Barefoot: A Story of Surrendering to God

Sensible Shoes #3

by Sharon Garlough Brown

The spiritual journey takes unexpected turns for the women of Sensible Shoes in this third book of the series, continuing on from the events of Two Steps Forward. Having been challenged to persevere in hope, can they now embrace the joy of complete surrender?

Mara: With two boys at home and a divorce on the way, can she let go of her resentment and bitterness and find a rhythm of grace in her "new normal"?

Hannah: With Nathan by her side, can she let go of expectations―and even her reputation―as she charts a new course?

Charissa: As her approaching due date threatens to collide with new professional opportunities, can she let go of her need for control and embrace the unknown future with trust?

Meg: With disappointment over broken relationships and unfulfilled dreams, can she let go of her fear and worry in the face of even greater challenges that lie ahead?


Join the women of the Sensible Shoes Club in a poignant story that reveals the joy that comes from laying our lives at the feet of God and standing barefoot on holy ground.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Faith, Spirituality, Inspirational, Prayer

373 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Sharon Garlough Brown (MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary) is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and author. Her book "Sensible Shoes" was named one of television personality Kathie Lee Gifford's "favorite things" in March 2013, and her book "An Extra Mile" won Christianity Today's Fiction Book of the Year for 2019. She and her husband Jack have served congregations in Scotland, Oklahoma, England, and West Michigan, where they co-pastored a congregation for many years. They now direct Abiding Way Ministries, offering spiritual formation retreats and resources (abidingwaylife.com). Her latest book, "Feathers of Hope" (third in the Shades of Light series) released in April 2022.

Reviews

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensible shoes series: Book 3 of 4

Wow, what a precious precious book. I will keep this one close to my heart for a long time.

I finally got my hands on the 3rd book of this incredible series and despite the length of time it’s taken me to find a copy, I opened the book to page 1 and it was like I had never left. Meg, Mara, Hannah and Clarissa were all back, picking up where they left off at the end of book 2. In my opinion this was definitely the most impactful of the three stories so far.

Without giving anything away, each of the characters so through some very challenging and unexpected situations, thankfully they have formed a strong bond with each other and the resulting effect is them taking more comfort in God’s word and feeling his presence where and when they can.

It isn’t all doom and gloom though! There are also some very exciting, and again unexpected, changes that occur throughout this instalment and I am intrigued to know what happens next in their lives. I feel so connected to this group of women that I truly feel their pain and suffering but also their immense joy and love for each other and Jesus.

During a difficult time in my own life, I find great comfort in this story - the way the 4 women relate to both Christ and each other. What I love about it is that it’s not all about living a ‘perfect Christian lifestyle’. We all need some help and encouragement along the way and others to connect to and share are faith with. Sharon Brown also shares with us some practical meditations we can use to strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God when we need him most.

….Take off your shoes and stand on holy ground…

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read the third installment of the Sensible Shoes Club Series. I don't want to give any spoilers, but the characters take some surprising and unexpected turns. Each one goes deeper into their faith, and you as the reader, are not only along for the ride, but learning right along with them. Brown includes the spiritual growth exercises again, as well as more in the back of the book you can do with a group or on your own. You'll fall in love with these 4 women all over again and see them bond together even more as their lives see increasing challenges. Brown writes with warmth and authenticity and doesn't shy away from the hard realities that many of us face. I highly recommend this book.

[Paula Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel concludes the trilogy about these four women who met when they decided to attend a sacred journey workshop, and ended up forming their own Sensible Shoes club. You might need to grab a box of tissues for this one. It crosses over into the sort of story I don't usually choose to read (because there's enough emotionally draining happenings in any person's life without adding to it by getting heartbroken over the plights of fictional characters we've grown fond of), but since I'd become so invested in the lives of these four already, I thought I might as well finish it.

Once again, I was struck by lessons we learn from the experiences of others.

The story deals more with what it calls socially acceptable forms of idolatry. There's Charissa's thirst for honour and recognition in the academic world, and Hannah's clinging to the Protestant Work Ethic because of her longing to be appreciated and affirmed. It's good to bring these things to the light of day and recognise them for what they are. Perfectionism and helps ministries are clearly easy to regard as good, but not if they're rooted in how we think others perceive us.

There are probing questions about how we deal with difficult family members. Hannah wonders whether to mention painful aspects of her past to her parents (and I was glad by her conclusion), Meg deals with outright rudeness from her sister and daughter, as well as having her beliefs treated with contempt, and Charissa copes with pressure from a mother-in-law whose mindset is poles apart from hers.

Then there's poor old Mara's rejection issues, which she's finding take longer to put behind her than she expected, even though she's acknowledged them. Her first hand lesson about bitterness makes an interesting twist to the tale, and maybe a whack in the gut for any of us who might be dealing with condemnation from others, as well as condemning others in our hearts at the same time.

Some interesting extras are worth making a note of too. Who knew there's a longer version of the Serenity Prayer? Most of us probably only know the first little bit, but it's written in its entirety in the story. There's also an impacting, short little parable about a man who curses and praises the dead.

The finish wraps up some things and leaves others open, especially concerning the fates of secondary characters. What does Nathan do about Laura? The Becca and Simon issue is still unresolved. And how about Mara's attitude toward her youngest son, Brian? I was noticing unconscious resentment from her toward him in the previous books, so I'm glad this one picked up on it. I don't mind having these things left to our imaginations, since the books are a slice of life, and that's what life is like.

Altogether, even though it dealt with themes which I wasn't prepared for, it still gets high marks from me because of the thought it evokes.

Thanks to Net Galley and Authentic Media for my review copy.
Find more reviews at my blog, http://vincereview.blogspot.com.au/

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-breaking, soul-searching, hope through grief.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while, you come across a series with such richness and depth of content that you try to slow yourself down and savor the words. The characters. The story.

But in rare, beautiful circumstances, the content is so important that a starving soul--one that may be well-fed but under-nourished--cannot stop reading. Cannot savor. And that's okay, because there's this beautiful thing called... REREADING.

Yes, I'll be rereading this series. There is too much to glean to get it in one pass. The characters and their lives, the way the author unfolds the story, the infusion of Christ's love for us on every page... who wouldn't want a return to that--like going home to a favorite vacation spot to refresh and renew.

I'm not much of a crier--heroism? Yep. I'll cry. But loss usually doesn't affect me like it did in this one. Here we have to grapple with what happens when we lose things that are important to us--people, situations, relationships... And yes, I choked up. I wished I was a crier, because man... some things deserve the sacrifice of tears. This book is one of those things.

[Amanda Tranmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in this series has gotten better. I am so thoroughly invested in the lives of these characters I find myself forgetting they aren't real; they speak so clearly to the reality of my own internal monologues and struggles. They are so relatable, all 4 of them!
Beyond the entertainment value and storytelling, this novel has been more practical in terms of how-to Christian living than many non-fiction works written for that purpose. It is full of examples and opportunities to practice spiritual disciplines that will surely enrich the participant's life and walk with Christ when the book is utilized as intended. It's meant for more than just reading.

[Rach Mav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobbing / 5
And every time I read this series it has more spiritual formation for me, different things stick out. It’s not for everyone but I love it, even on the 6th read

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I have to say that I wish I could award more than five stars. That's how much I loved this book. Well, actually the whole series. Next I must tell you to read these books with your Bible and a box of tissues nearby. I generally don't buy fiction, but I plan to purchase this whole set for me and a set for each of my two daughters. I have never read a series of books that touch me as much as these have.

If you are spiritual and want to know more about what God has in store for you and want to get closer to Him, these books are for you. I know this a review for one book, but this applies to the whole series. Can't wait for the next one!!

[Lori Neff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the last page in a blur of tears. Sharon's honest writing really drawn you in... it's real life to experience deep joy and deep sorrow at the same time. Beautiful continuing journey with the women in the Sensible Shoes Club. <3

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this one, and it wrecked me. I was heartbroken reading about Meg's illness and remembering loved ones who have suffered similarly.

[Manon Kroneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inmiddels gehecht geraakt aan deze 4 vrouwen. Samenvatting: 🥹❤️

[Deb Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deb’s Dozen: Life’s never easy, but faith in God and friends makes living worthwhile.

Barefoot is the third book in the Sensible Shoes series and in some respects, touched me more deeply than the other two. The deeply spiritual journey of Sensible Shoes, the closeness the characters gained carried over into book two, Two Steps Forward, Barefoot brings us yet another level further into the journey of these four women: Meg, Charissa, Hannah, and Mara.

Life interferes with the desires of each woman to go deeper spiritually. Hannah struggles with the new relationship she’s found and what her ministry will be. Charissa, pregnant, finds her well-ordered life and career spinning away from her control. Mara fights her antipathy toward her soon-to-be-ex-husband and grapples with how to handle her two, very different sons. Sweet Meg tries to get over her broken relationship and her broken dreams.

Each of them in their own way works to merge their day to day life with their spiritual life. Each of them is more or less successful. All of them are vibrant characters you identify with intimately. Brown has created characters who teach us how to walk in faith and more closely with God despite our daily problems. These women aren’t perfect; they’re real—and they’re friends—and they become our friends as well.

You will want to take this journey with them. From Sensible Shoes to Two Steps Forward to Barefoot, the trip is one every woman should take. Five stars.

Sharon Garlough Brown is “a spiritual director and co-founder of Abiding Way Ministries, providing spiritual formation retreats.” She has an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminar. She and her husband, Jack, have ministered in Scotland, Oklahoma, England, and West Michigan. Sharon, like her characters, is real—and a friend.

InterVarsity Press gave me a copy of Barefoot, but I was in no way obligated to write a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm ugly-crying over this book at page 188. I don't care what happens the rest of the book; it's all worth it when I hit the part where Charissa buys Mara two weeks' worth of groceries. Sharon Garlough Brown truly has a gift for pulling the best out of her characters. A golden storytelling gift. I can't recommend this book (and this series) highly enough!

[Frau G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieser Band hat mich echt zerstört. Ich wusste es zwar im Vorfeld schon, dass dieses Buch zum Ende hin echt hart werden wird und dann hat es mich trotzdem unglaublich erwischt. Die letzten 50 Seiten war ich nur am Weinen.
Die Bücher sind toll und geben dem Leser unglaublich viel. Ich liebe sie.

[Monica Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that rolls everyday life with spiritual, Godly living! My personal life in book form! I haven’t responded to a book like this years. I laughed, I cried, and I saw who I am through the lens of God through these characters.

[Beth Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing journey each of these ladies is on, and it’s a privilege to watch their stories unfold. Can’t wait to read the next one, but disappointed there are only four.

[Leanne Aalbersberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mooiste boek uit de serie vond ik :) inspirerend!

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really blessed me—just like all the books in this series have so far. I feel like this one touched me more than some, perhaps; the concept of surrender has been a reoccurring theme for me lately, so seeing that here, displayed through four different women’s lives, was both beautiful and stepped on my toes a bit more than I expected! A good continuation to the series, although I didn’t agree with everything here. I don’t believe the part with a woman marrying a divorced man is Biblical, and my rating is down some because of that—otherwise, it would be an easy five stars. As I’ve come to expect, though, despite not agreeing with everything here, I’ve still come away with a lot to ponder over. Can’t wait to read the next book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. I am loving every book in this series so much - perhaps loving each one more as I go. This was another beautifully written story focusing on these wonderful four characters and their journeys through life before God. What a rich experience it is to walk with them as they wrestle with the Lord and experience their authentic and imperfect spiritual walks. What a gift that Brown listed all of the spiritual activities as an appendix at the end of this novel for individual and group use! This would be extraordinary to read with a group.
I've been so blessed to be reading these through library copies, but I definitely would like to own this set and know I will read them multiple times. Excited and a bit sad to be moving on the fourth and final book.

[Elysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so invested in the lives of these characters now and in their spiritual formation that I can't put these books down! Definitely start at the beginning! Great writing, endearing characters, complex, real-life issues, and authentic spiritual growth. Christian readers will appreciate the authentic, encouraging, inspiring exploration of what it means to follow Jesus through the difficulties of life. So good! Without giving spoilers, I need to say that this particular book could be very hard for sensitive readers, particularly those enduring some specific kinds of suffering, so definitely look more closely into that if you need to do so before you dive into this one. Highly recommend this book and the whole series!

[chloë womble barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked that she brought back the exercises in this one. i continue to enjoy this series!

[Vicki Cottingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Meg, Hannah, Mara and Charissa learn more about letting go in order to receive what is better. It's a book of endings and beginnings. An emotional read, and one which I enjoyed just as much as the first two books in the Sensible Shoes series.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally do not like books in a series, past the first one, as the subsequent books usually lose my interest. It is hard to carry a good story line beyond one book. This book series is an exception. This series is so well written and I can identify in some way with all of the main characters. They are authentic as are the events. The series presents the realities of trying to live a Christian life and doesn’t sugar coat and present characters who are pious and perfect but real! The author cleverly incorporates spiritual disciplines that the characters’ actually practice in the book, making this series good for small group Bible studies and discussion groups. And the books can appeal to a large audience of Christian believers as Brown incorporates elements of different church practices into the storyline. She obviously has read and studied the early church fathers. My book club ladies have been compelled to read the entire series after loving the first book. This series will touch your heart. I would say it is the best Christian fiction I have ever read.

[Laura Giessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many connections to make with these characters as we consider their spiritual journeys and ours--replacing the misguided (lying) "tapes" in our heads with more truthful words; perfectionism as a form of captivity (36); honesty in naming our desires, and then embracing "holy indifference" (53); facing our resentments; cancelling debts (117); learning to linger with what provokes you; naming our subconscious resistance (134, 269); the Cruciform life (177); serving out of abundance--joyfully walking an extra mile because we know we'll be refreshed (188); Kairos moments (251); welcoming God to appear in the middle of our mess (266); ; saying goodbye with hope (280); dying to self (293, 300, 327). For much of the book, I thought that perhaps this was one too many books in the series, but when I got toward the end, I found some meaningful takeaways. The discussion of dying to self around page 300: "Nate said he sees dying to self as a way of dying to the pictures of who we think we're supposed to be and of dying to the pictures we want others to have of us." Not annihilation, but wholeness.

I had never heard and loved (am challenged by!) the story (page 300) about a young man who sought out Abba Macarius for wisdom about how to live his life in Christ. The old man told him to go to the cemetery and curse the dead and throw rocks at them. So he did. When he returned, the old man asked if the dead responded. The young man said no. They're dead. So Abba Macarius told him to return to the cemetery and praise the dead. So he went and praised the dead for their faithfulness, then went back to Abba Macarius who asked him if the dead responded. He said no. They're dead. And then Abba Macarius said, Be like the dead. Take no account of either the scorn of men or their praise."

[Havebooks Willread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Book Lover's Day! I read the first two books of this series with a few friends, and one of those friends dropped off this third installment for me to read on this day--how timely!
This is an interesting series about four women who meet through a Bible study group and develop a friendship through which they support and encourage one another as they grow in their walks with the Lord. There are some interesting practices they employ, so I wouldn't recommend the series to just anyone, but I still enjoy their stories and pondering some of the points. This book in the series has a twist that kept me reading so that I finished it in just one day to see what would happen. What a precious gift to have such close fellowship when walking through the trials of life.


"Very hard to trust that the story wasn't over, that God placed commas of hope where Meg might punctuate with exclamation points of despair" (14).
"Everything has the potential to shape us, either to make us more like Christ or to make us more egocentric" (16).
"'Holy Indifference'--where my desire or hope is not in a particular outcome but in whatever brings God's glory and honor and praise" (53).
"I feel like I'm sitting beneath an overflowing cup, and I don't have the capacity to take it all in. So, Lord, enlarge my cup to receive your fullness so that everything I offer others comes out of the abundance I've received" (163).
"So what am I saying? That I'll only be satisfied if you reveal your glory my way? What am I saying? That your salvation isn't enough? That resurrection isn't enough?" (240).
"Lord, let me have you. And may that be enough for me" (346).

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book of the Sensible Shoes series. This installment is the best yet. We will find big changes taking place in the lives of Meg, Mara, Charissa, and Hannah. All of the changes you will find God in the middle of. What is so good about this series is you get a glimpse of the day-to-day lives of four women who face problems and issues that we all face, yet with these women you can see how God makes a difference and how He is involved in the good and the bad of our lives if you let him in.

I can see where guys would shy away from reading a book about four women and their problems. Yet their problems are problems guys face too. You can change the names to Matt, Mark, Charlie and Harry and it doesn't change the message. Before I moved I had a men's group that met at my house every Monday night and it was a God thing in its creation and its continuance. I think it is important for guys especially to get together to talk about our lives and God. We tend to shy away from opening up to others. I am trying to hook-up with guys from my new church because of the importance of small groups and of guys bonding.

Great series that I am looking forward to finishing with the next book.

[D.J. Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the series, Barefoot, is at times too real. It's not an escape book, a beach read. If you have much drama going on in your own life at the moment, you might want to save this book for another time. On the other hand, if you have a lot of trials and tribulations, maybe you will want to feel like you're not alone and to know how the situations could be handled. I did find that to be true. I embraced a couple of the practices, and since this is the "surrendering" book, I can say that I learned to surrender situations that I could not control or change. God brought peace into those situations without me micromanaging everything (which tended to make situations worse just as it did in the book). Mini-spoiler alert: tears involved in this book.

[Shana Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Book 3 out of 4 is even better than the first two. Continuing to follow the four friends and their spiritual journeys, this book brings closure to many aspects in the story. There is a complete turn of events that takes the reader off guard, and may call for some tissues. However the author does a great job staying true to her characters’ developments and their quests for spiritual growth. Wonderful book to read with others and even do a book club/spiritual journey of your own! Note - concerning denominational issues - even if you disagree with woman pastors you can still glean a lot of interest and insight from this series!

[Christine Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, best of series so far.
This book moved up a level in terms of writing and emotion. I cried in the last few chapters - always a mark of a superb book.
This is a book to read over and over digging ever deeper into the layers.
It has been a long time since I have given a 5 star review for a Christian book as for me a book only earns the final half star if it is a book with potential eternal impact.
Do yourself a favour and read these books of 4 ordinary but messed up (all in different ways) women and their significant others, as they learn what it means to follow Jesus and be renewed and set free from their pasts.
On to book 4.

[Paula Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series, and the last book was just as wonderful as the first two. The author writes in a way that makes you feel personally connected to the characters and their lives. She makes each character with flaws that are relatable, yet at the same time she weaves faith beautifully into each story. The reader journeys with the sisterhood and walks away inspired to apply disciplines of faith in real life. The author masterfully shows what faith (even if weak) and real life look like together lived out.