Confessions of a Good Christian Girl: The Secrets Women Keep and the Grace That Saves Them

by Tammy Maltby, Anne Christian Buchanan (Contributor)

You already know the women you'll meet in this book. They may sit beside you in the pew . . . or join you at small group . . . or touch your heart from a speaker's podium. They have all been saved. They all love the Lord.  And yet . . .

One struggles with sucidal despair Another is involved with adultery, pornography, or a same-sex attraction Another endures regular beatings – or worse –  by someone who claims to love her Another is divorced . . . or thinking about it This one drinks secretly or "doctor shops" for pain pills That one wrestles with depression or bipolar disorder And many others feel they can never be thin enough, beautiful enough, successful enough . . . or Christian enough to be loved or accepted They're all good Christian girls who have been broken by sin – their own and others.

They all needed the honest, life-giving truth at the heart of this book. Do you?

Tammy Maltby addresses issues that aren't discussed much in church circles – private sins that she and other women have battled.  

Genres: Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian, Faith, Self Help

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Sharmaine Mitchell]

I couldn't wait to finish this book, just so I could start my next one. I didn't enjoy it at all (but I hate not completing books).

My biggest issue is the fact that I felt like the stories ("confessions") were glossed over. Things like that don't help me. Yes, the author somewhat went into detail about some situations. But I need real. I need raw. Tell me everything. Then tell me how you really got through it. IF you got through it. How you REALLY felt, and what you REALLY did and/or said at your lowest point. That's what helps me. She talks so much about authenticity at the end, but it just wasn't there in this book.

To me, this was just another "over the rainbow, look how amazing God is, let's hold hands and sing" kind of book. Not impressed at all. I wasn't inspired, encouraged, or moved in any way.

[Jeni]

This is a great book that deals honestly with the secrets we (or women we know) have in our pasts, our presents, and our hearts. She deals with serious issues in a very compassionate way, and doesn't whitewash neither the sin in our own hearts, nor the sins that have been done against us. This book really gave me a better perspective and more compassion for those who deal with things outside my own sphere, such as suicide, abuse and mental illness. It also gave me hope for those ares where I struggle.

[A.C. Bauch]

i wasn't sure what to expect from this book, and i liked it more than i thought i would. in each chapter i found something to which i could relate. i especially appreciated her consistent use of Scripture and biblical examples to further illustrate her ideas, as well as her candid discussion of her own issues and struggles. an excellent resource for any woman dealing with brokenness in her own life, or for anyone who ministers to Christian women.

[Melissa (Always Behind)]

This is a phenomenal book. It really helped me realize that just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean that I'm instantly transformed from every sin in my life. Not that it gives permission to commit sin--just the opposite. It helped me to realize that it's a process that I can have continual hope to work on the things that trouble me.

[Yvonne]

Amazingly, I am in almost every chapter of this book. I should have written a book like this.

[Suzy]

Maltby is a wonderful writer. She has the gift of encouraging those seeking a relationship with the Lord and those who have been walking with the Lord for a long time. She is honest and transparent with her own life struggles and with stories of others. Each chapter stands alone. I recommend reading an digesting each chapter versus a quick read through the entire book. In each struggle, she draws strength from God's word and directs readers to do the same. Maltby understands struggles in life, even in the life of Godly people. Each chapter has helped me understand myself a little better and given me strength or has helped me understand others and how to support them during times of conflict and struggles. I found myself annotating this book as I read along. I highly recommend this book!

[Mar Raab]

A good testimonial book for women who are struggling. Goes over an extensive amount of different struggles from real women, also deep dives into the realities of guilt and shame that Christian women often feel tied to their struggles.

[Jennifer Auxier]

This book is unlike many of the Christian books out there for young women. It's a realistic view of being a Christian girl in the real world. Using stories of women in the Bible, the author goes through real-life struggles such as depression, pride, etc. and looks at it through a Biblical lens.

[Michele]

Finally a book that tells it like it is and how to heal instead of so many others that push you into avoidance & denial.

[Jenn]

This is ok. Almost done reading it. Don't think I'd recommend.

[Tammy]

The truth about my life and learning to embrace Gods amazing grace.

[Andii Alvelais]

For all of us who have been broken up, broken down and finally broken out!!!! I had to pass this one on to another God girl going through.

[Keri Murcray]

A lot of really good reminders...still typing up my notes about this one.