Dancing in the Arms of God: Finding Intimacy and Fulfillment by Following His Lead

by Connie Neal

Deep within, every woman longs for her own Cinderella experience: to rise from her humble past and be appreciated by a true, lasting love. In this book, the fairy tale provides a powerful allegory for women's deepest hopes and the God who cares.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Self Help, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Paula Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the books Connie Neal wrote about the Harry Potter series. Being a Christian fiction author who has written a bit of fantasy/adventure, I found her opinions well-balanced, eloquent and a great relief to discuss with other concerned Christian parents. When I came across this book by the same author, I was happy, although I'd read plenty of Christian self-development books which hadn't been helpful and hoped this wouldn't be another. However, it turned out to be touching and thought-provoking enough to make me want to read all over again.

Focusing on a different aspect of the Cinderella fairy-tale each chapter, Connie Neal examines how our lives may resemble that of the heroine. She includes many examples from her own life which interested me and called up episodes from my own past which fit the plot. I appreciate her raw honesty and realised what is so special about this book. Instead of touting success formulas or instructing us on how to 'release favour' in our lives and get what we want, looking at our lives from the Cinderella context helps us to make peace with what is actually going on. Plans going haywire, frustration and drudgery of every day life, feeling under-appreciated, tending to want to impress people by fulfilling specific roles, I've been there and done it all. I figured out that some of these other self-help books (and there have been many) set me up to feel more miserable instead of the opposite. I've been in the same place as Connie Neal in several ways, searching for the perfect family home which slipped through our fingers, longing for positive affirmation from friends and family. As I read each chapter, I felt uplifted, ready to see my life in a new light and embrace my blessings.

Interestingly, part of Ms Neal's story has to do with the destruction of her cherished career in youth ministry through no fault of her own. She mentions how this became a blessing in disguise as there was a writing career ready to take off for her. Getting back to her books on Harry Potter, I remembered the great work she's done for Christian families who wonder whether their children should read these popular books and ones like them. I couldn't help thinking how she's beautifully combined both passions for youth and writing, and the chain of events started long before JK Rowling ever wrote a word of Harry Potter. I love such real life examples that God really does have pleasing and unexpected plans for us.

[Monica Akinyi Odhiambo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book,It just made me realize that I was expecting from people who really can't give me what I want,plus its addresses mostly women,written by a woman.Its like Expecting where you shouldn't expect.I am really learning to love Christian fiction,and I am so hoping I get to read more books,because most of them are enlightening,and we are all about enlightenment.I would really recommend everyone to read it.Everything comes from God,and once you trust in him,things fall in place.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best personal memoirs I've ever read. It came at a time in my life where I needed it. Everyone's problems are different - but Connie Neal has a way of sharing her intimacy with God in understandable terms and helping you to realize that no matter what your difficulties .... God wants you to be with Him in the midst of them.

[Lisa Woolard lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read.

It shows you an entire new way to look t things that happen to you in everyday life. How we need to keep strong in our faith to reap the rewards

[Helen Pugsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected this to be some good Christian "save yourself for your husband" bullshit with a side of "God will send you a man who can fulfill you." And a toxic cherry on top called "Here's how to control and manipulate men with sex." I fully expected to recycle this book.
I am not and could never.
I loved this.
The author was so raw, and real, and sincere! "My mom was an alcoholic," "I'm the product of an affair," "My Dad was a hoarder," "my husband cheated and it ruined our lives, so we had to start all over from scratch without the support of our church". A super shitty church. My words, not hers. Even "I thought about cheating on my husband, then I understood him." And GAWD. Leaving her youth group babies. That's what really drew my attention. Someone else knows what it's like to have babies you have no true claim to ripped out of your arms. She even went through the nightmares! Someone gets me!!!
Listen, I love reading religious texts from all religions. Yes, I am Christian. Far too many of the theology books I read targeted towards young women were dog shit, and tried to teach you how to lie on your back and think of Mother England. Be subservient to your husband, and all that. *Coughs in Proverbs 31* But THIS. This was like "Everything can go wrong, and God can still build you a beautiful life."
I hope the young lady that put the book her youth pastors gave her in a book drop is okay. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I think I'll put it back in case she comes back for it.

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read the reissue of this book: Dancing in the Arms of God; Discover Your Cinderella Story, but that book doesn't show up on Goodreads. The book is basically the story of Connie Neal's life and how her faith has helped her.