Not Who I Imagined: Surprised By A Loving God

by Margot Starbuck

Insightful and humorous writer draws from personal stories to help readers let go of their feelings of shame and unworthiness to embrace God's unconditional love and acceptance

Genres: Christian

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2014

About the author

Margot Starbuck is a New York Times bestselling writer and the author of over twenty books.

She's really jazzed about the release of The Grown Woman's Guide to Online Dating, and you can learn more about that fun thing here: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/the-gr...

Margot enjoys speaking to audiences around the country that include Wheaton College, MOPs International, Young Life Women’s Weekend, Urban Promise Ministry Summit, and more.

Margot is the mom of 3 adult humans, by birth and adoption, and lives in a one-of-a-kind community built around friends with disabilities in Durham, NC.

Learn more at: http://www.margotstarbuck.com/home.htm

Reviews

[Elisabeth Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best book I've read in a LONG time! The first several chapters brought me to tears as I thought about God's love and grace for me. I highly suggest doing the reflection at the end of each chapter.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Margot Starbuck asks the salient question, “What if God receives me exactly as I am?” Sit with that a moment. Not as you might want to be. Not as you wish you were. Not who the culture tells you you should be but as you are. In this moment.

We live in a culture that is empowered to criticize. We tear down, critique, rate, make suggestions for how something (or someone) might be better. Few of us have received the depth and breadth of affirmation, acceptance and love that God intended. It’s no wonder that we misunderstand Him and assume he is no different. But he is. And Margot does a stunning job assuring us of that.

Through sound psychology, sociology, Scripture, and personal story, Starbuck leads us on an adventure of discovering the prodigal love that our God holds for us.
Speaking of God the Father’s words to Jesus after He was baptized, she writes:

The Face that is true says to Jesus:
1. You are mine.
2. I chose you.
3. You’re marked branded, identified by my love.
4. I delight in you.

She later continues, “The good news of the Christian gospel is that God’s gracious face is turned toward ours in love... The face of God isn’t shaming us for being human. Instead, it lights up, eliciting our gaze and affection, as one who already knows us and loves us.” This is indeed good news.

[Marissa Meltzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brought my attention to what people, especially my kids, see on my face. Really good to check to see how do we imagine God looking at us and what expression do we see on his face?

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margot Starbuck has written an excellent book. I was intrigued by the title and was not disappointed as she takes us through the various ideas or images we have of God and how and why they are often incorrect. God is a God of love, not totally judgmental ase have heard from our parents and others and seen in them. I will leave the rest of the story for her, but I enjoyed reading thi book and hope it is helpful to others.

J. Robert Ewbank, author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It may Concern"

[Ann Gemmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great follow-up to The GIrl in the Orange Dress. I am glad I read that one first as it set up Margot's continued journey to find healing and wholeness. Another book that is a great reminder of the incomprehensible grace and love of a Father in heaven who loves us perfectly in the midst of our weakness and sin. Love Margo's unique voice, part Brennan Manning, Don Miller, with at times the humor/sass of Erma Bombeck. Beautifully written~! Highly, Highly recommend.

[Lisa Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main idea that the author poses is that we are all worthy of God's love, even though we may feel unworthy, at times. Starbuck urges us to picture the face of God. We all have different pictures in our mind of what God may look like. Some see a stern, judgmental God, while others see a God who is exasperated with them. May we all picture God as the loving, Heavenly Father that He is, longing to welcome us home with open arms.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this wonderful book and let its truth settle into the deep places in your heart. Thank you, Margot Starbuck, for gently turning us from the lies we've let creep in to the glorious reality of our Father's face.

[Cortney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good for self reflection. God loves you now, how you are at this moment, believe it, accept it and embrace it.