Martha Peace is a biblical counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. She is the author of many books and speaks and teaches nationally and internationally.
This book gives very good instruction and encouragement on becoming a Titus 2 woman. It can be dry at times but it is very scriptural. This is something that even a young woman could read so she can see the areas to excel in.
The message and lessons this book teaches are very much needed in the church today. Older women need to share their wisdom and mentor younger women, and the younger women need to find an older woman to whom they can turn for advice and help.
My problem with this book comes from the tone in which it is written. The writing style is preachy and condescending, as if the writer is saying that she has attained Titus 2 status, and therefore, the reader should do things exactly the way she would do them. Much of the book was about how to rebuke and correct flaws in the younger woman. While correction can be necessary at times, there was little focus on the need to have a close relationship before trying to gently correct. I felt as if the author would randomly walk up to a complete stranger at church and tell her what she was doing wrong and how to fix it, and that left a sour taste in my mouth.
I disagreed with some of the author's statements, but if one ignores her outdated examples, the message of the book is excellent. Christian women need each other - for friendship, for encouragement, and for learning how to be a more godly Christian woman.
I was surprised that the chapter on submitting to husbands wasn't more insulting towards non-submissive women, because earlier chapters had talked down on women for such "sins" as failing to be a natural morning person. The study guides sending me to Bible verses were good, as well as some of the suggestions for reframing feelings of frustration towards loved ones, but other areas of advice were inconsistent with basic psychology (for example, strongly recommending that parents never pause to reflect prior to giving physical punishment... adult brains think more clearly after a couple deep breaths...........). It reminds me of a blogger who criticized coffee-drinking in church because coffee is for relaxation and you should be attentive in church - maybe the writer drinks coffee to relax, but everyone else drinks it to be alert and attentive to important things. Peace sometimes framed her own experiences as the only Biblical way to live, without grounding the advice in general understanding of other human beings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The book overal could have 4 stars but being a young woman I felt like I wasn't quite in a position to be a Titus 2 woman just yet. So for me it was a 3 star book. I thought the book was well written and explained the job of the older womman. I was able to see how I can help the youth in a Titus 2 way but again I still feel lacking to be the older woman model. At times she sounds rather sharp in her explanations. If you come from a more feminist back ground this may sting a little. The book shared very Biblical ideas and I love how she would have you get into the scripture to find answers. I wish more older ladies would read this book because what she discribes is what I want in my life. Maybe I'll reread this book when I am a grandma and give it 4 starts at that time. :)
This is my second time through this book. I was blessed to read with with some dear sisters in Christ . While I don’t agree with everything the author says , especially some of her doctrinal beliefs , she offers a strong, deep dive into what it means to be a Titus 2 woman. This topic is missing from most churches today and I want to see a revival in the older women encouraging the younger women and this book was a good step in that direction.
Straightforward Biblical instruction with practical application. Easy read with convicting message that points to the true heart of the matter. We are made to honor, glorify, and serve our God and we are to encourage others to do the same.
I read this with my Bible study group, and although it has many scriptural truths throughout it, I just can’t recommend it because of the way many things were presented to the reader. I found it out-dated in many of the examples given.
I started this a couple of years ago but never finished, feeling it wasn't the best time for me to assume the posture of the woman described in the title. This time, I did finish--similar feelings of inadequacy not withstanding--and found myself encouraged and challenged throughout the reading. Martha Peace, author of The Excellent Wife (in my to-read pile right now) makes it very clear what the older Christian woman's responsibilities are and are not in helping the younger women. With very practical, doable examples of how to speak truthfully and lovingly, the one-anothering of this type of relationship was really fleshed out in a way that caused me to be able to see myself fulfilling (by God's grace!) this important calling and duty in the Body of Christ. It needs a second reading almost immediately, especially if you are like me and do not take time to fill in the study questions a the end of each chapter. I would even give this book to a younger, in-process Titus 2 woman (aren't we all, ladies?)and tell her, "Aspire to this!", as well as to the youngest of wives so she can know what is *supposed* to be going on, while we older ones try and fall and try again to help them. Inspires generational thinking and selfless living, and all from a woman who came to Christ in her 30s--which in itself is a *huge* kick in the seat to quit feeling sorry for myself and my "lack of maturity" and get busy trusting the Lord and resting in His sanctifying work, and to just be available to be used as He wills.
This book was just okay. I read her book "The Excellent Wife" years ago (before I was married) so much of this was a review. The parts about the importance of mentoring younger women, and our often selfish reasons for not mentoring, were good. I didn't agree 100% with her take on things but overall it was good.
Responsibilities of older Christian Women to teach younger Christian women: --to love husbands/children --be sensible/purs -be homemaker/king --be subject to own husband and mature in: doctrine, character, and ministry
a very good study for any woman. It is addressed to the older woman trying to mentor the younger. But even the younger woman can learn the truths in this book by using it as a guide while they study.
Cannot STAND this woman! Had to read it for pre-marital counseling but couldn't get past her pride and feminism which she tries to call "applying Scripture" or submission. Not planning on reading anything else by her.
Lets see. The book was good at first. I loved all of the scripture that I needed to look up in order to answer questions. But then she started talking about how the world calls abuse, abuse. And really, it’s just malice in their hearts and to stay and pray that the Lord changes their hardened hearts. Beautiful. Because the church that I went to before, when I was married to my abusive ex-husband, told me the same thing. And guess what, he never got better. He continued to get worse and much more frightening and absolutely dangerous! Another thing? She teaches spanking your children! No thank you! And thirdly! I ran across her very opinionated section on how women, wives, need to be a workers at home. Do not work outside of the home. Because if you do, what is the motive in your heart? It’s definitely not to glorify God. And that Us wives have no reason to financially help in the household. anyways, it’s absolutely disgusting and this was a little bit halfway through the book. I had to close it down, and I am going to toss it in the trashcan because no woman should ever read a book that is leading her astray from God‘s true word. this author named Martha peace, is teaching women to stay home and not leave the house. She is teaching them to be abusive to their children and she is teaching them that it is OK for a husband to abuse her. Nobody should be able to go through that. And maybe I’m thinking a little too highly on this in the wrong way, but none of my girls will ever be in a situation like this and none of my boys will ever participate in being abusive and making their wives stay at home. It’s very biblical and very cheap. It makes me wanna vomit. seems like such a cult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is one of the most impactful short books (bible study) I’ve ever read. I intentionally read it slowly because I could sense early on that this book carried a depth and truth that needed to be absorbed, not rushed. It’s incredibly countercultural, and at times, it challenged what I thought I knew about womanhood. But instead of resisting those hard truths, I chose to receive them with an open heart—and I’m so thankful I did.
This book lays out what it means to be a Christlike woman, wife, mother, and friend. While some parts feel particularly suited to women with very conservative values, I didn’t let that put me off. Instead, I let the wisdom in these pages stretch and shape me. The result? A deep and lasting shift in how I see my role as a woman of God.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that this book has changed everything for me. I already want to reread it—and keep rereading it—because it’s just that valuable. I truly feel this should be required reading for every Christian woman seeking to grow in biblical womanhood. Read it with humility, and prepare to be transformed, it’s so good!
Another Christian book that could potentially excuse abuse in the guise of submission. Also cannot stomach this: "If she desires to appeal one of his decisions (in a case where he is not asking her to sin), she should begin with something like 'Would you consider...?' Her husband would then realize right away that she is not demanding her way, but nicely making a request. She should end her appeal with something like '...but whatever you decide, I will do." Then she should do whatever he decides with a cheerful attitude realizing that it is the Lord Jesus she is ultimately serving. Her husband's answer (unless he is asking her to sin) is God's will for her at that time."
All of the NOs to that paragraph and many more. I speak to God myself. He doesn't show me His will through my husband.
I read this for a Bible study, and Mrs. Peace and I simply have differing views on a lot of topics. The tone of the book was brusque and to-the-point, and while that has its merits, it was also lacking in empathy when some would have been called for. There were also some peculiar segways into very niche topics contained in some of the chapters. My overall impression is just that it was rather odd and I didn't care for it.
Although I had my prejudices against the author, she turned out to be awesome. It seems that all the bad press comes from worldly christians or nonchristians. She is an amazing woman (a few youtube lectures from her convinced me). This book is great if you want to be a Titus 2 mentor to married women. Since I needed to know how Titus 2 could be applied to mentoring younger girls, I was left wanting a few more chapters...
It was a great read. Other books on the topic might be more comprehensive and go into more detail but I like that it is short and too the point. What stands out to me in this book and makes it worth reading along others of it's kind is her lists of examples she puts in chapters exemplifying her point. Small practical ideas that help point out where your mental framework is and what it is she means in the particular topic of modeling a Titus 2 woman.
This book really is a must read for all young ladies married, engaged or desiring to be married. Very insightful and biblically sound in teachings. Even though I've been married almost 50 years I still gleaned from it. Thanks to the author of this book and God.
Titus 2 women are greatly needed in the church today (especially today) when society is filled with such nonsense. Instead of “Grandma is on the Golf Course”, how about we as older women pour our lives into the hearts of younger women so they can glorify God.