Emily P. Freeman

This book has been on my “to read” list for a while. I frequently read the author’s blog, Chatting at the Sky, and like her style. Reading this book made me wonder if somehow the author had gotten into my head, because there were SO MANY FEELINGS she shared that I could relate to. The quote, “I am never satisfied with me.” comes to mind. The book speaks on how we work so hard to be the good girl, and try so hard to meet unrealistic expectations we set on ourselves that we never show more “measure up” and always end up feeling inadequate. In the end, she explained that goodness is a fruit (like, fruit of the spirit fruit) that is not something we should work to, but is a result of living within the freedom that the grace of God gives us. I did a lot of highlighting in this one! I felt like this book was an encouraging friend, giving me some good perspectives on things, and most importantly, helping me realize I am not alone in some of my crazy idiosyncrasies. This quote for instance…

”I can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel responsible. I was responsible to be right. I was responsible to look good. I was responsible to have it all together. I was responsible for being responsible. Just now at the coffee shop, the barista asked if I would like my chocolate chip cookie heated up. And I did. But I said no because I felt responsible for the extra work it would take for her to do so.”

I love how I can totally relate to that, and how the author is so real. I think this is a good book for any “good girl” to read. I gave it 4 of 5 stars on Goodreads. show less

Emily Freeman's new book is absolutely astounding! I think just about every woman I know could benefit from this easy to read book. I loved her writing style - it made it seem as if I were sitting with a friend having a discussion about life. So many of us struggle with being a good girl, good mother, good wife, good friend....and we don't even realize it.

In her book Emily Freeman gives the tools and suggestions to help the reader break free from this prison of "goodness" and into the show more freedom of a true identity and confidence in Christ. I can not think of one person I know that could not relate in some small way to this book. It seems that this author covered every angle and was transparent in her own personal struggle with being the good girl.

As a child of a broken and abusive home, to the wife of a Pastor and the mother of 4 home schooled children - I have most certainly felt the need to be every one's definition of Good. I have struggled with trying to meet every one's expectations only to be deeply frustrated at myself and angry when I could not do it.

Therefor this book was a welcomed and refreshing study. It reinforced the things I had already been applying to my life and reassured me that I am not the only one that has struggled with this very thing.

I recommend this book for every woman - I would also recommend it to teenagers. If we catch this before they are adults and give them the confidence to be who God created them to be then maybe they won't struggle with this same thing as adults show less

A quiet reflection on being willing to reevaluate things you participate in throughout your life. I like the way the author encourages you to reflect on the good that came from each role, even after you leave it. She provides some tools, but as she explains, it's much more about feeling than action steps, which is probably why I liked, but didn't love it. It will make me think critically about my job/church/boards I serve on, etc. as I move forward.

“Sharon McMahon (known online as show more America’s Government Teacher) says, “Anyone who changes their mind based on new and better information is criticized and denounced. So it disincentivizes people from using critical thought when in reality the ethical thing is to change your mind based on new and better information.” show less

"The decision itself is rarely the point. The point is becoming more fully ourselves in the presence of God."

And yet we have to make decisions every day. Thousands of them, in fact. How can we do this without becoming paralyzed in indecision? How can we make choices that we feel good about, that speak to who we most deeply and truly are?

In her gracious and kind voice, Emily Freeman walks readers through this very real and very daily problem. Her primary advice is simply this: do the next show more right thing. And she spends the whole book unpacking just exactly how to figure out what your next right thing is. This book is both deeply soulful and immensely practical: each short chapter is followed by a prayer and a practice you can implement as you work through dicerning your next right thing.

This book is full of more great advice than I can absorb in a single read-through, and I imagine myself returning to it over and over again as I make try to make whole-hearted decisions in my own life. show less