Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life by Emily P. Freeman

Sep 12, 2011 Margaret rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Margaret by: Donna Hausler

Shelves: revell, christian-non-fiction, clwi, women

I just finished reading Catholicism by Robert Barron and an overall message that I got from that book is that life is about becoming one with God and that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are in a word love. The more of you that you put into God, the more love that you are yourself. What an excellent little prayer. Get more love. Get more Jesus in me and my actions and my life in general. When I finished Catholicism last night, I picked up the next book in my stack, Grace for the Good Girl...more I just finished reading Catholicism by Robert Barron and an overall message that I got from that book is that life is about becoming one with God and that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are in a word love. The more of you that you put into God, the more love that you are yourself. What an excellent little prayer. Get more love. Get more Jesus in me and my actions and my life in general. When I finished Catholicism last night, I picked up the next book in my stack, Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman.

Now, while I’m still in the middle of this one. It’s another message of love. Letting go of trying so hard, and just love. Heard of “let go and let God”? Things are stacking. That’s a God moment to me, and it’s the ones where he speaks through.

When I first started reading Grace for the Good Girl, I was thinking… I’m not a good girl, not really. Sure, well yeah, now I’m a good girl. But I cannot say I never did X, Y, and Z. I was a good girl, until about eleventh grade. Then I put the love and romance of a boyfriend and a group of friends before my relationship and love for God and the world as I knew it fell apart and pretty much was in shambles until my the year before I graduated college. Anyway, I kept thinking oh, I should recommend this book to Kit-Kat (you reading this sweetie?), she’s the best good girl I know – I’m sure the only sin she’s ever committed is worry. And I still might recommend this book to her (you), but what I realized as I was reading is that I always shut myself down and say I’m a bad girl, I’m a sinner, I did wrong and I’m forever ruined. I always seem to forget that I’m actually good now, I’m clean now. I’m as white as snow, but I never seem to let myself realize it.

So that was epiphany #1.

Going on… into hiding and expectations. I never would have thought of myself as hiding, but in a way I do it. I have this routine. I get eagerly and overly involved way more that I should put my all into it, and then just walk away. I could go way into detail, but I’m not sure I want/nor should open up that much. But what I can tell you is that you do not want to see my TBR pile. As for expectations. Yes, I have those thoughts. I’m tearing myself up when both girls are crying and I cannot fix it. The living room is a mess. It doesn’t matter that the kitchen is gorgeously spotless. There are crumbs on the floor and goldfish in the couch. Magazines and books everywhere, and it shouldn’t be this way. Things should be neat and organized. My Enginerd works all day. I try to make things nice for him, I’m obviously not working hard enough as it’s all in shambles. I’m just not good enough. — Now that was an eye opener.

Epiphany #2. I didn’t see that coming. I didn’t realize that I felt that way about myself and being the housewife. I’m the housewife I want to be nor should be. I’m messed up and not good enough. But what poisonous words. What horrible thoughts. That’s not what Jesus thinks, and that’s not what matters. Yes I do need to put in an effort. What I need to realize is the praise to myself for what I do and can accomplish well. Not suffer and drown in all that I could be better at…

Epiphany #3. I love this blogging thing. But I feel like I’m talking to a wall. What is the point in all this reviewing and blogging business? I definitely do not make money at it. There are those that do, but I refuse to have a blog that looks like a flashing ad. I do have a page (see the top bar) that has a bunch of affiliates and a paypal tip button. I would gladly take anyone someone wanted to share. But I’m not going to plaster it all over, because I do not like looking at that, and doubt someone else would. I want Creative Madness Mama to be a place of serenity. See the lavender? See the green? Tea and books. Scripture and peace. Come here and find something to read. That’s what I want. What’s the point in making ChristianHistoricalFiction.com and trying so desperately to keep up with the latest of what’s coming out. Does it matter? Most of the time I feel like I’m wasting my time and money. But then every once in a while there is a comment that makes my week and I know that there is a point. Something I say might affect someone. Maybe, and that’s a good day.

Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 Suzanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book went beyond my expectations. The scripture used and experiences the author described were so helpful to me in my walk with Christ. I was so convicted of thoughts and attitudes I have had that have been nothing short of sin (mainly in the self-righteous/pride category). I want desperately to believe anew that Christ died for me even though I often feel that I don't have the sensational testimony that others do. Jesus is still my rescuer even if He is rescuing me from the harsh critic in...more

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 19, 2011 Ibjoy1953 rated it 5 of 5 stars

My review

Grace for the Good Girl….by Emily P. Freeman

Wow this book is much more than I expected. The author deals with several issues women face in their lives with examples from her own life as well as examples from other ladies. The book is broken down in three parts; The Hiding; The Finding; and The Freedom of Being Found. And in each section she has chapters such as: Are You a Good Girl in Hiding; Martha and My Many Things; Receive and Safe Even When It Hurts.

The chapter on Martha and Mary s...more My review

Grace for the Good Girl….by Emily P. Freeman

Wow this book is much more than I expected. The author deals with several issues women face in their lives with examples from her own life as well as examples from other ladies. The book is broken down in three parts; The Hiding; The Finding; and The Freedom of Being Found. And in each section she has chapters such as: Are You a Good Girl in Hiding; Martha and My Many Things; Receive and Safe Even When It Hurts.

The chapter on Martha and Mary spoke to me a lot because when I think about my ‘many things’ I have more than I want to admit. How much time do I really spend with those things instead of spending it with Jesus? His words to Martha are an encouragement to us all, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things, but only one thing is necessary.” (Luke 10:41-42, NASB)

Safe Even When It Hurts was a great chapter for me as well. In the chapter the author speaks of closure and healing when difficult things happen in our lives. A couple of verses she quoted that helps us realize that God is always there to help us is Psalm 94: 18 & 19 “When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

I’ve mentioned just a few things in this book, but when you read it, you will find so much here that will help you draw closer to the Lord. It talks much about its title ‘Grace’ so will learn to find grace for things in your life that you are dealing with and going through. I encourage ladies to get a copy and read it! I would love to review this book with a small study group or a Sunday school class.

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

I received this book from the publisher Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 17, 2011 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think many of us can relate to Emily's book "Grace For The Good Girl," I sure know I read a lot of my feelings in the pages of this book. I have always tried to be a good girl, just like my mamma always told me to. I can still hear her telling me to always smile and never let them see you cry.That smile became a mask to hide behind, but the chapter I most relate to is titled "Can't Fall Apart." I am one of those people who never wants to show weakness. In this book the author's conversational...more

like · see review

Sep 09, 2011 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Emily P. Freeman in her new book “Grace For The Good Girl" published by Revell Books focuses on letting go of the try-hard life.

The Apostle, Paul, tells us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God". (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV) We admit that for us to be saved we need the power of God to do the work. We are unable to save ourselves under our own power and we marvel at the love and mercy of a God who would do this for us. Yet, for most of us, we...more Emily P. Freeman in her new book “Grace For The Good Girl" published by Revell Books focuses on letting go of the try-hard life.

The Apostle, Paul, tells us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God". (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV) We admit that for us to be saved we need the power of God to do the work. We are unable to save ourselves under our own power and we marvel at the love and mercy of a God who would do this for us. Yet, for most of us, we leave grace behind and want to live this new life with the good works we can accomplish and we seem to ignore the other words of Paul, "and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God". (Galatians 2:20 NKJV)

Emily Freeman understands that this is a common trait in women and "Grace For The Good Girl" is the way to let go and let the power of God live through us to live the life He has called us to live. Ms. Freeman divides the book into three parts. Part One deals with hiding. Hiding under the "good" efforts like: Good Performance, Good Reputation, Acts of Service and Comfort Zone to name a few. In any good game of Hide-And-Seek the excitement is being found. So in Part Two, once these masks have been exposed, it is time to move onto The Finding. In a spy novel if the hero is found then that is dangerous however when God finds you we breathe a sigh of relief because it is safe. That is Part Three: The Freedom of Being Found with four chapters on being safe.

You will find yourself in this book, probably more than once. And each time you will find God there to help you remove the mask of good works and let God work through you. It is a refreshing experience and worth going through every time we forget whose life this is. "Grace For The Good Girl" will more than likely be read more than once it is an extremely valuable tool. I recommend this book highly!!

If you missed the interview for “In Harm's Way” and would like to listen to it and/or would like to hear the previous interviews where we discussed the first and second books of The Heroes of Quantico series please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.(less)

like · see review

Sep 06, 2011 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Emily P. Freeman brings us a book that will free you from trying to live up the image you have created for yourself in your head. It will show you that it is ok to be you. However you may find it hard to read as it helps you peel back the layers exposing yourself to who you really are. She will show you that often we get in her heads that as good girls (women) that we have to hide behind different things, whether it is our performance, our acts of service, our strenths and responsibilites, we al...more

like · see review

Sep 02, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: GRACE FOR THE GOOD GIRL
Author: Emily P. Freeman
Publisher: Revell
September 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1984-5
Genre: Inspirational/Christian living/women’s issues

You’re strong. You’re responsible. You’re good. But…

In GRACE FOR THE GOOD GIRL Ms. Freeman addresses several issues. Like in chapter one, she addresses the issues of hiding. We want to be perfect, we want to be accepted, we want to be capable, or whatever, so we hide behind whatever façade we have. For instance, the pastor’s wife (and I k...more

like · see review

Sep 17, 2011 Kristi (Books and Needlepoint) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs

I could - can - relate to the good girl that Emily Freeman is talking about in this book.

"Still, I like knowing the rules. If the sign says Don't Touch, I don't touch. If it says Keep Out, I stay away. If the form is due on Friday, I'll turn it in on Thursday just in case. . . .And even though I admit to occasionally bringing candy into the movie theater, I am always worried that the ticket person will search my bags and throw me out for smuggling in a bottle of water and two Peppermint Patties...more

like · see review

Aug 28, 2012 Kristina rated it 3 of 5 stars

What a relief! The author says she cannot offer a five-step plan for changing my life. Instead, she speaks from her own experience of being the 'good girl', trying to be a good Christian and missing out on the freedom life in Christ brings.
The book is clearly aimed at women, which is fine, but the author seems to think that all women have only one desire: to be married and have children. The author doesn't seem to know any women who have careers outside of the home.
The other issue is that the b...more

like · see review

Jul 23, 2012 Danielle Chappell rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: faith

I honestly couldn't finish this one. Emily P. Freeman has a very good voice as far as getting you interested in what she has to say however, this book wasn't overly helpful and I found a good portion of it is a tad redundant. A lot of ladies have benefitted from this book and I do recommend looking into it if you are struggling with identity, womanhood, and just plain trying to figure it all out! She gives some really helpful tips on how to find your identity in Christ without being fake or "jus...more

like · see review

Sep 14, 2011 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: revell-blog-tour

I am a good girl. In Grace for the Good Girl: Letting go of the Try-hard Life, Emily P. Freeman has opened up a whole new world to me. For the past five years, I’ve been like a sponge soaking up as much as I can about God, His Word, and being a Christian, but much of the truths that Emily reveals in this book are things that I didn't know. I can't even begin to tell you how much this book has blessed me! Emily's writing is profound, inspiring, and encouraging! She brings glory to God through her...more I am a good girl. In Grace for the Good Girl: Letting go of the Try-hard Life, Emily P. Freeman has opened up a whole new world to me. For the past five years, I’ve been like a sponge soaking up as much as I can about God, His Word, and being a Christian, but much of the truths that Emily reveals in this book are things that I didn't know. I can't even begin to tell you how much this book has blessed me! Emily's writing is profound, inspiring, and encouraging! She brings glory to God through her words, and I see that He has truly blessed her with the gift of teaching His Word. She shares from a place that is easy to relate to, with a discernment of the Bible that she conveys effortlessly. It's not a how-to fix yourself book, as Emily says, "Grace for the Good Girl is not a doing book, it's a believing book. It's an invitation for the tired good girl to give up that try-hard life she's been trying to live, and to realize that the God that she's been looking so hard to find, has actually graciously, and fully, and completely and lovingly found her. That she does not have to manufacture her own safe places. But that in Christ, her life is hidden and she's safe there in that place."

Early on in the book, I was amazed by how much Emily and I are alike. She says, "Because I care so much what you think, my hiding has everything to do with you. I desperately want to manage your opinion of me. Nearly everything I do is to convince you I am good. If I sense any hint of disbelief on your part that I am good, if it seems your opinion is other than what I wish it to be, it becomes my job to change your mind (page 17).” When I first read this passage, I felt overwhelmed. Emily had just perfectly described me! For as long as I can remember, that is how I’ve lived my life. The tears came instantly, and I knew that this book was going to open my eyes and change my life in a positive way. I always care what others think of me, I never want to disappoint others, and I never want anyone to be mad at me. I want to do it all right and be good. And when I don't do it right and good, when I fail, that's when the guilt and shame come in. I hear things in my head like, "What kind of wife are you? What kind of mom are you? You call yourself a Christian!" I'm ready to stop listening to the lies and stop believing them.

Emily breaks everything down for us in three parts. Part I of the book is about "the hiding," showing us the common masks that good girls hide behind -- what it looks like when we depend on ourselves, instead of depending on Jesus. When it comes down to it, we have a choice to make -- are we going to listen to and believe the lies, or are we going to believe the truth? “The masks we hide behind keep us from experiencing the fullness of life the way we were meant to live it. Do you believe that it is safe to take them off and live like Jesus is a real God-man who really was and really is and really makes a difference (Page 121)?”

Emily talks about how our lives are hidden in Christ with God (Colossians 3:3). God loves us, and we already measure up in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). Our needs are met in Christ (Philippians 4:19), and our spirit has been united with God's Spirit (Colossians 3:5-11). We are righteous because of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is in this place that I can rest, receive peace, and experience God's grace.

In Part II, Emily discusses "the finding," where we move from mask wearing to resting in Jesus. We must receive Jesus, not just for our salvation, but for life. “To receive God's truth in a personal way, you have to let go of the false hiding places and let yourself experience the truth of hiding in his presence (page 139).” I must remain in him, be still, and let "the Great I AM be." John 15:1-5 says, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener . . . Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Our job is to remain. What happens after we’ve received Jesus and remained in Him? What is it going to look like after that? Emily says, “This is where the masks become a blurry memory and Jesus shows up in mighty, God-sized ways: in true worship and authentic service (page 151).” We respond in worship and service, not because we’re trying to earn something or pay Him back because we feel obligated. We respond this way because “. . . worship and service are the natural responses of a girl fulfilled by love, compelled to look beyond herself (page 160).” And finally comes the remembering. We must remember to keep our minds set. If we don’t keep our minds set, they have a tendency to fall back into their old ways. We need to remember to keep our minds set on truth. “It does not come naturally; it comes supernaturally as we depend on Christ to remind us of truth that is already true, to call to our minds the reality of the victory he has won (page 166).”

To sum things up, briefly, in Part III Emily shows us how there is freedom in being found. We’re safe. Safe, even when it hurts. Safe, even in failure. Safe, even when it all goes wrong. Safe, even when you don’t feel safe.

Needless to say, Grace for the Good Girl is beautiful, complex, and profound. My words don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the truly amazing gift you will receive by reading this book. It’s filled with golden nuggets of Biblical truth -- a treasure-trove of what we need to move forward; to move past the hiding, into the finding, and ultimately the freedom of being found. It shows us that there is life-changing grace found in Christ!

I highly recommend this book to all good girls, recovering good girls, and even those who aren’t good girls. Emily P. Freeman has written a very special book, one that I will be forever grateful for having the opportunity to read . . . again and again.

**Thank you to Revell, a division of Baker House Publishing, for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.**

**Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**(less)

like · see review

Feb 03, 2012 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

I loved this book. I've just been coming to this good girl realization about myself over the past couple of months, and "Grace for the Good Girl" couldn't have come at a better time. It helped me realize a lot of things about myself, gave me encouragement, and most importantly, helped set me on the right track about how to start taking down my masks. There isn't a step by step list to moving past this, of course (though my inner good girl desperately wishes there were), but now I do have an idea...more

like · see review

Jan 25, 2013 Erica Lawless rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book opened my eyes and changed my life. I highly recommend this book! The grace of God has new meaning for me and the freedom it brings is life changing. To be honest, I wanted to chunk the book about half way through because I didn't like what she said. I didn't like it because I felt she was describing me to a T. It unnerved me until I decided to allow the Holy Spirit to work in me. When I opened my heart to the truth about grace I was humbled, moved and found freedom from the lie I beli...more

like · see review

Apr 01, 2013 Lorna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This was a thoughtful look at my many flaws and the areas in which I need to grow. I learned that I hardly ever give myself, or others, grace, even though I say I subscribe to a Gospel which expressly preaches it. I learned that I wear many different masks in my attempt to appear competent, worthy, smart, pretty...you get the picture. I've learned that I need to focus on receiving, remaining, responding, and REMEMBERING God's grace and peace, so that I can extend it to myself and others. I'...more

like · see review

Mar 12, 2013 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 “measure up” and...more

like · see review

Mar 18, 2012 Lindsey Stefan rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you attend church, then you know this girl. She is the one who volunteers to teach in the Sunday School, brings really good cookies to the potluck and sings in the choir. She doesn’t go out drinking and has never been arrested, but she does have a smile for everyone who comes through the door. She’s the good girl. She seems to have nothing to hide but in her book Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman rips the mask off of the good girl and reveals what is really going on in the hearts of good...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 DeAnna Morris rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just LOVED the cover of this book by Emily P. Freeman. The bird set free from the cage immediately grabbed my attention...then I opened the book to discover that I am not alone in feeling trapped by "being good" and never "good enough".

Emily is my new best friend...one day I hope to meet her and thank her for writing exactly how I have felt and thought all of these years.

In her book, Grace for the Good Girl, Emily shares how we, too, can let go of the try hard life. Trying to be good, perfect...more I just LOVED the cover of this book by Emily P. Freeman. The bird set free from the cage immediately grabbed my attention...then I opened the book to discover that I am not alone in feeling trapped by "being good" and never "good enough".

Emily is my new best friend...one day I hope to meet her and thank her for writing exactly how I have felt and thought all of these years.

In her book, Grace for the Good Girl, Emily shares how we, too, can let go of the try hard life. Trying to be good, perfect, have the perfect family, perfectly clean home, successful life, etc. All of these are good and noble, but can at the same time rob us of a pure and sincere devotion to Christ.

Emily's writing style is genuine, heartfelt and charming. I thought several times how it seemed we were sharing coffee and conversation and a deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ. I wanted to talk out loud right back to her to say, "yes, I know exactly what you are saying!" and then to share my story with her and know that she would understand all of my complexities of trying to be good enough and..

Emily shares the sense of shame she feels for not having a "testimony" like others...hers is that of truly being a good girl. The only problem with being a good girl is that being good does not come naturally either...it must be worked at, harder and harder to be perfect and to live up to some standard that we set up for ourselves.

In chapter 4, Emily discusses the”I'm Fine" response of the Good Girl. Easily, I could identify with each of the examples given...and the emotional, relational collapse that happens when my fear of disappointing others...or worse, being rejected by them ...if all is not "fine" when asked.

This recovering Good Girl grew up being told what was appropriate to feel and what the right responses should be...My grown up self now realizes that emotions are not wrong or right...they simply are what I feel. How I deal with them should be tempered by love for God...freely giving them to Him first, before I let them go in a response to or toward others.

Whether you are a Recovering Good Girl, or a Girl with a Past....this book is for you. It is time for us to let go of the masks we wear and allow Christ to fill us up with more of Him....

Emily will be your new best friend, too. And you will love her too. I just know you will.
(less)

like · see review

Nov 29, 2012 Abbie Riddle rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 freedom of...more

like · see review

Sep 26, 2011 Brenna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copies, re-reading

For those of you who have been following my blog for a while now, you'll know that while I mostly read YA I also branch out at times. I am Christian, so once in a while those books include Christian fiction or non-fiction books. Grace for the Good Girl is a Christian non-fiction book.

Words completely fail me for this book. I have no clue how to convey to those of you who may be interested in this book, exactly what it means to me. I will say that when I was only halfway through the book that I w...more For those of you who have been following my blog for a while now, you'll know that while I mostly read YA I also branch out at times. I am Christian, so once in a while those books include Christian fiction or non-fiction books. Grace for the Good Girl is a Christian non-fiction book.

Words completely fail me for this book. I have no clue how to convey to those of you who may be interested in this book, exactly what it means to me. I will say that when I was only halfway through the book that I went onto Amazon and ordered eleven more copies. ELEVEN. Why would I want eleven more copies of a book I already have? Because I couldn't count 6 people off the top of my head who I felt would love this as much as I love it. And it's the kind of book I want to have extra copies on hand, just in case I come across other people who are interested in it. And by the time the books arrived, I already knew of two other people who I was going to give copies too. THAT'S HOW MUCH I LOVE IT.

Maybe this book just came to me at the right time. Because I can tell you, I needed to hear what Emily had to share. I needed reminders of the promises God has given to us in the Bible. And I needed someone to meet me head-on and be honest with me; it's okay to be scared. It's okay to not have everything put together all neatly. Frankly, it's okay to be a bit of a mess. And I don't have to be pretend to be perfect because everything will be okay.

Well, thank goodness. If you're like me, you need to hear this. In between all of the school work and house work and relationships with those I care about and church involvement and professional school applications... well what else is there? And what if I don't measure up? Emily has something to share with us then:

That's okay. You don't have to all of this on your own.

And that's where I breathe a loud, exhaustive sigh of relief.

This book isn't going to be for everyone; but when it comes to those of Christian faith, I think it is going to have widespread appeal. Emily is so honest and encouraging, and it's perfect for those "normal" people who don't have anything drastic or exciting to share in their testimony. And for those who might have something a little more unique in their story? Well, it's for you too. I know it was definitely for me. And if only one person finds this book and decides to read it and finds something uplifting in it... well, then my job is done. I'm satisfied.

In fact, I'm going to pick it up and read it all over again. One chapter at a time, just the way I read through it before. I want to answer every question, I want to commit verses shared to memory because the last thing I want to do is finish reading this, put it on my shelf, walk away and forget.

I can't thank Emily enough for being the messenger and having the bravery to write this. And thank you so much to Graf-Martin for providing me with a review copy. This one's a winner.

Break out the road maps, find a place to go with your girlfriends and get together for a weekend. Challenge each other and open up to each other. Break through those masks! Curl on a sofa infront of a fireplace or a beach with this book, friends like sisters, and some hot chocolate. You won't regret it.(less)

like · see review

Nov 18, 2011 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-nonfiction

A friend of mine surprised me by sending me this book in the mail. Apparently she felt it was something I really needed to read. Having finished it today, I can see why.

This book opened my eyes to a problem I didn't even know I had. I was completely blind to my works-oriented mentality of always striving, always trying to be good enough, and yes, unfortunately holding others to that standard as well. Well, I can't be good enough, and that's why I need Jesus. And this reality makes one want to f...more

like · see review

Mar 02, 2012 Stacia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: living, non-fiction

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. There were so many times that I thought, "Seriously, how did she get into my head? How does she KNOW that?"

I am definitely the good girl that Mrs. Freeman is speaking to and writing this book for. If you've grown up in the church and have gotten attention from always meeting and possibly exceeding people's expectations than more than likely you will get a lot out of this book too. I found myself crying and being changed and my thought proces...more

like · see review

Aug 21, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a must read for those of us who have found ourselves driven by being a people pleaser. I told my husband that if I could have written a book about my life/personality and the things I've learned over the years and continue to learn this would be it! When I was done I felt like I was letting go of a good friend - I hated for it to be over. Most likely I'll re-read it along the way!

like · see review

Mar 23, 2013 Claire rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mustreads

I read Emily's book in 1/2 the time I thought I would. It really resonated with so much I have struggled with my whole life and especially the last 5 yrs. Emily's candid details of things she's dealt with in her thought life and in growing up in churches and her struggle to perform really shed light on the half truths we rely on rather than trusting and receiving God's truth.

As a stay@home mom of toddlers, it is incredible how loud and how insistent the stream of self-doubt and criticism in your...more

like · see review

Jul 23, 2012 Laura LeAnn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-non-fiction

Very easy to read as it is written in a very narrative, almost stream-of-consciousness style. I really enjoyed reading it alone but think it would probably be better to read along with a small group of women so there can be discussion, etc. The author does provide a small group leader guide and discussion guide for the small group for just this purpose. A very encouraging read as a "good girl" and being able to see my own thoughts and struggles reflected in the author's struggles as a "good girl...more

like · see review

Dec 04, 2012 Marissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great testimony of how Freeman learned that hiding behind a "good girl mask" is just as detrimental to her walk with Christ as it would be to hide behind more obvious and serious sins. And to be honest this is a statement that could turn many women away from this book, but trust me this book is not hard to read, yes it is challenging, but the overall message is uplifting and inspiring.

Freeman does such a great job, I'm going to share her words that seemed to leap off the the page...more

like · see review

Oct 13, 2011 Kate SouthernBelleSimple rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very few books get a 5-star rating from me, but this one definitely does. If you've ever felt like having faith was just too doggone hard, this book is for you. If you've ever felt like you weren't 'good enough' no matter how much you tried, this book is for you. Even if you aren't a girl, there are plenty of life-changing tidbits in here that would make it worth your while.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 27, 2012 Alicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman is a look at a struggle that Christian women sometimes don’t recognize, or refuse to acknowledge. It’s that struggle to make sure that we’re always doing the right thing. Whether borne out of a need to atone for the sins of the past, or fear of not being good enough for the future, or simply the constraints of a life always lived in the mindset, many Christian women expend so much effort trying to maintain their Good Girl status. Emily takes a hard look a...more

like · see review

Jul 07, 2012 Emily Cook rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-life

Emily P Freeman's book was a delight, a shower of grace, written specifically for me. It's about the ways I hide, (the ways we all hide), and the grace of God that finds us and frees us from all the hiding. It's about living a life weak and loved, living in the freedom of grace and hidden in Christ.

like · see review

Dec 31, 2012 Christina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-christina

I read this with our small group of ladies this year. The author shares her story of hiding behind different "masks" to disguise her insecurity of really not being perfect and to avoid intimacy with others. This is one of those book where you will relate to some chapters more than others. Our group consensus was that a lot of these issues are things women usually deal with in their teens and 20's, and usually spiritual growth and maturity eliminates a lot of them. It's actually ok to be a good g...more

like · see review

Jun 09, 2012 Nan is currently reading it

I believe I have found exactly what I need for such a time as this. Possibly a decade younger than myself, Freeman's life mirrors my own in many ways. As a good girl, I have been on the path to grace for some time now and I believe Emiliy's insight wiil quicken my step. I am so thankful just 4 chapters in.

like · see review

title link	preview: Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life
avg rating	preview: Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life Goodreads rating: 4.23 (563 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10644422-grace-for-the-good-girl?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340762220l/10644422.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10644422-grace-for-the-good-girl?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life by Emily P. Freeman[/url]

Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Emily P. Freeman

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Grace for the Goo...

Quotes from Grace for the Good Gir...