Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning

by Rebekah Lyons

Women today are fading. In a female culture built on Photoshopped perfection and Pinterest fantasies, we’ve lost the ability to dream our own big dreams. So busy trying to do it all and have it all, we’ve missed the life we were really designed for. And we are paying the price. The rise of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among the female population in Western cultures is at an all-time high. Overall, women are two and a half times more likely to take antidepressants than men. What is it about our culture, the expectations, and our way of life that is breaking women down in unprecedented ways?

In this vulnerable memoir of transformation, Rebekah Lyons shares her journey from Atlanta, Georgia, to the heart of Manhattan, where she found herself blindsided by crippling depression and anxiety. Overwhelmed by the pressure to be domestically efficient, professionally astute, and physically attractive, Rebekah finally realized that freedom can come only by facing our greatest fears and fully surrendering to God’s call on our lives. This book is an invitation for all women to take that first step toward freedom. For it is only when we free-fall that we can truly fly.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Memoir, Faith, Spirituality, Self Help, Christian Living

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Rebekah Lyons is a designer, strategist, wife, and mom. She serves alongside her husband, Gabe, as executive director of Q, a learning community that mobilizes Christians to advance the common good in society. In her role at Q, Rebekah gives leadership and strategic direction to where the movement is headed and manages day-to-day operations. Any given week includes volunteering at the Midtown Pregnancy Support Center in Manhattan or at Geneva School, writing her daily musings, and rallying her three children and two toy poodles around New York City.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The whole time I read this disappointing book I kept wondering where the adults were in the process. The personal anxiety of one woman, shallow by her own admission, who then perceives that her panic attacks must mean God wants her to become a writer may seem like an epiphany to her but shouldn't to anyone else (and begs the question why we never read memoirs of people who discover their calling is to janitor work or accountant). Her story is very familiar to thousands of (mostly) women who for a variety of reasons find their lives paling in comparison to those around them. But it's dangerous to lead an impressionable public to misconstrue the voice calling one to a career of fame and fortune as God's, and certainly shouldn't be promoted in print. Common sense and a grasp of basic theology brings into question whether the author understands what the bible means when the word "call" is used.

Also, the mental health angle falls flat. The author makes it clear she has a temporary form of mental disease so it's not clear why she deems herself an authority on the subject when talking to the 1/4 of women with mental illness. Those women often have a more permanent form of mental health issues and this book is patronizing and dismissive towards them. For example, she speaks lovingly about her father who has been battling chronic mental health issues for years but spends the rest of the book telling women that their anxiety and depression is due to their resistance to following God's call. Is the same true for her father? Is the chapter devoted to him a thinly veiled admonition that he isn't close enough to God and should follow her much more godly example? The story she relates in which her father-in-law agrees with his impertinent grandchild that he "buried" his artistic gift by not accepting a scholarship years ago made me cringe, both for the disrespect of the child and to the man. Did it not occur to anyone that perhaps this man's sacrifice was a far greater gift than a life of art on the walls? It's telling that the author didn't even consider that perhaps her father-in-law may have been perfectly following God's call.

With a confusing argument on mental health, a simplistic and naive assessment of the lessons learned upon moving to New York City, and a very incomplete understanding of God's definition of "call," the book makes this reviewer wonder where the adults--be they friends, family, pastors, or editor--were when pen went to paper.

[Sarah Hyatt · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a 200 page foray into the struggles of the unfulfilled millennial, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of a Great Calling for fulfillment.

I am biased as can be, but after growing up in a church hearing the rhetoric to do "great things for God", after growing up "gifted" and chronically bored, after growing up "talented" and you should be an artist/writer/scientist/mathematician/paleontologist, I am over all of it.

I don't want to be anything along these lines. I don't want to pursue my talents. I don't want to be identified by my gifts. I am not in the Babysitter's Club and I don't want to be the "artsy" one, or the "sporty" one or the "stylish" one. Maybe it's possible to just enjoy talents for what they are without making them a Huge Thing. Maybe let's stop assuming talent is only the things that are useful and marketable to the external world and the church. Maybe let's not apply our own experiences to the entire world.

Maybe it's not possible for everybody to make the "choice" - because it so often ISN'T a choice - to stay home, quit their job, pursue their "calling", chase their "talents." Maybe we're doing everyone a disservice by making this a choice, and by elevating ~calling~ and ~gifting~ (stop making it a verb, yo!) to become such status symbols.

This book's highlights are quotes from Brene Brown and Maya Angelou, but it certainly doesn't improve on any of them. It's more of a reflective essay that might be assigned in a psychology class; it integrates material from Brene Brown and Maya Angelou, who are wonderful, but they are not exactly peer-reviewed journals or primary sources of the level one might want to consult before throwing down so much psychological advice. And that's not to mention that I could spend my time reading their actual books and gain more substantial insight.

There were a lot of hip, postmoderny Christian phrases through around like calling and "pressing in" (hey, Christian culture? That phrase means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING) and "seasons" and "breakthrough" (what even is that?) and so many friends! Such insight, much spiritual, very calling. Wow.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are two main themes that I saw. First was Rebekah's journey through depression and anxiety, along with a big move and culture shock (Atlanta to NYC). She suffered debilitating panic attacks, and was often so depressed she didn't want to get out of bed. At her lowest point, she writes:

"I must give in.
I"ll do what I swore I would never do.
I'll numb out.
We woke up the next morning after yet another restless night, and I told Gabe (her husband) my resolution: I would take antidepressants to get me through. I was no longer able to cope and ready to do whatever I needed to do."

So, apparently anti-depressants cause you to "numb out." No, no, and NO! Anti-depressants to NOT cause most people to "numb out." They strip away the anxiety and depression, so you can peel away those terrible layers and get back to who you really are.

Two pages later, she writes about her break through. One night, in the midst of an awful panic attack, Rebekah cries out to God in desperation. She prays bold prayers. She is cured that night. So, apparently, if you pray hard enough God will take away your depression and anxiety too.

These are the two things that really bother me. There is a huge stigma surrounding depression in general. And, depression in Christian culture? Forget about it. Like we need more perpetuation of the lie that "if you pray hard enough, God will cure you." I feel like Rebekah has done a bit of a disservice to Christian women out there. Not once does she mention seeing a psychiatrist or a counselor. Not once does she talk about suicide statistics. Ugh.

I did see a webcast interview with Rebekah and her husband. She seems like a absolutely lovely woman, and sort of back-tracked on the meds stance, saying that everyone is different, and yes some people do need meds. But, that did not come across in the book.

The other theme is Rebekah's passion for women finding and using their God-given gifts. She is so passionate about this and it really resonates with me. Rebekah is so encouraging, to young mother's especially.

She writes: "... the displacement of a mother's purpose (beyond child rearing) becomes a huge loss to our communities. If women aren't empowered to cultivate their uniqueness, we all suffer the loss of beauty, creativity, and resourcefulness they were meant to inject into the world."

Another quote: "But if God has buried in each of us good gifts, doesn't it follow that He desires for us to find and use them? To ignore these gifts or fail to develop them, it seems, would be to bury our treasure..."


Would I recommend it? Yes, with reservations. I love the parts where she encourages women to grab hold of their gifts and use them to to further the Kingdom. There are parts of her recovery story that bother me, and I would hesitate to recommend this book to a Christian who is really struggling.

Disclosure: I received this advanced reading copy free from Zondervan via Handlebar Publishing as part of their Board of Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Fictionista Du Jour · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book reads like I'm out to coffee with a very self-absorbed person who wants to give me advice, but more for her own self-satisfaction than to be helpful.

I could not get past it. Perhaps were I in a similar phase in life (suddenly fish out of water, parenting a special needs child, or a devout Christian) I might find something relatable here, but no.

I got nothing.

[Linda Walters · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, because she was open, because she faced demons that all women have had to face at some time or other. It was like reading a woman's personal journal but with that said, I didn't enjoy the book. Is she called to be a writer like she said? Yes, she probably is but this book didn't do it for me. Would I be open to reading any other books that she will write in the future? Yes, because of her courage and honesty of sharing this book.


I received this Book FREE from Tyndale House Publishers through Handlebar Marketing for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

[Lynnda Ell · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Freefall to Fly, Rebekah Lyons uses her story to tell the story of many women, including mine. It’s a tale of pain, panic attacks, fear, and God’s rescue. Her circumstances differed from mine in significant ways, and yet the trajectory of our healing was strikingly similar. In spite of the connection I felt with Ms. Lyons, I sadly confess that the book did not touch me on any other level. The writing was choppy and the story presented like so many puzzle pieces scattered through the pages. So many details were omitted that most of the time I felt I was viewing her life through a patchy fog.

While reading Freefall to Fly, I was reminded of the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. Most of that book tells all the wonderful things Solomon did in his life. After every type of activity—art, building, farming, pleasure, etc.—he said repeatedly that everything was futile. Ninety-nine per cent of Ecclesiastes is about his life and perhaps one per cent is about God. I got that same sense of focused inward looking in Freefall to Fly. God rescued both Rebekah Lyons and I, but her writing style did not bring back to me that sense of wonder, gratitude, and glory that I know she must have also experienced as she fell into God’s hands.

I am further down the road (age wise at least) than Ms. Lyons, so I would not be surprised to discover, in a few years, that she had written another book. With more maturity, I think she will find that God leads her through many seasons of activities. Just as it states in Ecclesiastes, there is a season for everything, for every activity under the sun. Those seasons will ebb and flow, changing in the natural course of life. When we let go of attempting to control our lives and give Him total control, He uses what we do to transform us into what He designed us to be.

A caterpillar can’t fly. He can only give up being a caterpillar and wrap up in a cocoon to die. While we’re in the “doing” mode, God is shaping us in the cocoon. The day finally comes, however, when no amount of "using our gifts" satisfies. Then God splits open the cocoon and we discover we have the glory of wings and we fly without restraint because He has turned us into butterflies. That’s the book Ms. Lyons has yet to write.

[C.E. Hart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I especially enjoyed the first chapter of this book, in which Rebekah Lyons illustrates her big move from Georgia to New York. Coming from a military background, I moved often, leaving old friends behind and meeting new ones. I could relate to the emotional highs and lows that bounce between excitement and dread. I’ve been there. Also, I understand the vast differences in the different regions of the U.S., and New York is so very different from life in the south.

What I couldn’t relate to was the rest of the story. I didn’t quite connect. In my opinion, there are subtle hints (and some not so subtle) throughout the book that are somewhat judgmental and in opposition to psychiatric studies. Why shouldn’t someone who suffers with panic attacks, depression, etc., take medications that are proven to relieve their symptoms? Why should one suffer through these things in a freefall flight? I could understand someone who suffers from a mental disorder being offended by opinions expressed in this memoir.

I liked the author’s openness and honest insights of her journey, and I realize this book is a memoir—infused with her own personal views, but I can’t really recommend a book I didn’t connect with and that contradicts my own personal stance on mental health.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, and if it weren't the library's copy I would have underlined much of Lyons' personal insights that she so beautifully shared. I appreciated her raw honesty about her struggles and felt encouraged to develop greater humility and submit to God's will as I surrender to the brokenness of life. I particularly liked her emphasis on creating a community of honest women with whom you can openly share both your ups and downs of life. I highly recommend this book for women seeking spiritual solutions to combat their struggles with perfectionism. However, I am disappointed that Lyons strongly condemns the use of medication for depression and anxiety, but I gather that it is largely because of her experiences with her dad who suffered from mental illness. Overall, this book really resonated with me personally and reminded me of books I read long ago in a college women's literature class like Anne Lammott's Traveling Mercies and Karen Armstrong's The Spiral Staircase. I was also reminded of the following talks given by leaders of my church which I reviewed as I read this book and felt very uplifted and encouraged:
The Hope of God's Light
Like a Broken Vessel
We Never Walk Alone
Happiness, Your Heritage
The Light within You

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting memoir style book that explains Rebekah’s journey.

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ugly cried my way through the first three chapters. Rebekah Lyons articulated so well thoughts and feelings that have plagued me for over a year. I appreciate her opening up and sharing her struggle so honestly. The hope that breaks through as you move through the book lifted my spirits.
The only part that was a disappointment to me, was that after spending time talking about our God-given gifts (our "talents") and using them where we are at for God's glory, there really were not any tips for practical application (how to figure out what your gifts are).
If you have or are dealing with anxiety, feelings of being lost or worthlessness- please read this book. I read an e-book version from the library, I will be purchasing a copy to keep on my shelf.

[Sandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-1/2 ⭐️
Rebekah has a compelling story told with transparency. She definitely has a heart to help other women deal with anxiety and find meaning in life. But I personally found her writing obtuse. She doesn’t seem to communicate a clear path for women to follow. It’s all a bit ethereal. I wished she would have directed her readers to God’s Word where one can find true meaning, your calling and purpose in life. It’s not hidden, difficult or tricky to uncover.

[Bonnie Quarterman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard Rebekah Lyons on a podcast recently and she really struck a cord with me. This was a good audiobook/memoir but I think it would have been better if she narrated it herself. I appreciated her honest discussions about anxiety and depression. Her stories were interesting and mostly relatable, especially those about her children. The storyline and her main points were sometimes hard to follow, but overall I enjoyed it and will check out some of her other books.

[Sarah Robbins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this book on a road trip. I don't think I'd have finished it otherwise. I appreciate the struggles the author went through to find her place, but I disagree with quite a bit of her understandings and applications of scripture. I'd have a hard time recommending this book to someone because of that. I don't think it gives a clear and biblical to finding our joy and purpose in Christ, and because it provides an alternate path it can (unintentionally I hope) potentially lead people away from a greater understanding of identity found in God.

[Savvy Hedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will literally change your life. If you're like me, a recent college graduate and have no idea what on earth you're meant to do or where your place is in this world, Rebekah reaffirms your purpose and gives you hope that you're exactly where you need to be. I will recommend it for the rest of my life and absolutely read again. My only complaint is that she only has two books out.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is difficult for me to review...

I would never discount someone's personal experiences especially concerning a struggle with mental illness, relocation, a surprise circumstance concerning the life of a child, anything that life throws at one in this human experience we are living, it is your own. Sharing and laying bare these struggles in order to uplift someone suffering in silence, to shed light and to bring under the arm, "You aren't struggling alone" is the bravest and kindest kind of art, in my opinion.

I appreciate her story telling and her ability to speak to the heart of her matters in the kindest of tones and from such a space of vulnerability and love.

Yet, herein lies the problem: unfortunately I have a fundamental belief that illness is illness and whether you need a bandaid, a cast, special therapy to maneuver through life, medical intervention, or medications, I believe there is no shame in any of it. In all honesty, her apparent stance on medication in order to numb one's ability to feel in life that in taking medications to "get through" is somehow a cop out on a better way... and I could totally be misreading and just getting that impression, but it rubbed me the wrong way.

Depression and anxiety are not fun situations. Being diagnosed and advised by a medical professional a medication, something that will create a higher quality and a better functioning life, doesn't seem like a personal flaw to feel shame over. I believe in miracles and I believe in the Divine and I believe that total health is entirely possible. Yes, we should all strive to find our meaning and if we are in a complete and utter free fall during a period of our lives, sure it can be painful and confusing, but love and truth can come out of it... and that is what I believe to be ultimately the authors goal: to inspire to hold onto the meaning in life and to continue to believe and work toward a dream.

Undeniably, a nice read, but it left me wanting more. I am very happy for her that she shared her story and there are those books out there for everyone that speak to and reach everyone. This one was just not for me at this time.

[Jes Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I heard Rebekah Lyons speak and she spoke about calling and the confidence to live into calling. The subject is on my mind a lot right now and I wanted to see how she went through her journey. I have to admit her writing style rubbed me the wrong way. Short and choppy sentences that seemed to go on about the same topic forever. It read more like her diary than a book about learning to live into her calling. It wasn't until the last few paragraphs of the last chapter that she even discussed what her calling is.

I do think there is a difference between someone suffering anxiety because of trauma and anxiety due to dissatisfaction. She seems to suffer from anxiety produced from dissatisfaction, so her techniques will work for that. But as a sufferer of anxiety due to trauma, I do not suggest just "praying it away." But finding a good therapist who can walk someone through the appropriate channels to release fear. It may involve medication and it definitely will involve prayer, but not all anxiety is because of a dissatisfied life and I think she mixes the lines here.

I do believe her message is an important one. Women need to discover who they are outside of family, husband, children and society's constructs. We should all reflect on who we are and who we are called to be. That is the book I wanted this to be, but I feel she missed an opportunity of encouragement for women. I wanted to call her up and hand her the name of a good therapist.

If you are looking about reading a book on calling, I suggest Rhinestone Jesus by Kristin Welch or Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker. Both of these books discuss the struggles women face in living into the life God has called each of us into.

[Stephanie Ziegler]

This author believes that because she had a few panic attacks over the course of a year, after a life changing move, she needs to share her experience with the world through this book. Cry me a river. One in four women who actually take antidepressants have harder lives than this author writes about. I, personally, have been struggling with anxiety and depression (my freefalls) for the last 13 years, diagnosed. I have my normal periods (my fly) but there have been many relapses and a lot more pain than this author can and did write about.

To me, this book was a woman who put pen to paper and whined as she worked out her problems. She needed to tell people her story. Imagine if the one in four women wrote their stories. Rebekah, you may live in a city that is supposed to be ahead of the rest of the nation, but out here in the Midwest, we talk about our problems. We do not one up each other. We lean on each other for support and deal with what God throws at us. Yes, life is hard, but talking about medications or therapies is not hidden. Everyone tells me that I should write a book because of everything I have had to deal with in my life. My book would be much thicker and more interesting and you will learn that you do not have much to whine about...in my opinion.

This book can be reduced to a few sentences:
1) You are not alone.
2) 23% of women take antidepressants.
3) I know it will not fix things but having a honest conversation with a supportive and trusted friend takes a little weight off your shoulders.
4) Again, you are not alone.
- the end!

Until next time, live life one page at a time!

[Patty Corwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's it like to have the rug pulled out from under you?
How can you let your guard down when the world expects you to have it all together?
Who is it that you're really meant to be, and how do you find that in the midst of kids, work, traffic, illness, martial crisis, etc.

Rebekah Lyons admits she doesn't have all the answers, but she's been there. While her story is one of a mid-30's mom of 3 (oldest son has Downs), there was something about it that resonated with the stage of my own life. After leaving Atlanta and relocating by choice with husband and family to Manhattan, her life took a free fall: panic attacks, depression, uncertainty. Her struggles brought a tear to my eye, and that tear never left as I completed this book. What is it, deep in our creation, that we are meant to be and do? Why is it that we struggle to make meaning of our life when it seems others do it naturally?

Rebekah unashamedly recounts the moment when, in the midst of a serious panic attack, she calls on God to rescue her. Broken. Desperate. Maybe that's what we all need to experience to allow that God-given purpose to play out.

Newly relocated, alone pretty much of the time, and often asking God for the real purpose of this jolt from my comfort zone, I realized that Rebekah's story is ageless. And it's my story as well.

Read this book, no matter where you are in your life's journey. Allow yourself to admit that some days you don't understand and maybe are too tired to try. Know that you aren't alone in your angst. This book may just be the thing to give you permission to start flying.

[Rachel Bayles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it's ambitious to call this a book. It's very short, and there are no particular insights that stand out. First of all, it is marketed as a memoir. And the first part of the book seems promising; that we are going to learn about this particular woman's journey between life in the South and life in New York City. But as it progresses, it really becomes a tract on religion. By the end, basically she's just saying, "Let Go, and Let God." Which is fine, but not new.

What was interesting and useful here, is her attempt to be vulnerable, and her describing other women's struggles. This is what she should have focused on. Instead, she doesn't really dig where she needs to. She avoids dealing with the societal and cultural issues that force so many women to give up on their dreams. I kept wanting her to try harder, because she's likable and interesting. But she doesn't ever hit bedrock.

Finally, I think it's possible to read around the religion in the story, and still enjoy her narrative. But even that goes off the deep-end. When she recounts that the first time she ever took antidepressants, Jesus delivered her from her panic attacks, it's hard not to make fun of what I'm sure was a painful episode. Whatever role religion holds in your life, it's a bit steep to imagine that Merck had nothing to do with her decreased anxiety.

[Leah Beecher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another did-not-finish-disappointment. Oh boy, where do I start? I guess I will, in an attempt to be kind, because I can in some ways relate very much to Rebekah Lyons, say that Rebekah is stumbling into her life purpose, like we all are, but her book reads more like a messy emotional journal, than a polished serious book. She spends an unbelievable time writing in circles with lots and lots of nice uplifting quotes sprinkled between paragraphs. LOTS of quotes, without giving a concise testimony of: "hey this is what I went through, this is what God showed me, not because I finally figured it all out but because He loves me". I kept waiting for it. I got about 2/3 through, speed reading quite and bit, and closed it for good. I feel like she could do better, I want her to. It is so introspective that you have no feel for anybody else in her life, not her husband or kids, friends, or even her relationship with God. I just have a feeling she knew someone or had some good connections in the publishing market and prematurely launched this book. Lastly, she got Ann Voskamp to give a quote on the front of her book! Which if you are not familiar with Ann Voskamp is the current Christian Woman's Book equivalent to having Stephen Spielberg state he likes your movie! I think Rebeka Lyons could have a better book in her, given enough time and maturity.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible says we should test everything and hold on to what is good (I Thessalonians 5:21). That is exactly how I feel about Rebekah's book. I won't state how she could have described her situation better, or written more accurately, or that she is "a rich yoga mom that shouldn't be complaining about her life." On the contrary, I'll hold on to how she wonderfully bring us to the realization that is possible to have a life full of meaning. A life lived accordingly to the purpose of the One who created us with so much love. I'll hold on to the fact that, in despite of my fears, my past, the society's expectations, I can shine my own light and help others to shine their light as well. I'll hold on to the fact that she is motivating, leading and empowering women to get out of this model imposed by the world where perfection is required at all times, to start a life where your gifts are used to change lives, including your own.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, from the fact that she spent some time in Atlanta (where I lived from '09-'12) to the fact that Shauna Neiquist and Ann Voskamp provided testimonials. Unfortunately, it was a quick read but just wasn't that good. I couldn't really relate to her story, because, despite not having a "purpose," (a big struggle of mine, too) so much of her life seemed to fall together perfectly to where it appeared she is a beautiful woman with an (outwardly looking) pretty amazing life. Even her phrasing was at times trite and beautiful quotes were hastily added. I found myself wanting to read more of her life and less of what was in her head. Maybe she'll become a better writer in years?

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give Freefall to Fly two stars for the author's honesty. I had trouble with this book. I appreciated her honest accounting of her journey, but always felt something was lacking. I had the nagging feeling that, somehow, her story could be misleading. The problem, I realize, is that Lyons was heavy on interpreting her experience and life directly from Scripture, which can be a problem for Christian readers, especially those young in the faith looking for answers. If read strictly as a narrative, it's fine. I guess. I also didn't enjoy her writing. The book contains lots of white space and incomplete sentences sprinkled throughout for effect.

[Amanda Espinoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this over a weekend and it's a quick read. It's straightforward memoir of Rebekah Lyon's struggle with depression and anxiety after moving to New York City from Atlanta. She shares how she overcomes her anxiety and finding her calling to help other women. As far as Non-Fiction goes it doesn't have a lot of practical advice, but it's very encouraging. I'm definitely interested to see what kind of book Rebekah Lyons writes next.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate the author's personal struggle with anxiety, I found that she seems to have little in common with they everyday woman and the struggles that the majority of women face. While many women would love nothing more than to discover what their God-given talents are, the reality is that most cannot due to the busy circumstances that encumber their lives, and because of this I felt that the book seemed out of touch with the majority of modern women. I would not recommend it.

[Twila Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebekah, thank you for sharing your journey. I have walked a similar road and it is really hard for those who have not walked it to understand. but for those of us who have, you have given us a voice, Healing can come. It is the most difficult journey, but finding what it is that sets you free is the key. Cannot wait to recommend to others.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't underline this whole book because that would just be obnoxious. But I did underline half of it. So good. A must read for anyone who has struggled with anxiety or depression. Thank you for sharing your story, Rebekah.

[Jody Britton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't love the writing in this book. Author bunny-trailed a lot. Also a little too "feely" for my liking. Felt like I was reading more of a diary than anything super helpful.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good advice and stories, but more of mom-book. Also, the way she writes reveals this is her first book.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading 'You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are' that I decided to try this book of Rebekah Lyons as well. Unfortunately, I did not find this book as compelling as I had hoped.

Some takeaway points:

"...sometimes we need a freefall to teach us how to fly."

"How many of us hustle for our worthiness? How many of us live in the prison of performance or perfection, pleasing or proving?"

"Books brought me life. Stories were portals to other worlds."

"Books teach me in ways no other mediums can. They give me time to mull over new concepts, probing who I am underneath the layers of my exoskeleton. I desire to know the characters--all the details and colors that define them, and the intentions that send them on their journeys."

-To read? = Pilgrimage of a Soul by Phileena Heuertz

-To watch? = a short online documentary narrated by Tom Hanks titled Boatlift: An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience

Side note: I always thought a retreat to a place like Colorado would be fun for me to explore my talents and passions.