“Through Jesus, we are given perfection that we could never have on our own. That’s positional perfection, and it allows us to stand in right relationship with God. Positional perfection can only be received. It can never ben earned. When we try to do for ourselves what only Jesus can, we take the power out of what has been done on our behalf. God wants to set us free so our lives will no longer need to be about pursuing perfection. He wants us instead to be a people of grace, love, and joy.”
{Holley Gerth in “You’re Loved No Matter What”}
I’ve been journeying away from perfection and toward grace and joy. The process has been like leaving the darkness and walking into the light. What’s been so hard about it all is letting God reshape my natural tendencies and change my expectations. What’s been really encouraging about the whole process is how God intertwines so many books, friendships, conversations, blog posts, songs, and moments to teach me.
I am loved no matter what. There’s nothing I can do to change what Jesus already did for me.
That’s the message Holley Gerth is sharing about in her newest book, “You’re Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to be Perfect.” The title alone speaks to me.
I read the first few chapters in one sitting today and felt like she was writing for me. But I know I’m not alone in needing this message. It’s the kind of practical wisdom that would thrive in discussion with other women. We can share our struggles and the ways God has broken through them.
So beginning March 16, I’m going to host an online book study of “You’re Loved No Matter What.” {Tweet about it.} The book officially releases next week, but it’s already available on Amazon.
We’ll take the book a chapter at a time as I post discussion questions each Monday. It’ll be a private Facebook group so what you say there is safe within the group. You can join the conversations as your week allows.
While I hope those who commit are invested in sharing and encouraging, I can promise you there will be grace. I believe this book will prompt conversations we as women need to have – with God, with ourselves, and with each other.
Who’s in? Please comment here with your email address and Facebook name (if we aren’t already friends there and you doubt I have your email address) so I can keep you informed and get you added to our group. You can also email me at kristinhilltaylor (at) gmail (dot) com. Meanwhile, please make arrangements to get the book and read the introduction and first chapter by March 16.
I’m linking this post with Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood Gathering and Jennifer Dukes Lee’s #TellHisStory. And later I linked with Jessica Turner’s Fringe Friday, where she and others share what they’re doing with their “fringe hours” — pockets of time in our days we can use for self-care. Reading and discussing this book is going to occupy some of my fringe hours.
Want more insights? “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.”
My FB name is Ashley Fields and my email address is afields.306@gmail.com.
I'm glad you're in! 🙂
Thanks! Me too!
Hi Kristin! I read Holley's devotional book, "What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days." Loved it! Also love your idea to do an online book club. Sounds like fun! Hope it goes well! Visiting today from the #TellHisStory link up. Blessings on your week!
Hi, Kate! Thanks for stopping by and for the encouragement.
I'm in! My email address is positiveadoption(at)gmail(dot)com. I'm on facebook as Kathleen Guire. I did a study with Winsome Reads on Holley's last book "You're Going to Be Okay" and it was just what I needed. I trust this new release will be just what I need right now.
Kristin, I'm in! I just rec'd the book and am LOVING it but definitely need to slow down and really work through each chapter. I'll follow back up a little later today to join. Thanks! Kim Stewart
http://www.kimstewartinspired.com
Hey, Kim. That's part of why I wanted to start the discussion group – I was flying through the first couple chapters and wanted to be forced to slow down and really think about it. I invited you to the Facebook group using your email, but let me know if you don't get the invite for some reason. I'm looking forward to getting to know you!
I love Holley's stuff! I'm going to invite you to the Facebook group now. I'm glad you're in!
This is definitely a message I'm walking towards also, Kristin. For too long many of us have been striving for perfection instead of resting in the love that is already ours as is. Praying your group goes well!
Inviting you now! Glad you're participating!
Thanks, Lisa! I'm pretty sure it's a message we'll all be working on until we get to heaven, but thank God for resources to help us! 🙂 I appreciate your encouragement.
"I’ve been journeying away from perfection and toward grace and joy. "
Isn't it a beautiful journey, Kristin?
xoxo, lisa
Beautifully messy, but so worth it! 🙂 Thanks for coming by, Lisa.
I'm excited to read the book and join you Kristin to discuss. I've struggled with feeling unloved and like I have to perform well to earn love. I have a feeling Holley will go there. Can't wait…Sign me up!
I'm inviting you on Facebook now. So glad to have you! This is certainly a message I need. 🙂
Me too!!
Just found you through a Facebook Link, I would like to join. Deanna Wiseburn on Facebook, email dlwiseburn@gmail.com
Hi, Deanna! I'm glad you're going to join in! I just sent you an invite to the private Facebook group via email. I think you should get an email invite as well as notification on Facebook. Let me know if you don't.