Member Reviews
I enjoyed this devotional very much! I love the honesty of the writers sharing their personal struggles while offering encouragement. Each devotion is short, offering a scripture and a prayer. Any woman will find themselves in these devotions which are relevant for such a time as this!
Life isn't always like you've imagined it. Take Heart is an encouraging devotional designed to help you through hard times with Scripture and relatable stories.
What I liked:
-Some devotionals can gloss over real problems and real life. This is not one of them. It does not deny God's power over our problems, but it acknowledges that sometimes we have to walk the hard road. Thankfully, God is with us through those hard times! I highlighted this passage: "He is not surprised by your weakness, nor is He turned off by it. Instead, He longs to comfort you in it." I also made a note of "God promises that even in our pain, we are seen. We count."
- The overarching theme to these devotions would be that life is hard, but God is with you. Even through the hardest times! I appreciated that the authors shared not only their problems but their hope. I found that the writings were authentic about the pain of the challenges faced, but also full of hope in God's presence and provision.
- I did read more than one a day so I could review the book. As an empathetic person, this did overwhelm me at times. However, that speaks to how well the devotions are written, as they made you identify with the trials the writers were experiencing.
Items to note:
- There is a style choice for the headings, at least in the advance reader copy I had, to keep all of the words in the heading in lower case. This isn't a choice I would have made, especially when Jesus' or God's name was used.
- Not every devotional applies to me, and not every writer approaches their Christian walk the same as I do. You may come to the same conclusions. It's always good to read with discernment, no matter what you are reading.
I do think that this could be an encouragement to the many women who will read it!
What a perfectly timed book for a tough year. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this fantastic book. I have yet to meet a person who has not experienced challenges, pain, suffering, stress, or other hard emotions. The reasons are as varied as the people who live them. This book has so many different, heartfelt devotionals, there are sure to be a number each reader can relate to. Plus they are so well written that you are drawn in even if you haven't experienced the situation personally. I highly recommend reading this book, I think your soul will feel seen, and maybe even more hope filled or at least a little lighter after reading it.
Take Heart is a devotional that is on time for the climate that we are in. If you are hurting and need to be encouraged this is the devotional for you. I connected with the book from the intro throughout. Its filled with 100 devotions by wonderful women authors like Liz Curtis Higgs, Jennifer Dukes Lee , Michele Cushatt, Jen Schmidt, and Kristen Strong among others. Some of my favorites that really spoke to me were the devotionals titled " Unraveling Anxiety, A Different Kind Of Freedom, When Sadness Sits On Your Lap, New Life For Dry Bones, and Tired Of Being Scared." All of the devotions are life changing and offers hope. You can use the subject in the back of the book to read devotions based on subject or your favorite author. This is a devotional that you will highlight, take notes in the margins and want to share with another woman.
This devotional is so amazing! The stories are so applicable for each day and the authors cover an array of topics! Easy to read and understand! Such a great and uplifting devotional! I highly recommend!
I enjoyed starting my morning with Take Heart. Some situations applied to me and some did not. I often walked away refreshed and encouraged.
When I just wake up, I cannot dive deep into some devotionals. But this one was just perfect. It often made me step back and feel thankful, encouraged, refreshed, or contemplative...depending on the day.
Relatable, short daily readings by different women. This book has nuggets of golden encouragement scattered everywhere!
I am not finished the entire book yet, but every morning I open a new page to the exact words I need to hear that day. I love the different stories by different authors. Each story has spoken to me in it's own way. Highly recommend this book.
This devotional covers a wide range of topics-everything from being overweight to anxiety. I feel like there is something in this book for everyone, and while you may not relate to every one of the contributors’ stories, you’ll find you can learn something from each of them.
This devotional isn't your average. It flows well. It doesn't feel limited or separated, so if you forget a day you will not have to worry about catching up as you can go at a pace that feels right for you. I found it difficult to put down. On most occasions, I felt as though I was sitting with my best friend chatting about life. Every woman has a story in this book that could touch them. I've laughed, I've cried, I've had my heart and mind opened. The prayers at the end of each devotional are organic and profound. This book exceeded every expectation I had and every woman in my family will soon have a copy. My sincere hope is that this book touches your soul as it did mine. I received this book in digital format as part of a promotion from NetGalley yet my review is my own honest thoughts.
This is an amazing devotional. There are 100 days in this devotional on various subjects. It can be started at any time and on any day. All of the entries are so encouraging for you or someone you know. This has been one of the most rewarding reads and rereads for me. I received a free copy for participating on the Launch team.
What a great devotional especially in 2020! With so many trials, stressful times and every day challenges. “Take Heart” from the (in)courage community shows us we are not alone in our struggles and dark times. This book reminds us that God is faithful and Always beside us, wanting us to be happy and prosper. I would highly recommend this Devotional especially in 2020!
I received a early digital copy from Net Gallery for my open and honest review.
I’m really enjoying Take Heart by the team at (in)courage. They are short devotionals that pack a punch. They are especially good for the year we are having and the emotions many are feeling right now.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I was privileged enough to be a part of the Take Heart launch team and was provided with a complimentary digital copy of this devotional. Can I just say, wow!?! Every entry was like sitting down to have a chat with a friend - straight-shooting, everyday issues, honest, heartfelt, and soul-soothing. Some readings made me sit up straight and think. Others were a balm that left me feeling seen and heard. Some made me laugh or cry - or even both at the same time in that awkward snort-sob kind of way. Written by women going through the same things you and I experience every day, the quality of the topics and the writing is spot on. Quantitively, the entries are quick and easy to read, with a short Scripture (or two or three) and each passage closes with a prayer of reflection. With titles such as "Rest and Be the Beautiful You" by Bonnie Gray, "In the Waiting" by Jen Schmidt, and "The Worthy Cost of Being an Ally" by Michelle Reyes, you'll find relevant topics with soul-searing truth and beautiful voices sharing encouragement straight from the heart. I highly recommend for anyone who finds themselves struggling with the mundane or the not-so-ordinary hiccups that come along the path of life.
I have read many devotionals but this one Was s something special. In the times we live in, this touched on many topics with such open and transparent stories on topics that I feel were so appropriate; anxiety, depression, friendship, midlife, family, loneliness, marriage, and self care to name a few. The stories were touching and real. They touched on topics that pulled real emotion from me. I was given an advanced copy to read in return for an honest review. I have quickly read through the book and am looking forward to starting over and reading day by day as intended to really get the most from it. Posted to goodreads.
Finishing this advance copy just left me in awe of God’s promises & character. Thanks to (in)courage & to the publisher Revell!
Take Heart Devotional is indeed a great way to start your day and encourage you to keep going and trusting Jesus in our daily walk with Him. They are brief encouragements, short prayers and testimonies to help us focus on Jesus!
Very timely encouragements!
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. I haven't finished the book yet but I've read enough to know that this is a fabulous resource! Although each story/devotion is different and I might not have had the same experience as the authors, the whole thing feels like a friend that listens and loves you no matter what and you know you're not alone. It points you to the source of all comfort, our Creator and Savior. The One who never leaves us. I can't wait to read more!
I highly recommend this book. It doesn't read like a devotional, it reads as though you are sitting chatting with your friends. Each of the ladies stories are relatable and each helps you understand the healing power of God.
I received a digital copy of this book from Net Galley. I am half way through the book and absolutely love it! The devotionals are so good and from so many different writers. You'll have perspective from different people of all different backgrounds, yet find something in each one that you can relate to. I look forward to reading this daily.
This is the devotional I have been waiting for. Real struggles in real life from real women who love our eternal God. Honest truth-telling without easy platitudes or pat answers. Because when has that ever helped in our actual messy lives? Never. Instead, these contributing authors offer encouragement and compassion and permission - permission to not be ok and still love Jesus and each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Revell, for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.