Rise of the Truth Teller: Own Your Story, Tell It Like It Is, and Live with Holy Gumption

by Ashley Abercrombie

We are experts at hiding from each other. We withhold the truth, pretend we're okay, and perform at great personal cost. In fact, many of us are so good at lying to others about how we're "just fine, thank you" that we don't even realize anymore that we're lying to ourselves. We're missing the opportunity to offer our true selves to the world around us, to say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done, and to live with grace and gumption.

If you're tired of smiling on the outside while you are broken and battered on the inside, Ashley Abercrombie has a message for you--it's okay to tell the truth about yourself and what you've been through. In being brutally honest about her own struggle to overcome addiction, rape, abortion, perfectionism, and dysfunctional relationships, she helps you break the silence on your own pain and shame in order to find healing, encouragement, and ultimately acceptance. You'll learn to listen to your gut, courageously own your story (no matter how messy), and release those around you to do the same.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Daryl J.]

Okay, I like to read books. This book is written by a women for women. I am a man. Ashley Abercrombie wrote a brutally honest book about her struggles and faith. Even though the audience is for women, it is also a book worth reading for anyone. The take-aways are applicable to anyone. Her personal stories, anecdotes and commentary are enhanced at the end of each chapter by bulleted key points and reflective questions. There is no question this was worth the time invested in its reading. Now my wife is reading it!

[Emily P]

Well, this was a book that snuck up on me! Ashley Abercrombie is a podcaster, author, non profit board member, mom and co-pastor of a multicultural church in Manhattan. I haven't read any of her prior work before reading her upcoming book, "Rise of the Truth Teller," but I was moved, challenged and encouraged by it!

I couldn't put the book down once I began. Abercrombie calls us to own our stories, tell them honestly and walk forward in that truth. Through sharing her life story, her challenges and frustrations, Abercrombie crafts a thoughtful, heart tugging book that at once had me laughing and in tears the next moment. She also calls you out in a way that hits right to your heart.

I have so many quotes I loved in the book that I exhausted almost an entire pack of highlighter flags! This book would be a great one to read with a friend to meet and discuss together, or in a small group to work through, a few chapters at a time.

Be forewarned--you will not be able to hang on to old habits and cling to that which isn't healthy after reading this book. You will be called forth to rise, walk with your head held high and serve others for our King. If you're not sure where to start, "Rise of The Truth Teller" is a great jumping off point for a new perspective on following Jesus and what He stood for.

I was an early reader, thanks to Baker Books. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.

[JJ Peters]

What an amazing book. Mrs. Ashley captures the sights & sounds of everyday life, straps it on the back of a pack horse & guides us through this adventure called life. This book captivated my soul & lead me into a deeper understanding of God, The Father, through bringing Scripture to life in our world, everyday scenarios. Yes, this book is geared toward women, but she speaks to the heart of men so eloquently. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever struggled with having to make decision, which is everyone in the whole world. There is not another book on the market of this caliber, Jesus loving or world loving.

Disclaimer: I was allowed to read this book with permission from the publisher.

[Lynette Weaver]

This book is life-changing. It's bold, it's transparent and the stories are told with such courageous and raw honesty. The author says things aloud that most people just think, but don't have the guts to say. She's also hilarious and tells stories in a way that you can't wait to hear what she's going to say next. I laughed. I cried. I related. I left a little braver to share my own truths. It's a must read!

[Harmony Dust]

This book is soooooo legit! Ashely is a brilliant thinker and a phenomenal writer! She shares her own story with such inspiring insight and transparency. Her invitation to RISE and tell the truth is a compelling and necessary one. I believe this book was truly written for such a time as this!

Thankful to have received an advanced copy of this gem!

[Debra Slonek]

Are you ready for some words, thoughts and observations of truth? As the author shares her own, personal story, she will unpack ways for you to invite more truth into your life.

I very much believe in the power of prayer, however I have been uncomfortable and struggle with the “name it and claim it” culture and their way of approaching God with requests. The author put into words what I have been feeling and for that I am grateful. Instead of demanding and declaring my requests, I need to choose relinquishing control and I need to trust, obey and surrender as I submit my requests.

So much good in this book! Good reminders, good suggestions, good encouragements and good challenges. We are reminded to remain humble and to seek opportunities to serve. The author suggests a daily diet of reading God’s word. We are encouraged and reminded that we are not alone in our suffering. We are challenged to forgive, eliminate hurry and to become whole.

On our journey to wholeness, we are encouraged to keep our pride in check, as we struggle with self-importance and self-pity. The author offers many helpful and practical ways to guide us on a God-directed and God-focused path.

I strongly related to and agreed with the author’s keen observations and thoughts regarding our last presidential election and the current political climate in our country. I am grateful for her ability and willingness to boldly share her heart. She spoke many truths. To combat all of the ugliness, we are encouraged to love and bear fruit. Sound advice and wise encouragement!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BakerBooks through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Cindy Chen]

Ashley Abercrombie is a go-getter with a story to tell. She is sure you have one too.

It's clear that her heart is to embolden people who have been underrepresented and silenced to stand up and tell their stories. And to challenge the ones who have a voice to sit down and listen, then get up and do something with love and justice.

If you believe that the truth will set you free, but might be scared to put it to the test, you will do well to immerse yourself in these pages. This book dances on religious toes, calling out hypocrisy and perfectionism, but in no way did it disrespect God or orthodox belief. Just the religious gatekeepers.

Reading this book with an open heart and mind can be transformational. The chapters include summaries and discussion/reflection questions, which drive home the message. It would be a great group study or book club book.

The writing style is very conversational. It's not my favorite style for reading, but hearing the author read a chapter aloud in her podcast it sounded entirely authentic to her voice.

I have already recommended it directly to a few friends.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book from the publisher at no charge for my review.

[Karen Lewis]

This has been an eye opening book! I find myself stopping to reread parts and really let them sink in! Ashley is so transparent and so real! So important for all of us to learn, to own our past and move forward in grace and forgiveness! Livin’ with Holy Gumption now!!!

[Tiffany Bluhm]

Ashley writes honestly about her own suffering and how, through it all, she learned to process her story and allow what was true to rise within her.

She is HILARIOUS and is able to cover a range of topics and issues while reminding the reader that it’s okay to be imperfect, to listen to your convictions, and tell the truth no matter how hard it may be.

You will not want to pass up on this one!

[Elizabeth Casci]

Ashley Abercrombie is a Truth Teller! She shares her story with grit, grace, humility and humor, and ALWAYS leads the reader back to the Father. Her encouragement and story telling is just what I needed to process my own story and prepare to share it so that others may know of God’s love.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book from the publisher at no charge for my review.

[Elise]

I’m not finished yet but needed to share how powerful this is. Having met Ashley before, I can hear her voice as she shares this raw account of her struggles with life and God, how she overcomes (sometimes failing), and how she seeks to help us uncover our power to do the same. Can not wait to complete it!

[Becks]

3.5 - I read this book alongside a friend so we could discuss it. I was really into this book at first, but then it turned into the fluff I was dreading. It also seemed to lack direction come the second half of the book and started jumping all over the place. That said, there were some good nuggets, and I don't regret reading it.

[Cheryl]

This book is amazing. It really made me think and evaluate my life.

[Sarah Poling]

This book- surprised me- a new author- same themes we've been seeing over and over- owning your story- being vulnerable/brave, but her "Live with Holy Gumption" is the first aspect of the book that brings novelty to becoming a truth teller as she learned. It also sounded like it would be focused on her story- not a book that would be practical and motivating to me, but apparently the author knows us readers, and her idea of Holy Gumption is ending each chapter with a really well done accountability piece. First she has a heading Rise, Truth Teller and bullet point strategies that in the chapter she'd applied, and then she has a heading, Tell the Truth, which are leading questions to answer for yourself about your life. She has a great sense of humor blended with reality and her book is written in friend to friend honest tone- that makes you smile and laugh a bit to yourself.

The most surprising and best aspect of this book are Ashley Abercrombie's biblical connections, she doesn't just make suggestions for handling transition and crisis, she frames it in a biblical worldview. And she does a great job sharing appropriate verses or biblical events that show how Jesus lived this way and modeled it. That's gospel living- right there, right now- but she's not preachy, she's authentic, and real, and believable. And I love it. She also shares examples from the Old testament, often including the actual verses for you to read and see for yourself the point she is making--what a breathe of fresh air her style is!! This is the kind of self help or reflection book that will benefit believers-- more of God and less of the author- but enough that we identify with it and see it in ourselves.

I do not often give out 5 stars as a review-- I read a lot and am pretty selective, but this book deserves it and I hope for more from this new author!!

Thankful to partner with Baker books and netgalley and have an advanced copy from Netgalley.

[Lindsey Kiel]

Are you stuck in a "How are you?" "I am fine, thank you, how are you?" rut? A master of constantly changing how you present yourself or act in different groups of people, places, or situations to fit in? Ashley Abercrombie's book challenges you to get off of that hamster wheel, take off the mask you are wearing, live as your authentic self, and to stop hiding and withholding your truths. I cried, laughed, and praised my way through this book that ended up being a serious "reality check" that I didn't realize I needed. Ashley bravely rises as a model example of a truth teller throughout her book by using her own lived experiences, and her vulnerability, candor, and ruthless passion is inspirational and contagious.

"Rise of the Truth Teller" is broken into three parts to help you own your story, tell it like it is, and live with Holy Gumption. Throughout the book there are tangible steps offered to achieve those three things, including at the end of each chapter two sections where Ashley identifies several key important concepts from the chapter and then questions to ask yourself to help you identify your truth and dive deeper into that chapter's topic. Also really helpful is the unique way Ashley broke down the Scripture in a way that I can utilize moving forward in my life to help me seek the truth of God through the Bible.

A few (out of many) of my favorite quotes included:
-"Everywhere you go, there you are"
-"'No' is a complete sentence"
-"Being love is better than being right, and it leads us to unity."

I am so grateful I found and read this book when I did and look forward to seeing what Ashley Abercrombie does next! I received an early copy of this book from Baker Books, but all thoughts and recommendations are solely my own. I was not required to leave a review.

[Maggie Hood]

Wowowow - this book really is telling it like it is with grace. Ashley's beautiful, honest, hope-filled story is a great example of humbly sharing the truth in love. If you want to take a good look at yourself and begin to uncover the lies and then stop telling them in your life, this book is for you. It is equally encouraging and challenging, building up the reader and giving you the chance to seek more from yourself, your faith, and your life. It is a clever and comical coming clean and getting real story. It is a book with application, asking for self-reflection, but never demanding a thing from the reader. Let me be clear - there is every opportunity to grow, reflect, build, change, and start being a truth teller in your own life while getting a front row to Ashley's raw and relatable journey to it herself. I can't recommend it highly enough! A book in season for so many of us on the road to healing and wholeness.

[Gina Fox]

I love this book! Ashley is a no-nonsense, raw writer who makes the reader feel like it is okay to share their story, no matter how messy. On page 19 she writes, "Real truth telling requires intimacy and vulnerability...Becoming a healthy friend in healthy relationship is a ton of work...Truth telling takes guts and gumption, grit and grace. And our world has never needed us to buck up, buttercup, more than it does now."

She divides the book into 3 parts: Own Your Story, Tell it Like it Is, and Live with Homy Gumption. At the end of each chapter, she gives highlights under a section called, Rise, Truth Teller. Then she encourages the reader to work on their stories with questions. She also incorporates Scripture in her writing.

I recommend this book for every woman who wants to know that their story matters. That they are not beyond the grace of God and that they will survive.

[Linda Smith]

This book is a power packed gem and is an absolute must-read in our current culture. Do you cower before others as though your opinion isn't important and doesn't matter? Do you want to live with Holy Gumption? Just say yes because reading this treasure will propel you promptly in that direction.
I found myself experiencing all sorts of emotions throughout this brutally honest; no holds barred book. The author speaks of her life as a Truth Teller. It's raw, but honest.
At the end of each chapter are questions to ponder and/or summary/action plans to further you in your journey. Scripture is found throughout to help in your spiritual growth towards Living with Holy Gumption.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own. @AshAbercrombie @ReadBakerBooks #RiseoftheTruthTeller

[Miranda Cazin]

This was incredibly challenging...in the best way. I laughed the entire time. Partially because Ashley is hilarious, and partially because I was confronted in the ways I still try to hide. This book is a MUST read for the times we are living in. It's not a message we can let pass us by. Ashley isn't afraid to tell the truth about many things that media, culture, church tells us to shut up about. And she's bringing every one of us along for the ride, encouraging us in our boldness in truth-telling. It's real and relatable, challenging and encouraging. I finished it filled with a fresh hope about the God that I serve, and a fresh awareness of who I am and the people around me. I know that I am coming out looking more like Christ by taking the time to let this message go deep within me...and then acting like it.

[Dustin]

This book was very helpful. At times it made me feel uncomfortable and wanting to disagree but all the negative things she says about the church are based upon truth therefore instead of being angry as a church leader I have been driven to look for solutions in my own life and ministry. This book hits strong on several points.

Most Christian’s are fake and honestly we shouldn’t be

This fake is caused by us worrying about other Christian’s

Abused women are treated wrong by society

The US legal system is a mess and the church should do it’s part to serve those it’s hurting

We fight to much especially on social media

It’s easy to be a Pharisee but hard to love like Jesus

Let’s take this things be real and look for solutions through the Christ, His church, word and the Holy Spirit

[Jill White]

If you are strugging or have ever struggled with ANYTHING, this book is for you! Ashley Abercrombie has been through a lot in her life--things unimaginable to some but all too familiar to others--and she shares both these and her current struggles with raw honesty, a sweet spirit, an appropriate amount of humor, and a call to all of us to embrace what we go through and continue becoming better versions of ourselves. Each chapter is almost like an essay on subjects which are relevant to things that happens to me every. single. day. I have felt known, touched, inspired, convicted, and encouraged through these pages. If you're a human, get yourself a copy.

(Disclaimer: I was granted permission to read this book re-release by the publisher.)

[Joy Attmore]

I loved this book! Ashley speaks to the truth teller inside all of us and exhorts it to come forth. She tackles everything from racism to church wounds, and feminism to her recovery journey, speaking truth into each but with such a depth of love, compassion and Scriptural wisdom that it’s accessible to all, no matter your current situation. Rise of the Truth Teller is also written with such humility and vulnerability that even if you have a different experience or perspective to Ashley, there is room for your story at the table. With a unique ability to combine humor and challenge, real talk and humble questions, this book is a refreshing addition to anybody's bookshelf as well as a needed message for our world right now.

[Courtney Birkbeck]

I thought I had written this review and now I feel bad. So sorry for the delay!

This book, I totally feel like Ashely was in my head, reading my journals and pouring my own heart out onto paper. I could relate on every level with this beautifully, honestly, down-to-earth, written book.

I've been through a traumatic past, and I've learned to brush over my story and try to make it sound better than it is, for my own sake. I haven't owned my story, not because I don't want to, but because it's too difficult.

Ashely's heart for people coming to know their story, sharing it with honesty and truthfulness and how to overcome and live fully, touched me. I'll be reading this book over and over again and I will be suggesting this book to ALL of my friends.

[Kara Veach]

Ashley’s honesty takes you to a place of wanted vulnerability. Her ability to tell it like it is, but in love, makes you want to do the same in your own life. She owns her story, so you want to too. Even though it can be scary, it provides freedom. Even when it can be outside of the boundaries of what others would be considered appropriate, our stories can lead others to freedom as well. There are tough conversations Christians must address and invite others into such as racial matters, injustice, sex, gender, and so on because they are HUMAN matters. And that’s just what Ashley identifies, is that we are all human and we must see others through the eyes of Jesus in our humanity.

[Alexa Cummins]

This book has been such a gift to me! I carried it around with me in my bag with a pen because I was constantly underlining and note-taking. Ashley is my pastor and I have gotten to know her and her family over the last year. This book is drenched in who she is and how she lives. It is filled with the word of God. The emphasis she puts on the scripture while she speaks important lessons and emboldens the reader is so prevalent throughout. I admire Ashley for how she passionately fights for justice, racial reconciliation, and the health of the church; this book covers all of those things and its taught through her unique lens.

[Heather De]

Well written, insightful, raw and filled with life applicable ideas about multiple Bible passages. I enjoyed reading this book and would have finished it in one sitting if life would have allowed--but alas work and responsibilities!
Ashley's writing makes you feel like you are sitting next to her sipping coffee, listening to the wisdom of a kind friend, but it is also complex enough to offer challenges to the reader with regards to how they see the world and themselves. Well worth the read!!!

[Lindsay Ackerman]

Pour a cup of coffee, grab a box of tissues and prepare to have an experience! Ashley Abercrombie is an AMAZING story teller, and she speaks truth! No filters, no fluff, just raw honest truth! You will laugh, you will cry, you will shout “YES GIRL!” I have the privilege of knowing this amazing woman personally and I can tell you, she’s the real deal! Thank you Ashley for sharing your story and allowing others to find truth through your vulnerability and honesty! Get a copy for yourself and every one of your girlfriends!

[Kelly]

Ashley Abercrombie truly embodies the rise of the truth teller. She bravely tells her own story; offers it up to her readers, to prove to us that we can also break our own silence on anything we have been holding back from sharing because of pain.

At the beginning of the book, Ashley even offers to be the one to go first (as she recognized the gift when she received it),so that her readers don't have that pressure and we have the easier option of going second. By the end of the book, she has her readers living with holy gumption!

[Sara Easterly]

Ashley Abercrombie epitomizes truth-telling and encourages readers to rise to the occasion, too. Vulnerable, relatable, conversational, wise, loving, laugh-out-loud funny, and remarkably deep—Ashley brings it all in this book that offers meaningful reflections on important topics such as trauma, aggression, margin, reconciliation, justice, and forgiveness, to name a few. Part story-telling, part scriptural study, part conversation with a girlfriend, Rise of the Truth-Teller is a book that will fill you up and inspire you to “live with holy gumption.”

[Emily]

I love Ashley’s passion for sharing her story and for her encouragement for others to do so too. I think it’s necessary and important for us to each be sharing ours. I also love the grace-filled way she speaks truth about a number of hard topics, addressing things that often don’t get addressed. I love how she lives boldly, while also calling others to live boldly as well! On a practical level, I love how each section ends with quotes and then questions to process through!