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His Testimonies, My Heritage
God's story defines us. Yet our culture and experiences shape us. Join a diverse gathering of gifted women of color as they walk through Psalm 119, and listen to them reflect on the joys and tensions of living as a faith-filled woman of color today.
This unique book gives voice to women who are not often heard. It will inspire you to wonder at God's glorious word and delight in God's multiethnic people.
This unique book gives voice to women who are not often heard. It will inspire you to wonder at God's glorious word and delight in God's multiethnic people.
246 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2019
99 people are currently reading
1378 people want to read
About the author
Kristie Anyabwile
13 books58 followersKristie Anyabwile is a North Carolina native and graduate of NC State University with a degree in history. She is a wife, mother, and homemaker who loves cooking, hospitality, reading, and long walks with her hubby. She and her husband, Thabiti, have been married 34 years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 28, 2020
I highly recommend this devotional. Each chapter is written by a different woman on a section of psalm 119, and it was a delight to open each day.
It pays to read diversely!
It pays to read diversely!
December 21, 2020
I read this slowly and devotionally. Each chapter is a walk through a stanza of Psalm 119. I was introduced to new voices and authors who challenged and encouraged me.
January 13, 2020
As an Asian-American male, I am proud of my background and the way God makes us different. This book seemed like the perfect way to see some other perspectives.
Women of Color
Edited by Kristie Anyabwile, His Testimonies, My Heritage is an inspiring collection of devotions by a diverse group of women of color.
The entire book is themed around Psalm 119. Each chapter expounds on several verses from this magnificent Psalm. The book is primarily addressed toward women, but men will benefit from reading the many perspectives.
There are 29 chapters, and a forward and introduction make for 31 readings. The chapters are short, and some are stand-alone poems. While I read this over a short period of time, I believe a slower reading of one entry a day for an entire month would be beneficial. That is because each writer has their stories to share, and there is so much to take in.
The Word of God
Many topics are covered in the exposition of Psalm 119, and they include happiness, being kept by God’s Word, comfort, identity, and hope. While these women share their specific, they aim to be relatable, and they succeed while also showing us the grace of God.
Color and culture play a prominent role in the testimonies of these women. African-American, Hispanic, Caribbean, and Asian women are represented. They often clue us into their cultural practices to help us understand where they are coming from.
Interestingly, many stories are shared regarding the darker moments in the lives of these women. The weight of their trials is real, and I often had to pause to reflect on the emotions behind what I was reading.
His Testimonies, My Heritage
The world needs this book. The church needs this book. It is a celebration of women. It is a celebration of women of color. And it is a celebration of the God who made us diverse yet united by his blood.
I was provided a free copy of His Testimonies, My Heritage but was not required to write a positive review.
Women of Color
Edited by Kristie Anyabwile, His Testimonies, My Heritage is an inspiring collection of devotions by a diverse group of women of color.
The entire book is themed around Psalm 119. Each chapter expounds on several verses from this magnificent Psalm. The book is primarily addressed toward women, but men will benefit from reading the many perspectives.
There are 29 chapters, and a forward and introduction make for 31 readings. The chapters are short, and some are stand-alone poems. While I read this over a short period of time, I believe a slower reading of one entry a day for an entire month would be beneficial. That is because each writer has their stories to share, and there is so much to take in.
The Word of God
Many topics are covered in the exposition of Psalm 119, and they include happiness, being kept by God’s Word, comfort, identity, and hope. While these women share their specific, they aim to be relatable, and they succeed while also showing us the grace of God.
Color and culture play a prominent role in the testimonies of these women. African-American, Hispanic, Caribbean, and Asian women are represented. They often clue us into their cultural practices to help us understand where they are coming from.
Interestingly, many stories are shared regarding the darker moments in the lives of these women. The weight of their trials is real, and I often had to pause to reflect on the emotions behind what I was reading.
His Testimonies, My Heritage
The world needs this book. The church needs this book. It is a celebration of women. It is a celebration of women of color. And it is a celebration of the God who made us diverse yet united by his blood.
I was provided a free copy of His Testimonies, My Heritage but was not required to write a positive review.
November 20, 2021
I would recommend this book to everyone. I used it devotionally as I read Psalm 119. I loved getting to hear from women who shared their insights of how God's word(the focus of the Psalm) had been with them through trials, suffering, and the joy of life. What's more it made me consider what life is to women of color in so many different ways. In some chapters the women wrote about racism in America or police brutality in a way that made the Gospel more beautiful and more hopeful to me because it was practical and real in their suffering.
May 9, 2020
A devotional-style book that goes through Psalm 119, “His Testimonies, My Heritage” gives encouragement to women to be in God’s Word and to find life and hope in it. Written by women of color (and focusing on that aspect), it voices their life experiences and perspectives and how God’s truths have upheld them, a view that I appreciated hearing. While some chapters I enjoyed greatly, others weren’t written in a style that I prefer and would’ve flowed better if I was reading the portion of the Psalm simultaneously since it wasn’t quoted in the text. That personal preference of mine is why I’ve rated it just three stars, however I would encourage anyone to read this book as it gives unique perspectives and serves as a reminder that God’s Word is where we find hope.
December 28, 2020
Truth is truth. All the authors did an amazing job at pointing you towards Christ. This reads as any other solid devotional with the addition of a couple of insights on being a ‘minority’. I think it’s wonderful in that way because it reveals that when you take away the culture’s sinful view on POC, there is no difference between us. All these women are incredible in their own right and it was nice to know they are strong women of color. It is full of fresh perspectives, beautifully written, and edifying.
August 31, 2020
I loved reading through this "expositional devotional" this summer. It was encouraging and challenging to see women handling Scripture, bringing their own culture and personality to the text while still remaining faithful to the original meaning. I found this to be an excellent, thoughtful, well-done resource that helped me to better understand and love God's Word.
March 10, 2022
Not what I expected it to be but nonetheless a blessing as these ladies walk through Psalm 119 and exegete God's faithfulness throughout all generations.
January 23, 2023
Women of color going through sections of Psalm 119, teaching biblical truth and sharing experiences and wisdom. So good.
May 1, 2021
Beautiful book by many authors all on Psalm 119.
August 17, 2019
I think for me, there are different types of women that love Jesus and it’s important to reflect that. No one race or ethnicity (or political party) can speak for everyone else. We are so multifaceted and praise God for that! I loved this book because it made me fall in love a little more deeply with the Word of God. I enjoyed the personal stories and how they were applied to the Word and vice versa. Different (cultural, racial, social) issues are addressed, and it felt good to feel understood. To learn. This book has been such a blessing. I look forward to it being shared with the world.
January 25, 2021
A melting pot. Is it a devotional? An exegesis of Psalm 119? A meditation on what it means to be a Christian woman of colour? A (massively overdue) project to publish the voices of such women? A creative response to the Word? It’s all those things, simultaneously - which is cool, but sometimes also bewildering. The divergent aims and hopes of the book mean it pulls in several directions. And the plurality of voices, ironically, makes it a little repetitive as they each feel the need to cover the same context and ground. (Though Psalm 119 also IS deliciously repetitive so... go figure).
I loved hearing these profound and suffering-seasoned perspectives on what it means to walk with God. I loved the diversity of their experiences and the commonality of their faith. And I loved the amplification of voices so often marginalised. But I felt we tap-danced round lots of possibilities of what this book might have been, and never quite plunged in.
I loved hearing these profound and suffering-seasoned perspectives on what it means to walk with God. I loved the diversity of their experiences and the commonality of their faith. And I loved the amplification of voices so often marginalised. But I felt we tap-danced round lots of possibilities of what this book might have been, and never quite plunged in.
April 14, 2020
This is a beautiful meditation on God’s word through Psalm 119. With joyful, heartbreaking, and unique stories that celebrate the women of color who contributed to this book, I think it accomplishes what it sets out to do: giving a voice to women of color writers, teachers, academics, and more in our churches. But I wouldn’t say this book is just a book by women of color for women of color...nor a book by women for women. It deals with pain, fear, injustice, love, repentance, and joy in the Lord—things we all struggle with. While the stories may not resonate with every reader (no personal story ever will...which is why this book was so important in the first place), the overall message will.
“In both his obedience and repentance, the psalmist is guided by God’s word. In both his obedience and repentance, he is walking in holiness.”
“In both his obedience and repentance, the psalmist is guided by God’s word. In both his obedience and repentance, he is walking in holiness.”
July 15, 2020
Excellent book. Each chapter covers a section of Psalm 119 and is written by a different woman of color. These are voices I desperately need to hear in the church. The treatment of Psalm 119 was thorough and powerful - each chapter moved me to treasure God’s Word more deeply and to treasure the diversity of his church and the perspectives and experiences within it. Highly recommend and will reread myself!
March 1, 2022
I listened to the audio version during the month of February, mostly during my morning time on the exercise bike. The audio was okay, but I think I would have enjoyed it better if I had been reading it as a devotional. (For audiobooks, I often listen to more than a chapter at a time). I also wish that each of the contributors had been able to read their own chapters to be able to hear it in their own voices.
All that said, I loved diving into Psalm 119 with both stories and biblical insight. I also loved learning from diverse authors with backgrounds different than my own.
Here are some of the notes I took while listening:
-Where we have failed, Jesus has succeeded.
-Theology should always lead to doxology
-Turning and repenting ought to be an everyday thing
-You have everything because you have HIM
-We may find that we have more success with "change me" than "change my husband"
-Put your obedient toe it -- it may get wet before we see God's fulfillment
-We don't ask for hardships, but we rejoice in the fruit they produce. Our hardships are stepping stones to perseverance and a pathway to joy
-Matthew Henry - "The more we love the law of God, the more we will get mastery of our own thoughts."
-We are not called to a disembodied spiritual experience
-To love God's Word is to be consistently grieved by our and others' lack of obedience or reverence for His Word. Lament over any offense against it.
-The depth of fear and anxiety can only be met and vanquished with an equal or greater depth of prayer
-I can thank God for these trials because they are hand-picked by a loving Father
-The psalms show us how a believer's heart will respond when saturated with the Word of God (Seven times a day...)
-God's love paradoxically satisfies us and leaves us longing for more.
All that said, I loved diving into Psalm 119 with both stories and biblical insight. I also loved learning from diverse authors with backgrounds different than my own.
Here are some of the notes I took while listening:
-Where we have failed, Jesus has succeeded.
-Theology should always lead to doxology
-Turning and repenting ought to be an everyday thing
-You have everything because you have HIM
-We may find that we have more success with "change me" than "change my husband"
-Put your obedient toe it -- it may get wet before we see God's fulfillment
-We don't ask for hardships, but we rejoice in the fruit they produce. Our hardships are stepping stones to perseverance and a pathway to joy
-Matthew Henry - "The more we love the law of God, the more we will get mastery of our own thoughts."
-We are not called to a disembodied spiritual experience
-To love God's Word is to be consistently grieved by our and others' lack of obedience or reverence for His Word. Lament over any offense against it.
-The depth of fear and anxiety can only be met and vanquished with an equal or greater depth of prayer
-I can thank God for these trials because they are hand-picked by a loving Father
-The psalms show us how a believer's heart will respond when saturated with the Word of God (Seven times a day...)
-God's love paradoxically satisfies us and leaves us longing for more.
February 8, 2021
Maybe its just me, but Psalm 119 has historically been a chapter I have rushed through..it has felt so long and windy and my goal has been completion, not comprehension. Not to mention the theme is praise and appreciation for God's instruction to his people...admittedly not something that always strikes me as praiseworthy (and at time oppressive :/). Having the chance to read the psalm slowly (the book is essay form/reads kind of like a devotional) influenced by a cast of woman whose voices have historically been marginalized and not elevated, given theological and racial preferences in the church, was an excellent and profound experience. These women are wise, honest, represent a diverse ethnic and racial landscape, love Jesus and have experienced him in his word through plenty and want. Their words and stories demonstrate humbly what it means to long for God's face and delight in his ways/instruction. I would highly recommend this book!
"When he awakens us to the truth, beauty and goodness of his word, we find that what used to excite us pales in comparison to the delight we discover in God's word. What we once saw as oppressive, we now see as freeing. In the way that the sweetest kind of intimacies do, God's word paradoxically satisfies us and leaves us longing for more...Sublime delight awaits us at the feast of God's word."
"When he awakens us to the truth, beauty and goodness of his word, we find that what used to excite us pales in comparison to the delight we discover in God's word. What we once saw as oppressive, we now see as freeing. In the way that the sweetest kind of intimacies do, God's word paradoxically satisfies us and leaves us longing for more...Sublime delight awaits us at the feast of God's word."
September 2, 2019
Be still. Envision you’re walking into a close family member’s or friend’s home and as you walk in, a fragrant aroma hits you like a brick wall. You know the kind—the smell of a meal that’s been carefully labored over, wafts through the air like a dancer, and lulls you in with its presence.
That’s just like the words on the pages in this book. I love good old fashioned exposition and that’s what initially drew me in, but what I found were the rich experiences and wisdom from women that I felt knew me...and I couldn’t get enough. The richness of the word of God spoke into their lives just as I wanted to fill myself up and feast on God’s word.
The sections of poetic interlude give that same breath of worship while digging deep into applying the word in these stories, the testimonies, of who God is in various circumstances...unchanging, magnificent, and sovereign.
I could go on and on, but I think just as Psalm 119 focuses on our identity in God and how that exposes who he is, every chapter mimics the same cry—that we are known and his...and how we just want to feast on his word. So, friend, I invite you—come feast with these women who have so much offer.
That’s just like the words on the pages in this book. I love good old fashioned exposition and that’s what initially drew me in, but what I found were the rich experiences and wisdom from women that I felt knew me...and I couldn’t get enough. The richness of the word of God spoke into their lives just as I wanted to fill myself up and feast on God’s word.
The sections of poetic interlude give that same breath of worship while digging deep into applying the word in these stories, the testimonies, of who God is in various circumstances...unchanging, magnificent, and sovereign.
I could go on and on, but I think just as Psalm 119 focuses on our identity in God and how that exposes who he is, every chapter mimics the same cry—that we are known and his...and how we just want to feast on his word. So, friend, I invite you—come feast with these women who have so much offer.
August 1, 2019
I was so honored to be allowed to read an advanced copy of this book. I didn't know what to expect, but I'm blown away.
This devotional book is mind and heart changing! Reading this, you will see the faithfulness of God in strong ways, and your trust and belief in who He is becomes stronger. If you are in the middle of some difficulty, the authors of this book will turn your heart and mind toward the one who can and will make a change.
Psalm 119 is the guide and these women of God from almost every ethnicity you can think of, paint the picture of God based upon truth AND what they have experienced in their own reality.
The book is scheduled to be published on September 1st -- Do Not Miss It!!
This devotional book is mind and heart changing! Reading this, you will see the faithfulness of God in strong ways, and your trust and belief in who He is becomes stronger. If you are in the middle of some difficulty, the authors of this book will turn your heart and mind toward the one who can and will make a change.
Psalm 119 is the guide and these women of God from almost every ethnicity you can think of, paint the picture of God based upon truth AND what they have experienced in their own reality.
The book is scheduled to be published on September 1st -- Do Not Miss It!!
July 31, 2020
This is a beautiful devotional. It is a compilation of women of color. I was impressed, challenged, and driven to God’s word by every one of them. I was so encouraged by the different perspectives & stories than what I usually hear from white speakers.
Here is in the ending prayer to ponder. “O Father, what a wonder it will be to see our own lives woven into your masterpiece of redeeming love at the end of the ages! When we obey, delight us in your word. When we suffer, let us cling to your word. When we stray, help us to find you through your word. Make us living “mini Psalm 119s” displaying your glory through humble dependence on your word at every turn. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.” -Quina Aragon
Here is in the ending prayer to ponder. “O Father, what a wonder it will be to see our own lives woven into your masterpiece of redeeming love at the end of the ages! When we obey, delight us in your word. When we suffer, let us cling to your word. When we stray, help us to find you through your word. Make us living “mini Psalm 119s” displaying your glory through humble dependence on your word at every turn. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.” -Quina Aragon
September 18, 2020
Favorite quotes from this book-
—-“ Individuals and entire communities cannot help but push against the weights of suffering. If we do not, the weights will crush and extinguish our life, for without hope we are only existing, not living; and yet pushing against these weights weakens our arms and wears out our hearts. If we know how long this burden may last, perhaps we could persevere and just stick with it. But suffering feels unbearable when there seems to be no end in sight.”- Dennae Pierre
—-“ As we walk toward that day (when God’s justice reigns in fullness) and suffer in a world where justice is partial at best and full restoration often no more than a dream, here is our calling: we shall keep his precepts and walk by faith.”- Kori Porter
—-“ Individuals and entire communities cannot help but push against the weights of suffering. If we do not, the weights will crush and extinguish our life, for without hope we are only existing, not living; and yet pushing against these weights weakens our arms and wears out our hearts. If we know how long this burden may last, perhaps we could persevere and just stick with it. But suffering feels unbearable when there seems to be no end in sight.”- Dennae Pierre
—-“ As we walk toward that day (when God’s justice reigns in fullness) and suffer in a world where justice is partial at best and full restoration often no more than a dream, here is our calling: we shall keep his precepts and walk by faith.”- Kori Porter
September 29, 2019
A necessary read for all times, for all people. What a valuable resource to have teaching on scripture (Psalm 119) from women, and especially women of color. This book is an instrument to resound their stories and voices. I was encouraged by the truth they pointed me to, and the featured themes of hope, suffering, nearness and beauty of God.
What stuck with me most is the way this book celebrates the varied earthly heritage of people in the church (i.e. the celebration of diversity in the list of contributors), but more so how we all share the same eternal heritage of Christ.
"Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart."
Psalm 119:111
What stuck with me most is the way this book celebrates the varied earthly heritage of people in the church (i.e. the celebration of diversity in the list of contributors), but more so how we all share the same eternal heritage of Christ.
"Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart."
Psalm 119:111
September 17, 2019
It’s so simply stunning, in a you-matter kind of way. As I turned the pages, this very specific feeling began to grow, while my faith was being encourages told by voices I don’t hear often, voices like mine. Yes, speaking of the same almighty true God, yet from vantage points that resemble my own walk with Him! Finally, unity, a multitude of perspectives pointing to the same great God, is on the horizon in the world of Christian literature! And I must say that these women honored Him well in their work! May God get the glory!
July 1, 2020
It is always surprising to me to see where whiteness is so prevalent that I didnt realize. Devotional content is one of those spaces. Aside from Priscilla Shirer, most white women in evangelical spaces aren’t hearing from voices of Christians that don’t look like them. It is valuable because it enhances our view of Scripture and it’s relevance to ALL people, not just white people or American people. I gained a deeper understanding of Psalm 119 by reading the perspectives of women of color. I am not a typical devotional reader but if you are, this is great!
July 2, 2020
So many voices all pointing me to loving God and marveling at his word. This was the best thing to read every morning during a pandemic while grappling with family cancer news and intense days of parenting.
The VARIETY of voices and backgrounds made this book so rich. One chapter was about a Hmong woman trying to share Jesus with her native culture who worships false gods. Another is about a woman’s difficult feelings towards the Declaration of Independence. Another is about dealing with poverty, miscarriage, immigration. So much good stuff. All coming back to truths in Psalm 119!
The VARIETY of voices and backgrounds made this book so rich. One chapter was about a Hmong woman trying to share Jesus with her native culture who worships false gods. Another is about a woman’s difficult feelings towards the Declaration of Independence. Another is about dealing with poverty, miscarriage, immigration. So much good stuff. All coming back to truths in Psalm 119!
September 23, 2021
Excellent daily devotional that slowly walks through psalm 119. Each day is written by a different author, so readers enjoy a variety of writing styles, perspectives, and personal stories that make each reading different. Readers can get easy to remember insights to recall during the day and deeper explorations of the passage. The variety of authors allow for a helpful blend of approachability, academic rigor, application, and deep dives.
The book is best read one chapter a day, though the readings are about five pages long so it will require a little time.
The book is best read one chapter a day, though the readings are about five pages long so it will require a little time.
May 1, 2019
I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of this book. A rich collection of wise, talented voices, this biblical resource will elevate your view of the Word of God and increase your love for His perfect, life-giving law. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that so emphasized the sufficiency and relevancy of Scripture for today’s problems. My soul has been refreshed by this timely reminder of God’s kind and gracious provision for His people through His Word.
September 1, 2019
Insightful. Clear. Eye-opening. A few words to describe this beautiful, well-written devotional that expounds Psalm 119. The different writing styles, experiences, and knowledge of the contributors blend collectively to send a single powerful message of the truth of God's Word. The vulnerability of the writers drew me in, and once I was drawn in I was able to receive the Word of God with great clarity! Grateful for how this devotional has blessed me and so many others!
April 13, 2020
"His Testimonies, My Heritage-Women of Color on the Word of God" was an outstanding read and devotion! The book focuses on Psalms 119 and each chapter is written by a woman of color as they reflect on the joys, struggles, and livelihood of being a Christian woman. There were so many reflections I took away from this reading such as:
"When we neglect God's word, we are essentially neglecting our very souls.
and
"What we love occupies our thoughts, and our thoughts control our actions."
"When we neglect God's word, we are essentially neglecting our very souls.
and
"What we love occupies our thoughts, and our thoughts control our actions."
April 19, 2020
I loved this book. I enjoyed some chapters more than others but it was a wonderful book to be using as a devotional during this pandemic. I was pointed to God's true word every day as I studied Psalm 119 and it was just what I needed. This book is significant and paves the way for many more books like it, Lord willing. To be taught God's word so faithfully by sweet sisters in Christ who are women of color was a delight. I count it a privilege to call many of them personal friends.
October 31, 2019
I very much appreciated the long look at this repetitive psalm which loses so much of its art in translation. It was a great devotional read - taken in bite size portions daily. Some of the contributors shared in ways unique to their culture, but overall the sense I got was how universally vital God's word is to all cultures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews