This is hugely beautiful book with the authoress wearing her heart in the sleeve, fully visible to her readers. But, most importantly, fully visible to God.

Sara Hagerty enters the danger zone of a heart here when she asks (and reveals) the burning pain of looking for God when we are in the dark, alone and unseen by the others. And there she proposes this concept - what if God places us to the "invisibility place" to make us to see Him and Him at the first place? Yeah, you might say, this is not an unknown teaching of Christianity. To which I say, that this approach might get much harder when you are in reality at that place, tired, hurting, desperate, unappreciated or humiliated. For a long time - might be days, might be monts or even years. The pain is real.

The authoress went there with her issues of infertility and more. And came of so beautifully vulnerable and empathetic - that I simply want to be her friend and to learn from her.

This book has touched me in personal level many times. I only hope I can walk with what I was given within the reading.

There are little snippets of this book that have stayed with me. I liked the stories from real life and how they relate to the author and can apply to my life. It wasn't life changing but was a gentle reminder from the Father that He sees me and that I am important to Him - I often need reminding of this in our people pleasing and driven world.

I received this electronic book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Though I hadn't taken the time to read, until spotting said item at the library.
Still enjoy holding an actual book versus reading on my kindle.

Others have summarized this book, so I won't do so again.

The main theme of the book is how God sees us in every moment {unseen} when no one else does. Basically, how we should use those moments to sink our roots into Him.
Not look to others for validation, which is a good reminder in these days of social media.

Ms. Hagerty focused on the story of Mary, who poured perfume on His feet and wiped them dry with her hair. While others saw this as waste, Jesus reminded them of what He saw.

A portion of these verses were highlighted with each chapter, along with personal stories from the author's life. A list of verses to dig deeper into your Bible ended each chapter.

While I enjoyed this book, it seemed to take me a long time to finish.
Trying not to rush through or simply not picking it up daily were two reasons.

There were many nuggets of wisdom throughout the pages.
Some things I had never really considered before... and some I really couldn't relate to, but others might.

I would recommend giving this a read!


Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book!

Simple but powerful. The author gives her all in this book. She is real and relatable and easy to understand and follow. She presents many real life examples as well as scripture to back her points. I found myself in this book. It’s a book you can read fast but don’t want to because you want to ingest all she has to say. So applicable for everyone! I had many aha moments while reading this book. She puts words to things I haven’t been able to. I would read this book again!
I received a digital copy from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Unseen: The Gift of Being Hidden in a World That Loves to be Noticed by Sara Hagerty 5/5☆

Thank you to Zondervan and NetGalley for the free review copy of this novel. All opinions in this blog are my own. 

I have had this book for a few months and pushed off reading it because life happens, specifically school. I decided to pick this book up last week, but first I did some research on the author. I found a free reading guide that goes with this book on her website. It was a fantastic extra to have and work through while reading this book. 

This book came during the perfect season for me. Sometimes, I want to be noticed. I want attention. This book helped me discover new things about my faith. It's easy to get caught up in the desires of the flesh, and this book helped give me a smack in the face. I liked how this book focused on Mary featured in John 12 - she's the woman who anointed Jesus's feet with the perfume. 

Through every chapter, the story of Mary was explained in depth by using examples from Hagerty's own life. I enjoyed how this book continually linked back to scripture. At the end of every chapter, there were verses to look up. I like how some of these verses were used in multiple chapters and how more verses were added into what had already been read. I found the repetition of these verses helped me memorize and tuck them away for when I need them. 

If you've ever felt like God isn't seeing you in your day-to-day life, or if you feel like you need the world to see you to be important, please pick up this book. I can't wait to revisit the book and highlighted sections. It was definitely what my soul needed. Also, if you're struggling to find the perfect Christmas present for a woman in your life, I would highly suggest this book.

“Unseen” is a good book by Sara Hagerty.

My question to you is what is the difference between hidden and unseen?

There are subtle differences. The author uses both terms throughout the book. It would help if you think about the differences between being hidden or being unseen to help understand the author (Sara) better.

Sara is expressing her need to be seen by God, but God wants her hidden in Him, so other people likely do not notice. God, she says, is not interested in our busy activities. She used to feel pressured to do more, but now she believes God does not need us to do more, but to be with God more.

Sara has learned that she can have moments with God throughout her day. The results are that she feels closer to God, and is less stressed. (That sounds good to me!)

Sara says that when you feel unseen, God is looking for your heart.

I agree with the author that we need more quiet moments with God. I really liked looking at the differences between being hidden from people, when you are seen by God. I like the idea that God always sees us, and appreciates our attention to Him even in a few minutes here and there.

This is an interesting book, with a point of view different from most. Sara is not pushing you to do more, but suggesting that your slow, empty, boring or seemingly wasteful times, can be filled up with God. He will love the time with you!

This is not a quick,light read; however, it is a very worthwhile read!

Unfortunately, I could not finish this book. I made it about 75% through and it is very rare for me not to be able to finish a book that I start. This is probably the first time in years that I was not able to get through a book. Every chapter in this book felt the same to me.

This was not what I thought it would be about and I kept attempting to come back to it, but found it very irrelevant to my life. I could not relate to any of the examples that she gave. There were a few scattered nuggets of truth throughout, but the book was a very boring read overall.

I still gave this book 2 stars, because while it is not relevant for me it may be for someone else. You may like this book if you are a parent, especially a parent of adoptive children. It also has beautiful cover art.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I really tried to get into this book, but I couldn't. The organization of it seemed to be all over the map. I couldn't get into the flow. I also could not relate to the author. I felt like the book was written to someone who had been reading her blog for years and knew her whole back story. I am not familiar with her, so I felt like I was coming late to the party.
The premise of the book is well founded, and the parallels to Mary that she draws are researched well.
However, I felt like I was constantly looking to the beginning of the chapter to figure out what the focus point was.

“There are always two stories in a person—the visible story and the invisible story—and only one set of eyes sees them both.”

This is one of those books where your soul says “Yes that's it!” Sara encourages us to flip our thinking and recognise that those painful unseen, unappreciated, alone moments in our lives can be the ones that actually validate us. They are opportunities to grow deeper into God and be seen by the One who made us. Our hidden places are opportunities to find real contentment and our true identity in God. It teaches us how our worth isn't in our busyness and our doing but in our being, even in the most mundane parts of our lives. This is a book that I will visit over and over and will be buying it for many friends I am sure.

Sara’s book is interspersed with bible quotes, opportunities for further bible study and practical tips on how to discover the gift of being unseen in our lives.

I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review. A favourable review was not required and all opinions expressed here are my own.

It's another regular day at my house. I get up and exercise, get my boys up, do homeschool and my daily chores, make dinner for my husband, spend some time with the family, and go to bed. This scenario plays out without much variation every day. Many days the only people I see are my boys and Billy. I used to have a job. I used to get up and put on nice clothes and go to a job I loved with people I really liked. I felt like I contributed something to the world. Before that I taught at a Christian school. Sometimes that's a thankless job, but I loved it, too. I felt like I was doing work for God's kingdom, pointing young hearts towards Him. I used to play the piano and sing. I'm not great at it, but it's something that I loved to do, and I felt like I was doing something for God.

Now, I'm a mom. I live a life that's rarely seen by others. Most days it seems that I contribute nothing to the world as a whole. I'm basically invisible in a world that longs to be noticed. I thought that maybe someday this season would end, that I would have a chance again to really be something, to do something for God. I thought I was just in a waiting time, waiting for a new season. Then I read Unseen by Sara Hagerty, and my whole thought process was changed. Sara writes from experience, as she spent her teen years and young adulthood in ministry, then she wasn't any more. Then she went through another period in her life where she struggled with infertility. In both seasons she found herself feeling unseen, and learned to find God in those hidden places.

There are so many verses in the Bible about God coming to us in the secret places, hiding us away for Himself to speak to us alone. It is natural for us to want to be noticed, and He wants to notice us. He wants us to be satisfied to spend time with Him. He has special blessings for me in times when I can't be seen. Sara uses the story of Mary of Bethany to illustrate this point. Mary had been rebuked by her sister Martha for sitting at the feet of Jesus instead of working in the kitchen. But Mary had such a love for Jesus that her only desire was to be with Him. She didn't care what others thought or said. She didn't need to be noticed or seen. She spent as much time with Him as she could and, ultimately, she showed her loved by breaking the alabaster box, pouring the ointment on His feet and wiping them with her hair. His disciples looked on her and said, "What a waste!" but she didn't care! She had spent so much time just being near Him, and loving Him that she didn't care what anyone else thought.

That's the kind of life that I want! I want to take these times in my life when I feel hidden and invisible to spend time with Jesus, feeling His love for me and just being in His presence. It's okay if I never get to stand on the stage, if I never get to serve in ministry again, if I never receive the applause. I can be close to Him in those hidden, secret places, maybe closer than those times when I feel seen.

Being a mom is a hidden job, but I don't think it's the only one. I think we all go through times when we feel unseen, like no one notices. Maybe you didn't get the promotion you deserved, someone else gets to lead the project, you got passed over for the solo or the lead part--again, you watch someone else fulfilling a dream that you have for yourself, you struggle with infertility or child loss, and so many other things that come into life that can make you feel alone, hidden and unseen.

I can't begin to tell you how much reading Unseen has impacted my life. If you had told me the things I just told you, I probably would have said, "You're wrong. God wants to spend time with the big, important people, but not me." But the proof is here in black and white! So much of this book comes straight from the Bible. Each chapter ends with a section called, "For Your Continued Pursuit." It's a list of verses that were mentioned or quoted in the chapter. My Bible journal is now filled with them--and I haven't been able to write every one! There are so many powerful verses to read, but here are a few of my favorites:
•Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of they wings. Psalm 17:8
•He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
•O Lord, thou hast searched me and know me. Psalm 139:1
•Are not two sparrow sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear yet not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

And there are so many more! I read this book alongside my Bible, because the author does not use the King James Bible. It's not too much of an issue, because I prefer to copy the verses directly from my Bible anyways.

I highly recommend Unseen. It's wonderful for anyone who feels like they are in a waiting season, or a time of being invisible. It is helping me to see that God is calling to me, that He wants to be with me. Alone. Not standing on a stage, receiving ovations, reveling in applause or praise. Just me. In the quiet and alone, and the hidden, secret place. Pouring myself out to Him.



I also love and recommend Sara's book Every Bitter Thing is Sweet where she talks more about her journey through infertility and adoption.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.





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In her spiritually uplifting and deeply enlightening book, "Unseen", Sara Hagerty eloquently writes about the extraordinary gift of being unseen in a very noticeable world. Sara's heart longed to be seen and understood. Yet, sometimes she felt unwitnessed, unnoticed and unappreciated. Struggling through her own personal spiritual experiences, Sara painstakingly confronts a peculiar moral dilemma when she questions her faith as to whether God who loves her when she serves Him in full-time ministry work, still loves her when she is unseen and does not do anything for Him.

How can we find contentment when we are unseen and unknown, hidden away from the glaring eyes of the world? Sara patiently explains that God is the only One who truly knows us and understands the priceless value of the unseen in our lives. As this insightful truth seeps into our hearts and souls, we realize that being hidden away in God imbues us with true freedom, inspiring us to help others in joyous abandon. Only when we give ourselves wholeheartedly and unreservedly to God can we live out what God intended and who He created us to be. As Sara beautifully writes with the heart of a scribe, “Maybe my seemingly unproductive, looking-up-at-Him life produces awe among the angels.”

Through a passionate exploration of her own personal life and the Holy Scriptures, Sara gives a crystal clear clarion call to us to offer all our unseen moments to God, in all the secret places of our lives, where God meets us with a radical love, the kind of unhinged love that surrenders everything at His feet. Unseen and hidden away in all our secret places, God invites us to share His life with this arresting question: “When no one else applauds you, when it makes no sense, when you see no results—will you waste your love on Me?”

As Sara struggles to come to terms with her doubts and fears, Christ weeps unseen for her and for a lost world that neither recognizes His presence nor cares about Him. As we lift up our faces to Him, dazzled by the radiance emanating from that most beautiful of countenances, He reaches out to us, smiling that most wondrous of smiles. Sara Hagerty heard His tender whisper, gently calling her to Him, through all the pain and loneliness of being unseen in a very noticeable world.

Each time Sara's desperate heart broke in despair with the agony of being unseen in a world she did not feel she belonged to, Christ sought her, reaching out to her lovingly and engulfed her in His warm embrace. Through pain and perplexity, Sara found intimacy with Jesus. When life stopped for her, God met her at her greatest point of need. His Word and His whisper took on new meaning to her in the darkness of despair. Sara found God in the most unlikely places.

In the hustle, bustle and shuffle of life, Sara’s writings invitingly beckon us to God, who sees us, as we find our way back to Him. When we feel unnoticed and invisible, our hearts restlessly seeking to live in the fullness of life with Jesus, we feel His tender gaze upon us, the only one worth vying for. Sara's exquisite writing leads us to the heart of Christ. Her poignant vulnerability assures us that there is a divine purpose in everything we do. Absolutely nothing ever goes unnoticed by God who loves us and delights in us.

Sara gives us treasured glimpses into her precious friendship with God. She makes us want to spend time with Him; to find our ultimate sense of fulfillment in His approval, and be content in His presence alone. Through Sara's words, we hear His voice and see Him work His miracle of grace in our hearts. Sara's life points us to Him. 'Unseen' inspires our hearts with the sterling knowledge that the most fruitful and fulfilling service to God is well off the beaten path, right in the heart of his will. There is divine conviction and confirmation in this true-to-the-gospel book. Let it revive your faith in the most eternally beautiful way.

With profound wisdom and humble sincerity, Sara urges us to turn away from the noise of the world and delightfully waste time with God, pampering Him with our love. She give us a priceless gift in "Unseen", inviting us to realize the very purpose of our existence, created and redeemed to become fully alive in God. With profound wisdom and humble sincerity, Sara urges us to turn away from the noise of the world and delightfully waste time with God, pampering Him with our love. "Unseen" give us a priceless gift, inviting us to realize the very purpose of our existence, created and redeemed to become fully alive in God. Unseen is just the compass we need to chart us into safe waters. Sara reveals the hidden beauty of abiding in the unseen. In a world that is programmed to be seen, we come alive in the unseen. As the heart journeys into hiddenness, we are ushered into new-found identity and intimacy with God.

In "Unseen", Sara Hagerty reveals herself so vulnerably with a rare, winsome transparency. She teaches us to desire the praise of God and not the fleeting praise of man. As we are faithful to Jesus in all the hidden, secret places, Sara's inspiring words give us God's perspective and clarity of vision on the unseen worth of our daily lives. "Unseen" inspires us to be faithful, to see beauty around us and to rest in God's sweet love each new day.

Reaching deep down into our hearts, Sara inspires us to ignore the clamoring world and surge into the sacred space of His sanctuary, to hear His voice alone, in quietness and confidence. We are safe and secure in the palm of His hand, hidden in His gaze. In this exquisite book, Sara skillfully combines the art of storytelling with the Gospel. Jesus wants us to live life with Him, not just for Him. When we enjoy the affection of Christ, we do not crave the applause of man.

Hidden away, unseen by the world, Sara gazed into the father-heart of God, who loves her more than life itself. Sara glimpsed His glory and felt His unconditional love for her flowing freely into her heart. Who was God when she was alone, unseen and had nothing to give Him? This ultimate, soul-searching question guided Sara to a quiet place where she met God and tasted His goodness. This book will set the world on fire for God. I recommend it to every person who wishes to know the unseen beauty of a life hidden in God.

Unseen

The Gift of Being Hidden in a World That Loves to Be Noticed



by Sara Hagerty

Zondervan Non-Fiction

Zondervan



Christian

Pub Date 29 Aug 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Unseen through Zondervan Non-Fiction and Netgalley:

We long to be heard, to be understood, and yet their are timesour Christian Brothers and Sisters seem to grow in Christ while we remain stagnant.

As people's hearts are opening for God for the first time, they aren't the only one's changing, it has a ripple effect. The lives of those they love too are starting to be changed as well.

In this book we are reminded that there is more to life than spreading the good news, and spreading the message to others. It is okay that we take time for our own spiritual walk.

We are encouraged to become more than a God-Follower and instead become a God-Lover.

In this book we are reminded of God's Unconditional Love. We are also encouraged to take part in Hidden Servanthood, doing things in the name of Christ in quiet, not for the glory, but because it is our calling as Christians.

This book reminds us that it is okay to be Vulnerable in Christ, he has a heart for those who need him and aren't afraid to admit it.

This book encourages us too to be mindful of the needs around us, and to do what we can when we are able to help.

We are reminded too of the importance of Speaking God's Word Out Loud.

I give Unseen five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Oh my...I'm left in awe and deeply moved by Sara Hagerty's recent book, Unseen. She honestly and vulnerability with God and her readers is truely a blessing. I can't even begin to describe how much this book spoke to me. Read this book (with your journal and tissues close at hand)...it will change your life!

Oh my goodness...I loved this book! It came at the perfect time in my life and exactly echoed what I have felt God teaching me. Isn't His timing perfect?

Unseen explores the beauty of loving and serving God in our everyday lives. I remember years ago hearing someone tell the story of finding his wife quietly crying as she was doing the dishes. When he asked her what was wrong, she said she had realized that even though she was doing a daily mundane task, she was fulfilling God's purpose for her life. She was caring for her family which was her calling for that season of her life. Standing at the kitchen sink with her hands in soapy dish water she was in close communion with God. We're not called to set the world on fire every day of our lives. Sometimes He wants us to pack lunches or dust off scraped knees or something equally uneventful...and that's okay, because He'll meet us right there!

I'm very excited to review this although I'm in chapter 1 still I can say that this is an awesome book. I relate so much than I expected and it didn't disappoint me. This is something everyone is going through but never really noticed. This is really an eye and heart opener.