Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul

I'm not quite sure I believe all that is covered in this book, but the idea that only God can fill the empty places in us really resonated with me. I wish the book had dealt more with how one really learns to trust and turn to God for love and acceptance and validation.

This book written by a Christian couple is based on the premise that a woman longs for three things; to be romanced, an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and beauty to unveil. Although, in summary, it sounds quite cheesy, Stasi and John guide the reader on a journey through scripture, literature, and real experiences that tend to lack empirical and statistical evidence yet resonates within the recesses of the mind.That God created man, both male and female, in his own image is an accepted Christian doctrine. The authors take this doctrine a step further by expressing the divine nature of womanhood. He specifically blessed us with qualities that are feminine; relational, beautiful and seeking validation. It is their goal to assist show more the female reader unveil her femininity and connect with God and her man.Validation is found within the books pages as the authors reveal that God is beautiful and glorious. He seeks to have an intimate relationship with His children. He seeks our honest hearts and implores us to seek Him.It is easy to assume that every woman carries with her wounds that have not healed. Most pop psychology books provide ample fodder that our parents have wounded us. I tire of this mentality. It quickly establishes that our parents are the enemy rather than part of a support system that shaped our diverse personalities and independent selves. This mentality also relieves the grown child of any responsibility to respond differently to stimuli.On the other hand, John and Stasi Eldredge offer compelling arguments for accepting our Divine Nature and infinite worth as Children of God. A God who reserves a piece within His heart that only we can fill. A god who can validate our existence and provide shelter and peace.This book will not appeal to every reader. While reading it, I found gems of truth that resonated within my soul. In my attempts to articulate these truths at a later time, they sound sloppy and cheesy.Bottom line: We possess divine matter. The qualities that are belittled and squelched for the perceived lack of strength are really our divine nature. It is the woman who seeks out relationships and deeply connects to those around her. It is the glue that holds society together. We are the ezer kenegdo, a beautiful Latin word that can not be directly translated into the English language and is erroneously penned as "help meet" to our husbands, conjuring utilitarian images. In a more accurate picture, we are the part of Adam that he lacks. Together we complete each other and hold a healthy and vital balance of who God is. show less

This book brought a sense of worthiness, which had been missing in my life. It made me feel good about being a woman, but in a holy sense. I realize the beauty of the creation of women and the significant role through God's order. I'm glad it brought clarity and helped the image of who I am.

I don’t know that there’s much I could say other than God used this book (along with other things) to heal a part of me that has been broken for many years. I think I like being a woman again. It’s nice.

(I firmly believe every Christian man and woman should read this. I have heard the same for Wild at Heart, but I haven’t read that one yet so I won’t give my ✨official✨ opinion just yet.)

Imagine living the fairytale you imagined yourself in as a girl... John and Stasi Elderidge tell us that those dreams weren't put there randomly, but form a part of us as women and can be realised with the help of the ultimate romantic, Jesus Christ. I really really enjoyed this book, although I didn't agree with some small details it empowered and challenged me to realise my identity as a woman.

This book re-enforces, perhaps defiant feminists may cry, nothing but the image of a weak woman that the 'patriarchal Church' has always tried to impose on Western societies. Within Christian circles, the validity of the book's message have equally been disputed. I personally, however, found in this book some sort of comfort, because I was that kind of girl which it described. It has helped me in accepting what I thought was a 'silly' part of me.

This title was highly recommended -- so it was selected for a small women's Bible study group. I along with other members of the group have found it very hard to understand what the authors are trying to say. When I, an avid reader of anything including cereal boxes, have to force myself to read a book, that is a bad thing. There are a few truths that I gleamed from the book and our discussions, but it didn't make up for the agony of trying to read the long chapters to get ready for group night.

The biggest help I got from the book was the knowledge that most women feel the same thing...that the church's outlook and avoidance of some issues is part of the problem...that we need other women to help us with our journey...but everything show more should be centered around our relationship with the Lord who made woman as a wonderful, marvelous, and beautiful being.

NOTE: The best part of the book was A PRAYER FOR SEXUAL HEALING found in the appendix of the book. -- "So it is important to bring our sexuality under the Lordship (and therefore protection) of the Lord Jesus Christ, and seek his cleansing of our sexual sins." p231 show less