I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In the current trend of all things self-empowerment, it is always refreshing for me to remember how healthy it is to forget myself when it means I'm focusing more of my energy and identity on the person of Jesus. It's refreshing the way this is framed in Flourish. I believe anyone that enjoyed an expansive view on the message in Timothy Keller's The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness, or are weary from the Rachel Hollis messages of today would really benefit from this message!

I received a copy of this book free of charge from NetGalley and Crossway
I’m sorry but I just couldn’t get into this book. The positive is there
a 6-week study guide in the back that can be used for a group setting, as well as an individual.

With so much focus on self-care of late, the timing of this book couldn't be better. This short book was so helpful in showing areas where we are not focusing on the right things. Self-improvement is an easy trap for us to fall into. I found it challenging and thought-provoking.
There is also a 6-week study guide in the back that can be used for a group setting, as well as an individual.

It has been a while since a book has impacted me as much as this one has. Brownback takes much of the self centered nature of what is popular in Christian culture today and sets us straight. In a time when self (self care, self improvement, self indulgence) is the focus, Brownback takes us back to the gospel.

Her teaching penetrates to the very heart of why we Christians do what we do. Are we pursuing personal change to enrich our walk with Christ or are we just dissatisfied with ourselves? (266/1142) Are we living for our own pleasures or for the pleasure of God's presence? (464/1142) Are we focusing on what makes us happy or what glorifies God? We cannot live for earthbound appetites and live for Christ. (536/1142)

Brownback calls us to leave behind the self improvement trap (the old self is dead, after all) and move to Christ centered goals and priorities. She reminds us of Col. 3:1-4 and encourages us to first seek things above, making God's priorities our priorities, and set our minds on Christ and life in God's kingdom.

This book has really made an impression on me. I was struck by her calling us away from a self centered culture – even within Christianity. We are not here to maximize our personal potential but to become more Christlike and kingdom focused. (576/1142)

I highly recommend this book. Brownback has included a six week study guide with daily questions for reflection. This would be a great book for a women's study but would work very well for individual use too.

If you read this book, I think you will be challenged to rethink your life and your focus. I was.

Food for thought: “...happiness comes not from being thought well of but by thinking less of ourselves altogether.” (133/1142)

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I knew of Lydia Brownback from her book “Sing a New Song” which walks through the psalms, so I was excited to pick up “Flourish”. I thought her content was challenging, and weeks after I finished I am still thinking about the implications of this book.

The last chapter had a few things that I didn’t completely agree with, but it was not a big issue.

I would highly recommend this book if you are looking to flourish in your walk with Christ.

Flourish is for Christian women who want to more for themselves (to flourish) but know it can't be found in themselves - contrary to many current books written for them. It points them to Christ, and finding their worth in Him. It also includes questions for small group study at the end. I highly recommend it - my only warning is that it may cause disagreements between those who read self-focused books and those who don't.
I received an advanced reader copy from Crossway Books in exchange for an honest review.

What we focus on defines us, so if our focus is inward, on ourselves, we wind up defining ourselves whether we are righteous or guilt. When we begin and end with us - with our self- we miss the heart of the gospel and never truly find the freedom for which we ache.

The snares of self-focus, self-help and all around self can be our downfall. We have good intentions, but many times our focus on the why instead of the who, we always miss the mark. I find this trap of self so easy to step in because many times we step in it all in the name of Christianity. Why me should be Who will.

Brownback leads you in a the study of self but points you to the Who. Six Chapters to be set free from.

Self-Consciousness
Self-Improvement
Self-Analysis
Self-Indulgence
Self-Condemnation

Christianity can be seen as a victim crutch but our victimization is the trap we have set for ourselves. I see myself in each of chapters but I also see freedom that God has for each for each of us. Each chapter has a dig deeper segment and a Discern to think and reflect the pit of self and freedom in Christ. The study digs deeper in scripture and gives an overall view of the Gospel. We truly start living the gospel when we forget ourselves and move out of the way. These self chapters in of themselves are not evil or bad, but we must remember even the good things of life takes us away from God's true redemptive plan of salvation. Self and God's glory is always in contrast and that is what at stake. Living in self or living for God's glory. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I received a copy of this book free of charge from NetGalley and Crossway.

In a world of self focus this book by Lydia Brownback is very timely. Often we focus on us as the centre , loosing the fact that Christ alone should be centre and all our focus. The author guides us through various chapters, such as freedom from Self- analysis, freedom from self-consciousness and freedom from self=victimisation, showing how, in Christ by letting go we can truly flourish.

I enjoyed the vast majority of this book, it was convicting and challenging but also immensely practical, it also includes an excellent study guide which would prove useful both in an individual and group setting. There were a few parts where I felt that the author went off on a bit of a tangent and spent a lot of time talking about issues that particularly frustrated her, but all in all I would highly recommend this book!