Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life

Joanna says in the first chapter, “Just mention the names Mary and Martha around a group of Christian women and you’ll get knowing looks and nervous giggles. We’ve all felt the struggle. We want to worship like Mary, but the Martha inside keeps bossing us around.” Isn’t that true?
Throughout this book, Joanna takes us on a journey, her journey, our journey, from being in a kitchen surrounded by menus, grocery lists, dishes, and all the junk that seems to accumulate on the counters and the kitchen table, to the living room, sitting calmly at the foot of Jesus, soaking in every word and not feeling guilty about our “to do lists”.
She finally ends this book with a revelation that you can do both, it doesn’t have to be one or show more the other, so long as we put Jesus first then “both of us” can become one. Surrendering all to Jesus. The struggle doesn’t end, we are after all humans and we constantly fail, but we have Jesus to pick us up, dust us off, and say “Follow me”.
You’ll love this book, just like I did. The writing was excellent and the stories compelling. You’ll want, just like me, to go out and get her other books. show less

I really enjoyed this book, and not only because the author had a lot of insight, but she wrote from the perspective of learning along with the reader. I could identify with her struggles and discoveries. I took my time reading this, not even a chapter a day, but more like a section a day. No pressure, and a chance to think about the lessons to learn. I highly recommend this book.

A beautiful and compelling book written for anyone who is searching for peace in this crazy world we live in today.

The story of Mary and Martha is inspirational and remarkably relatable, considering the years that have passed between then and now. This story is for anyone who is looking for a stronger relationship with Jesus and even for those who maybe are still unsure about it. A must read.

The low rating is 100% my problem. I wanted a factual, referenced, historically-insightful information in at least one of the chapters. But, in this instance, it was mostly a memoir. And my expectations were dashed. So, if you're looking for a memoir, this might be for you. But it wasn't for me.

Our fast paced lifestyles often leave us lacking the one thing that is truly important in our lives. This book encourages the reader to leave behind the business of life for the things that really matter. It is an excellent read and one that is well worth studying over and over--as the lessons while easy to understand are all to easy to forget.

Advisory: This devotional and Bible‑study book is included as a general Christian inspirational resource that uses the biblical narrative of Mary and Martha to invite readers — particularly women — to reflect on balancing prayerful closeness to Christ with active service in daily life. While not written from a Catholic perspective or grounded in Catholic sacramental theology, it can support prayerful reflection and spiritual growth when read alongside core Catholic spiritual texts and teachings.

NCLA Review - In this book on the parable found in John 10, Joanna Weaver addresses an issue that is familiar to many of us—busyness. We are trying to do too many things, like Martha, when we should be listening to Jesus, like Mary. Sometimes we feel our work goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Like Martha, we need to listen to Jesus. Jesus' rebuke to Martha to "choose the better part" tells us we should follow Him and accept his correction because it is made in love. He wanted Martha to change her attitude and recognize that she had value—regardless of how hard she worked—simply because she was His. When their brother Lazarus died and the sisters sent for Jesus (John 11), it was Martha who first ran to greet him. Instead of becoming show more overwhelmed with the demands of our daily life, Jesus invites us to live a joyful life of intimacy with Him that flows naturally into loving service. The Appendices include a study guide, lists of resources, a plan for a half day of prayer, suggestions for journaling, and a section on Christian rights in the workplace. Rating: 4—MW show less