at what the Prophet Micah proclaimed in warning to Isreal….

“Hear, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel!
 Is it not for you to know justice? You who hate the good and love the evil, 
 who tear the skin from off my people and their flesh from off their bones, who eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot, like flesh in a cauldron.” Micah 3:1-3

Apparently some things have not yet changed; neither have people.

I’m sure we’d like to self-righteously believe our culture is incapable of the atrocities described by James Bradley; that we have matured far beyond such grisly behavior.  Unfortunately what Micah reveals proves quite the contrary.  No matter what the date, location, or environment all human beings are still and will always be grossly capable of sin.

Although the content is quite graphic and oft times will churn the stomach, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.  Our previous generations sacrificial actions are an important lesson for our present narcissistic society.  More importantly, similar to the Prophet Micah’s call to return to the Living God, this WWII depiction serves as a reminder of that very same need in every man’s (country’s) heart.

http://www.marykassian.com/archives/828

June 8th, 2009 • By Mary Kassian 

It happened. Again. And it’s been happening with increasing frequency. I was listening to a Christian speaker, and she implied that anyone who disagreed with her position on women preaching in church was being “judgmental.” That person ought to examine his/her heart and repent of his/her attitude of superiority.

Arrghh…. how frustrating!!!!!!!!! It seems that nowadays, anyone who has a doctrinal conviction is pooh-poohed and written off in this way. Especially if one’s conviction goes against the tide of popular opinion. Far too many people consider the pursuit of sound theology the mark of a person who is argumentative and proud. That’s why I loved…. absolutely LOVED… reading Tim Challies’ book, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment.

Challies argues that “spiritual discernment is absolutely crucial to the one who would understand and heed the gospel. Nothing less than the gospel is at stake… By practicing spiritual discernment we guard the gospel, the message of eternal life.” Discernment itself is rooted in the understanding that there is good and bad, that there are God’s ways and other ways.

Challies defines discernment as the skill of understanding and applying God’s Word with the purpose of separating truth from error and right from wrong. According to Challies, “When we practice discernment,we are applying the truths of the Bible to our lives. We are attempting to understand the words of the Bible and trusting God’s Word to give clarity so we might see things as God sees them. Our goal in discernment is to do just this: to see things through God’s eyes through the Bible and thus to see things as they really are. Like wiping the steam from a mirror, we seek to remove what is opaque so we might see with God-given clarity.”

Challies believes that the “gray” situations we encounter in life are gray “only because we have not done enough work to clarify them or because our own sinful desires have interfered and have interposed themselves between black and white.” We must determine whether something is good or evil, right or wrong, based on the objective, unmoving standard of the Bible rather than on our subjective, constantly shifting feelings and preferences.

Challies argues that we MUST judge doctrine and behavior by the objective standards of right and wrong that are given to us in Scripture. We MUST be discerning to understand and apply God’s Word with the purpose of separating truth from error and right from wrong. What we may not do, though, is judge a person’s heart and motives.

Challies’ call to discernment flies directly in the face of the “Whatever you believe and do is OK” mentality that is crippling the Church. Doctrine is important. Theology is important. Those who are bored or disinterested with doctrine and theology are bored and disinterested with God himself.

We need to be discerning because Satan constantly seeks to lead us away from truth, to deceive us, by offering us a counterfeit version of truth. Satan offers something that resembles the truth but is actually error. He is crafty and subtle, offering something that seems so close yet is still so far away. “Did God really say?” were this words to Eve, and they are the words he continues to use today. That’s why discernment is absolutely essential.

Discernment is a skill that must be sharpened with long years of practice. Hebrews 5:14…tells us that discernment comes to those who ‘by constant practice [work] to distinguish good from evil.’

To lack discernment is to sin against God.

Are you discerning? Do you carefully study Scripture and work at distinguishing good from evil, right from wrong? The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment encourages believers to embrace and treasure discernment, for there are few things that are as important, or as precious. The Bible cries for you to seek after it so you can live, so you can grow, and so you can mature in your faith.

I highly, highly recommend this book for all who would stand against the tide and answer the call.

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Please include the following statement on any internet copy: © Mary A. Kassian, Girls Gone Wise. Visit Mary’s Website at: GirlsGoneWise.com

What exactly did the shepherd boy David accomplish to acquire the title,“man after God’s own heart?”  How can we too have a heart like his?  What are the principles David followed also seen in the life of Christ?  Beth Moore ponders these questions and carries the women in her study verse by verse on a historical walk through the scripture.  Christ is rightly acknowledged in the life of David, the word of God is properly recognized as sufficient for all life and Godliness, and the listener is suitably directed toward a praiseworthy relationship with the Father.

What does the word of God say about pursuing A Heart Like His?  Would God find our pursuit of His heart glorifying?  Did God inspire the story of David in the Bible’s record so that we will have an accurate understanding on our own trek?

Beth Moore is beyond passionate about her relationship with the Lord.  She loves Him with an amazing intensity and, through her distinctive and engaging personality, shares that love with the listener.  The audience readily identifies with Beth. She is well educated and versed in scripture, while simultaneously vulnerable and honest.  She writes beautiful poetry filled with sorrow, praise, and enthusiasm; with each recitation the audience draws a collective sigh. Who wouldn’t love a woman that doesn’t just shed tears, she openly “kraaz?”  Witty, heartfelt, and faithful stories from the scripture as well as the speaker’s life are recounted; each designed to press upon the listener an equivalent heart for the Lord.

Seven goals “in the order they appear in Scripture” are set out for the listener to follow, in an attempt to achieve A Heart like His.  Through the 10 sessions that follow one will hope to achieve:

1. A fresh recognition of God’s authority
2. A deepened relationship with God through prayer
3. A ready response to authentic worship
4. A reliable reception of God’s word
5. A greater reluctance to judge by appearances
6. A personal readiness to repent and be restored
7. A heart remodeled after his own

The first Group Session shows that Christ can be seen in two “complexities” of David’s personality.   Beth defines these traits as lionhearted and tenderhearted.  The lionhearted Christ is a “brave warrior,” acting on our behalf from days of old until the end.  The tenderhearted Christ walks with his friends (ex: Mary and Martha), listens to our prayers, our requests, and our contempt and is moved by our suffering.  And while the believer still must endure times of suffering or unanswered prayer, Christ’s tender heart proves His love for us is trustworthy.

Session Two identifies both the “vulnerability of leaders” and the believer’s appropriate attitude toward them.  Leaders can be enticed to compromise truth in an effort to “enlarge their audience” or avoid difficult “confrontation.”  Believers are responsible to “release leaders from being God.”  When and if our leaders do fall, we are to take a humble attitude, pray for them and address our disappointments to God.

Session Three parallels the life of David with the listener in respect to Satan and his attacks.  Similar to David, we have an enemy “we did not choose; he chose us.” Our enemy is likewise due to our “appointment,” and he is every bit as fortified and powerful as David’s enemies. By observing how David handled Saul, we can learn what to expect from Satan as well as how to counteract his assaults in our life.

Session Four illustrates the 5 types of relationships Christ risked during His life on earth.  Here, Beth emphasizes that relationship is also one of our most important risks.  She states it is “why Christ was here.”  Christ interacted on a variety of levels; first, with the multitude of crowds for the purpose of witnessing.  Next, He engaged the 72 as an example of those He served.  He then chose the 12 for a discipleship relationship. The 3 He pursued as an exercise in transparency at a deeper level, and finally, He was alone for times of intimacy with the Father.  In this last relationship, the author outlines a way in which it is possible to proceed “further still.”  This particular time with the Father is for when “we are in need of the most intensive care.”  Ms. Moore calls it a “place of honesty where you may wrestle with the will of God.”  In doing so she suggests that this place is one in which the listener “must emerge changed.”

In Session Five, the similarities we share with David in regards to a change process are revealed.  Like David, “we have been promised a kingdom.”  We likewise will reign with Christ and are being prepared by way of “time plus conflict.”  “God desires to conform us to the likeness of His Son,” and we are to participate with God and recognize that this change is both good and a work that will have an end.

The virtues of David that made him a “choice King” are the reference for praise that the author teaches in Session 6.  Identified as an outward action, authentic praise is a choice and can be performed in a variety of ways.  The Hebrew words used to describe these actions are Yadhah, Tehillah, Zamar and Halah.  Translated they make clear that as a people who praise God we speak out, confess, sing, make noise (instrumental) and shine.  “Focus” is paramount in approach to the Father, and Beth emphasizes that praise is not meant solely for a worship service.  In her opinion praise “has no bounds.”    Praise is also described as a habit, contagious, not based on feeling, and the opportunity to “sit and dwell” at the feet of the Father.

Session 7 begins with a challenge derived from the life of David.  Ms. Moore spells out 10 safeguards David utilized to protect himself from the cycle of sin.  She mentions that, “if he can, we can.”  These safeguards reveal poverty apart from God and suggest ways in which to avoid that separation.  An honest approach, guarding against potential weakness, and accepting forgiveness are some of the tangible actions to employ.  Being acquainted with God’s mercy, seeking joy from the Lord, and walking in the truth denote a life attitude that protects.  Knowing sin tendencies will be imperative in order to follow the safeguard of “call on God at first sign of trouble,” and an “undivided heart” vital to acknowledging the supremacy of Christ.

A shift away from the focus on David toward the prodigal son happens in Session 8. These lessons yield 13 principles for heart change.  In studying this Biblical character, the listener can see several of the prodigal son’s unacceptable attitudes and motives.  As well, the attributes of God are identified in the prodigal’s father. The author warns against inappropriate requests in both “time and motive.”  She mentions that the listener be advised, “one may get exactly as one asks.”  Ms. Moore paints a picture of a wild child, devoid of all wisdom and discernment; one who mistakes liberation as freedom.  Conversely, the author portrays the longing and emptiness of the father as he waits patiently for his son’s return and celebrates wholeheartedly when it happens.  She states, “we can never over estimate our value to God.”  Ms. Moore then tells a moving story of her separation from her children due to the ministry she is called to.  She compares her heart wrenching disconnection to that of the prodigal’s father, and emphasizes how valuable we are as His children, “He yearns for us.”  The session ends with a note of warning regarding a correct attitude toward the prodigal son, for “we have no idea what that child suffered.”

Returning to the examples from David in Session 9, listeners learn of his complete exhaustion.  For the purpose of this lesson, the exhaustion David suffered during the time Saul pursued him is examined.  “Fighting the same enemy for too long,” is a contributing factor, as well as unmet physical needs and a sense of fighting battles all alone.  Likewise, when God “desires to change our roles,” He will make us aware by causing us to be weary.  Practical remedies are suggested; retreat, fast and pray, even perhaps consider taking a nap.  Belief is key; God promised to care for physical needs.  He also provided us with the body, complete with a wealth of gifts. Ultimately, Ms. Moore says, tell Him your need, “His word works, try it you’ll see.”

Finally, with Session 10 the Shepherd carries David to his final rest.  Throughout his life, God the Father was to David as he in turn was to his sheep. Similarly, the audience is able to recognize God.  “In your roles, God is teaching something of Himself…He wants to lead us so that we can share in His Holiness.”  Ms. Moore concludes the lessons from the life of David by reiterating that, “The Lord had been David’s guide,” and that He also guides us in righteousness by His Word and chastisement.  The Lord was with David through his life and led him through the valley of the shadow of death. He now accompanies him through the reality. David nor the listener have reason to be afraid, however, as “God conquered the fear of death.”  The author also shares part of her heart in that she wants “the Lord to catch me in mid sentence with praise” when He returns.  

I so appreciate the goals Beth Moore seeks to accomplish in this study.  She accurately pinpoints several areas in which our hearts are desperately in need of purification.  She then promotes looking in the precise place where the solution can be found, God’s Word.  Ms. Moore doesn’t simply showcase excellent teaching skills; she boldly challenges each listener head-on when pointing out sin areas.  Specific examples from her own difficult lessons level the ground from which she confronts.  Her journey is continuous; she has no attitude of condemnation for she is well aware of the proclivity of her own heart.  Likewise, Beth doesn’t sugar coat when she exhorts.  While speaking about the situation when our leaders fail she urges us to “remind ourselves of our own humanness and fallibility.”  She expresses plainly to the listener that they should have an appropriate attitude toward leaders, and that our womanly “feelings” belong first and foremost at the feet of the Lord.  By participating with Ms. Moore on any one of her journeys women would be blessed simply knowing that Beth’s heart, her overriding passion is that we all would grow in holiness.

Regrettably, I don’t recommend taking such a journey.  Let me explain.  This is actually my first foray into the world of the Beth Moore series.  For years I had heard that these studies were difficult, not simply due to the gravity of time commitment, rather that they would encourage radical heart change.  Perhaps that is why I stayed away!  As time progressed and I grew in the knowledge of the foundation of my faith, I heard that Beth’s teaching did not quite line up with what I believed.  Still, that did not prohibit me from listening; we do, after all, believe in the same God.  After listening to this particular series, however, I’m afraid I must conclude that what she teaches deviates from the central message of the Bible.

As previously stated, Beth loves the Word of God; it is the bedrock of her teaching.  Her method for utilizing the Bible in reference to this study, however, employs a moralistic approach to scripture.  For example, in order to achieve this new heart the listener is directed to the life and lessons of a man…David.  “A heart like His is illustrated perfectly in the heart of David.”  This approach is designed to “study the life of David [in order] to lead us to Christ.”  David’s story, then, inevitably leads us to discover how he respected his leaders, fought off the enemy (in his case Saul; in ours, Satan), handled conflict, praised the Father, protected himself from sin, combated exhaustion, and faced the reality of death in his effort to develop a heart like God’s.  While none of these pursuits are essentially wrong, the Biblical character the study uses to model them was a sinner who, apart from Jesus Christ’ death and resurrection, could not achieve holiness.  And rather than the story lead the listener to Christ and illustrate this act of redemption, Beth assures spiritual success by following the same faulty principles. Another fundamental problem with Beth’s interpretation is that David was called a “man after God’s heart” in 1 Samuel 13:14, while Saul was still King.  David had not yet lived the life we use as an example in this study for our own quest toward a heart like His.

When using humanity as an approach to scripture, the wrong standard is imposed.  “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; yet these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39 Examples from the Biblical characters’ life then unavoidably develop into statutes.  As well, the Bible becomes simply a teaching tool outlining what we must do to achieve holiness and Christ is the helper who serves us on the path that gets us there. 

As the ideas in the sessions develop, this subtle mind-set is observed and it dangerously diminishes who Christ is and what He did.  The bulk of my greatest concerns lie within this thinking.  For example, Christ is portrayed as a comrade to Mary, Martha and Lazarus.  Beth’s interpretation has Martha speaking in a tone of contempt with Jesus when He finally arrives after Lazarus’ death.  The lesson for us is that “Christ is trustworthy to take your complaint.”  Additionally, the author states, “Our sharing those emotions frees Him to explain through His word the glory he wants to work in your life.”  In this attempt to portray Christ as tenderhearted, Beth refashions Christ into something of a pawn.  The author’s reasoning for Jesus hesitance in raising Lazarus from the dead was so that, “greater glory could be seen in Mary, Martha and Lazarus,” not God. 

Rather than confess that we question God’s sovereignty, we’re told to share our disappointments with Him to “get them off our chest” and “so we don’t slander.”  The place of “further still” is a place that Christ went to wrestle with God and beg to be released from His earthly assignment, “Christ was desperate to get out of His task.”  Conversely, Hebrews tells us that Christ endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him.  The lesson from this session is that we too have “permission to fight with Him.” 

When exhaustion sets in, Ms. Moore suggests that the listener is serving in the wrong place.  In order to know for sure, however, she states, “Ask Him, He will be obligated because of His great name to tell us.”  While God has obligated Himself to do as He promised, He did not promise to answer all of our questions.

Ultimately an assessment of the life of any Biblical character and the development of principles deduced from said life leads one to believe that we as humans are capable of moving toward Christ. In the words of Michael Horton, “If the law is rendered powerless by human sinfulness, how on earth could we possibly believe that humanly devised schemes and principles for victory and spiritual power could achieve success?”1   David’s life and lessons must point to his and subsequently our need for a crucified Savior.  Anything less minimizes Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Although Beth Moore’s “A Heart Like His” beckons us to a higher place in the call to holiness it does not offer us the power to get there.  As I listened to the sessions I felt a weight of responsibility to perform at a greater level, burdened by the knowledge of my transgression.  I spent the greater part of my spiritual life following principles, and at the end of the day wondered why I did not then receive the blessing.  What relief there is in knowing “not a single spiritual blessing can be pried from God’s hand by obedience; it is all there in the Father’s open, outstretched hand.” 1

1. Michael S. Horton. “Preaching Christ Alone.” Monergism. 22 May 2009. <http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/preachChristalone.html>

Review by Ann Maree Goudzwaard

June 2009

The Power of a Woman’s Words

By Sharon Jaynes

The way we speak in this 21st century leaves much to be desired.  Although the opportunity to communicate has never been as easy or accessible, the words we choose have lost the richness they once had.  From mispronunciation to abbreviation our carelessly spoken words rarely promote encouragement or “building one another up.”  Most often, if we are honest, we speak much more than we should about a subject we think is far too important: us.

Sharon Jayne’s’ “The Power of a Woman’s Words” seeks to encourage the reader to use this “building up” type of communication in our language.  She includes numerous stories to demonstrate the way words help as well as how words hurt people.  Each of the stories included are designed to help the reader see how she has used words inappropriately or could have expressed herself better.  Just by sheer volume of the narratives, the reader is bound to see herself and realize she is lacking.

Ms. Jayne’s then explains the power of the words we speak and implies that they are sovereign.  According to the author, our words are capable of:

changing the course of a life, “Perhaps as you’ve been reading about the power of a woman’s words and the incredible ability we have to change the course of a day or a life by the words we speak…”

creating life – physical as well as spiritual – both God and man, “Just as God used words to create physical life, our words can be the spark to generate spiritual life.”

showing others what they look like, “Our words become the mirror in which others see themselves”

saving man from eternal damnation (salvation), “Wow! It is with our mouth that we are saved!”

 shaping a child’s heart, “..you (with your words) have the ability to shape a child’s heart for good or bad.”

helping a woman become the Proverbs 31 wife of noble character, “That’s the woman I want to be.  My words have the power to make it so.”

This book emphasizes what words do for US; from beginning to end the focus is on man.  There is little hint of the God-glorifying or God-pleasing motive to change our tone or speech.

Likewise missing in the book are some of the other things the Bible is concerned about in reference to our words.  Gossip, for example, is not mentioned until page 199.  Slander and lying are not mentioned at all.  What little is said in reference to what God is concerned about regarding the tongue does not get mentioned until the end of the book (and without the same prominence as some inherently-powerful words get in the preceding chapters).

Miss Jayne’s also presents a view of God “speaking” that could be construed as continuing revelation.  Distinct from illumination, this may be a Scripture-plus position.  “Put the book down and talk to this girl, God seemed to say”; “God interrupted me while I was cooking dinner and told me to pray for you” are common.

The use of inaccurately interpreted scripture to substantiate the author’s thesis creates a problem at a fundamental level.  Examples of this include, “Just as sin was ushered into the world through the words of Eve, salvation and hope was ushered into the world by the words of Mary.”  “Her (Sarai’s) words resulted in the birth of Ishmael and the resulting conflict between the Arab and Jewish nations that still rages today.”  “Job was a man who lost everything and yet he did not complain.”

The author presents an integrated perspective throughout her book, mixing some Biblical truth, behavior psychology (absent is a heart-change focus), pop culture truisms “hurting people hurt people” and “Christian” psychology, “You can only get your bucket filled by dipping out of your own and sharing the encouragement with others.”

Reformed readers will take issue not only with the assertion of a sovereign word apart from a Sovereign Creator but also the natural progression it takes, “Most people are drawn to Christ through cords of kindness formed in relationships with other people.”

Although the subject matter is worth looking at, a woman may walk away from “The Power of a Woman’s Words” and find she has little success changing her behavior apart from the truly powerful Word of God.

Worn Out Woman

When your life is full and your spirit is empty

Dr. Steve Stephens

Alice Gray

Women wear many hats.  A wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, housekeeper, cook, church member, and employee each have extensive job descriptions.  Suffice to say, living life with that type of constant motion will inevitably wear a woman out and potentially rob her of her joy—not to mention energy.

Authors Steve Stephens and Alice Gray bring with them a background of psychology, writing, speaking and first hand experience at being “worn out,” and combine in an effort to tackle this predicament. They seek to identify the problems that contribute to our female weariness, and weave together solutions that will help replenish the spirit and reenergize the reader with joy. 

The proposed first step toward recovery involves a careful inventory of the reader’s life to determine is she is, in fact, worn out.  The authors suggest she first look back at her life/upbringing and pinpoint the reasons she acts the way she does.  It is recommended that the reader not dwell in the past; however the patterns she has developed may have been born early in life and recognition is key to her recovery.  It also helps if the reader knows her type of temperament, who influences her, and any negative circumstances or trauma that shaped her stressed-out life.  Finally in this discovery period, the authors advise the reader, should she have deeper issues, to consult a licensed counselor or psychologist and possibly investigate medical/chemical intervention.

What follows next are the prescribed solutions and, written in no particular order, the reader is free to approach each one on a need-to-know basis.  As she investigates her behavior, a woman may inquire of the book to help her,

Accept her limitations/let go of expectations

Try not to control situations/people

Change her current circumstances and potentially work or volunteer in a different atmosphere, one more favorable to her passions

Find God’s will for her life, instead of simply reacting to life situations

Change her attitude/add laughter and thankfulness

Give more of herself and her gifts to others

Simplify her life

Put God in her schedule

Find a few friends

Rid her life of needy individuals

Forgive

Quit worrying

Release sorrows and disappointments to God

Start her day right

Get enough sleep

Appreciate and enjoy the beauty that surrounds her

If attaining joy and energy were as simple as reordering the structure of life, this would be the book women should read.  Unfortunately, life is more complicated than that.  There are many times in a woman’s life when she will -out of necessity- be worn out.  A new baby, a sick parent, a job required for financial stability; all threaten to rob her of energy, joy and peace.  These times may not be open to reorganization, so the true test remains; find joy and subsequently energy within them.

A closer look at the Bible reveals that it does not speak to this 21^st Century ailment of being worn out.  In fact, the woman observed in Proverbs 31 illustrates the very type of woman that fits Chapter 2 of “Worn Out Woman’s” assessment… busy!  However by delving into Proverbs, a woman can find the solution her female Biblical counterpart discovered and thereby realize her own.  This on-the-go Proverbs 31 woman did not lack energy or joy because she was one who “fears the Lord.”

Perhaps, then, the question that needs to be answered is not, “how can I reorder my life so that I will have more energy, obtain meaning, enrich my relationship with God and therefore find happiness and joy?” Rather, “Am I doing the tasks I have been called to do and if so, how do I glorify God in them?”

Beyond asking the wrong question, this book tends toward the typical self-help dilemma; Worn Out Woman focuses primarily on (wo)man and her gain.

“when I do something for somebody else I feel really happy” pg 100

“having a positive outlook energizes you and draws people to you” pg 88

“you have the right to set limits on your interaction with other people” pg 150

“forgiveness is not only a gift you give to others, it is also a wonderful gift you give to yourself” pg 156

“without your realizing it, these hurts are draining your energy and distracting you from a more fulfilling life” pg 157

“the beauty of God’s creation is inescapable—if we only open our eyes and other senses to appreciate it.  More important, it’s a reminder of God’s amazing and ingenious provision for us” pg 213

As well, the Bible is added-to or subtracted-from in interpretation. 

“King David cried out, ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God’ Surely one way God does this is by helping us clear out the mental, emotional and spiritual clutter we’re so tired of wading through.” Pg 110

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” Pg 117

“Setting boundaries with other people can significantly lower your stress, but only if you are clear with yourself and others about what they are…You need to be direct and firm – as the apostle Paul reminds to ‘speak the truth in love” pg 149

Where scripture is quoted it is either a) minimized in it’s importance; i.e. number 3-5-or even 7 on the solution list or b) deemed insufficient in and of itself to tackle the so-called problems.

The authors believe that God continues to speak,

“when God speaks to you through Scripture or during your prayer time, you can write down what you hear so you won’t forget.”  Pg 125

“Prayer is not a monologue but a conversation.  Pray as though God is present….pause briefly after each statement of praise, each request, and listen for how God responds.”  Pg 124

And visualizing is used as an alternative route in order to move forward in the prescribed solutions,

“Then imagine walking into a glorious throne room where Jesus is waiting.  Place the package at His feet and wait as He bends down and lovingly picks it up.  After He removes the wrapping, He tenderly holds the gift close in His arms.”  Pg 184

In all, this book suits a very secular need.  The little amount of truth it contains is buried in a sea of psychology and 7-steps of self-help.  A Christian woman in quest of joy and energy in her life would be better equipped to handle her varied and stressful situations by seeking to learn the fear of the Lord, the joy of the Lord, and where true strength comes from.  

A recommendation of books on those topics include, “Desiring God” by John Piper or “Take Charge of Your Life” by Dr. Richard Ganz 

So recently, since I have no Interior Design work, I have submersed myself into the volunteer culture at church.  This happens to be one place where work is always available.  Anyway, I began reviewing books on behalf of the education department.  These books are of interest to current study groups, recommended by their participants, and I read them and then write a review.  Our pastor then determines whether or not the material is suitable for study.

Funny thing is I have little expertise in this area!  However by delving into each book, I have had the privilege of honing my discernment abilities and growing spiritually.  Double blessing.

But how does all of this relate to my blog? Well, since I have already done all the work of reading AND writing, I might as well post it.  Perhaps someone out there in blogosphere will benefit from the research I have done.  Besides, one of my favorite bloggers, http://www.challies.com/  - http://www.discerningreader.com/  does this and HE gets PAID.  By the way, I am reading his book, “The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment” and highly recommend it.  Watch for the upcoming review….