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A Better Encouragement: Trading Self-Help for True Hope
Drop the Self-Help and Look to God Who Speaks a Better Word
Women thrive on encouragement, connection, and support. And yet, this desire leads many to be culturally catechized by a multibillion dollar self-help industry. Because foolish motivational messages flow freely from the world like a dripping faucet and are repeated by the person in the mirror, women remain discouraged, disconnected, and alone. If women believe happiness and success are their responsibility, they will assume discouragement must be too.
Women need better news. In this hope-filled book, Lindsey Carlson leads weak and weary women to the well to find better refreshment in the living water of Christ, who speaks a better word of encouragement than the world. As women are connected to God's promises and God's people, they will be better encouraged to endure with their hope fixed on Christ.
Hope for Women Bruised by Self-Help: Written for discouraged Christian women who need better encouragement they can't provide themselves, but who are hesitant to trust good encouragement exists Practical and Approachable: Offers relatable stories and counsel to teach women how to biblically discern truth from worldly philosophy in messages of encouragement and to provide confident assurance in God's promises of power, strength, comfort, and hope For the Building Up of the Church: Challenges Christians to become better encouragers within their family, the local church, and their communities
Women thrive on encouragement, connection, and support. And yet, this desire leads many to be culturally catechized by a multibillion dollar self-help industry. Because foolish motivational messages flow freely from the world like a dripping faucet and are repeated by the person in the mirror, women remain discouraged, disconnected, and alone. If women believe happiness and success are their responsibility, they will assume discouragement must be too.
Women need better news. In this hope-filled book, Lindsey Carlson leads weak and weary women to the well to find better refreshment in the living water of Christ, who speaks a better word of encouragement than the world. As women are connected to God's promises and God's people, they will be better encouraged to endure with their hope fixed on Christ.
Hope for Women Bruised by Self-Help: Written for discouraged Christian women who need better encouragement they can't provide themselves, but who are hesitant to trust good encouragement exists Practical and Approachable: Offers relatable stories and counsel to teach women how to biblically discern truth from worldly philosophy in messages of encouragement and to provide confident assurance in God's promises of power, strength, comfort, and hope For the Building Up of the Church: Challenges Christians to become better encouragers within their family, the local church, and their communities
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2022
9 people are currently reading
2584 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Carlson
5 books20 followersLindsey Carlson is the mother of five children and has served alongside her husband in pastoral ministry for fourteen years, currently at Imprint Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland. She enjoys teaching and discipling women through writing and public speaking, but most often through the context of the local church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 11, 2022
We like encouragement so why don't we encourage others more? Carlson saw there was a lack of encouraging one another among Christians so decided to explore Scripture on the topic and write this book. It provides a Scripture foundation for encouraging one another as well as observations about the current culture. Encouragement is a learned skill, she says. This book provides the training.
I like how Carlson reminds us biblical encouragement is better than anything the world has to offer. She shows how the current popularity of self-esteem has dulled our view of the essential nature of biblical encouragement. She explores why we get discouraged and how we need to build ourselves up first so we can offer encouragement to others. She also helps readers understand the different forms of encouragement, such as hope and comfort.
Carlson includes personal stories and examples from Scripture to illustrate the principles of her teaching. Some of the information I thought was irrelevant, such as the critique of books by Glennon Doyle. I've never heard of her and found that part of the book unhelpful.
Biblical encouragement is the only form of encouragement that is effective and truly lasts, Carlson argues. This book helps readers get to a place where they are strong in the Lord, are able to encourage others and have the desire and skills to do so. Christians need to encourage one another. We are commanded in Scripture to do so. This book will give you the knowledge and motivation to be a person skillfully and lovingly building up others.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I like how Carlson reminds us biblical encouragement is better than anything the world has to offer. She shows how the current popularity of self-esteem has dulled our view of the essential nature of biblical encouragement. She explores why we get discouraged and how we need to build ourselves up first so we can offer encouragement to others. She also helps readers understand the different forms of encouragement, such as hope and comfort.
Carlson includes personal stories and examples from Scripture to illustrate the principles of her teaching. Some of the information I thought was irrelevant, such as the critique of books by Glennon Doyle. I've never heard of her and found that part of the book unhelpful.
Biblical encouragement is the only form of encouragement that is effective and truly lasts, Carlson argues. This book helps readers get to a place where they are strong in the Lord, are able to encourage others and have the desire and skills to do so. Christians need to encourage one another. We are commanded in Scripture to do so. This book will give you the knowledge and motivation to be a person skillfully and lovingly building up others.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 7, 2022
A Better Encouragement
Trading Self-Help for True Hope
by Lindsey Carlson
Pub Date 07 Jun 2022 |
Crossway
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of A Better Encouragement through Crossway and Netgalley:
Are you a woman whose been weak or weary, A Better Encouragement is refreshing stream—the God of endurance and encouragement, who satisfies spiritual thirst through the better word of his son.
There are times when the words that are meant to encourage us, can have the opposite effect , but this book is a refreshing reminder of what true encouragement looks like, beyond the inspiring sayings you find on throw pillows or journal covers.
A Better Encouragement offers a compelling Biblical vision of encouragement.
I give A Better Encouragement five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Trading Self-Help for True Hope
by Lindsey Carlson
Pub Date 07 Jun 2022 |
Crossway
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of A Better Encouragement through Crossway and Netgalley:
Are you a woman whose been weak or weary, A Better Encouragement is refreshing stream—the God of endurance and encouragement, who satisfies spiritual thirst through the better word of his son.
There are times when the words that are meant to encourage us, can have the opposite effect , but this book is a refreshing reminder of what true encouragement looks like, beyond the inspiring sayings you find on throw pillows or journal covers.
A Better Encouragement offers a compelling Biblical vision of encouragement.
I give A Better Encouragement five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
February 21, 2026
In an age of self-empowerment, Christian encouragement—better encouragement—is in danger of becoming a lost art. On every page of this book are rock-solid wisdom and rich Scriptural reflection on what truly characterizes an enduring, God-focused form of encouragement. Only a very few things caught my eye where I would have enjoyed more clarification or slight revision. Overall, though, this is a joyful and uplifting book because of how it spotlights the Lord’s glorious power to show His glory by encouraging His people, and using His encouragement of His people to help them encourage other stumbling pilgrims.
October 9, 2022
It was really good. I don't think this is the right book for the season of life I'm in, but it has some really good truths. I wanted to give it 3.5 stars, but there's actually nothing wrong with the message at all so I think 4 is fair.
August 23, 2022
It’s not a bad book at all. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t as deep as I was expecting. Very similar content to what I would expect from Allie Beth Stuckey.
August 7, 2025
Thought provoking and generated good discussion, but somewhat repetitive.
June 24, 2022
“We must be encouraged by words that do not change or fail; we require the encouragement of God’s word that ‘proves true’ and ‘is a shield for all those who take refuge in him’” (Ps. 18:30).
It’s passages like this, (found on page 39), that easily lead me to give 5 stars to author, Lindsey Carlson’s small but mighty book, “A Better Encouragement”. Carlson is quick to identify herself as a fellow traveler, woman on the road of life and firmly in the trenches needing to give and receive BETTER ENCOURAGEMENT.
She is a pastor’s wife, mom of 5 kids, author, ministry leader and EVERYTHING those include; clearly a busy
woman. Not only is she busy but her “business” is to, for and about women when she’s not being wife and mom to her sizable family. The demands of time and emotion are considerable. Without encouragement to recharge that God created need, her mission would not honor Him who called her.
On page 66, Carlson posts the 10 points from N. V. Peale’s “Power of Positive Thinking” that have polluted self help philosophy for 70 years, (it was published in 1952!). Twisted scripture is just one of the problems but it was scary to read these items and realize how long they have lived as “truths” and remain embedded as Christian self help. BETTER ENCOURAGEMENT can be found in Carlson’s book which is found on the Bible and points readers to the Bible.
Her writing style is inclusive and confident, sharing personal experiences and relating them to passages of scripture. Carlson is up front about the fact that she’s not a counselor or doctor and encourages those with potential medical or serious emotional issues to seek professional assistance.
The introduction for the book clearly states what readers should expect chapter by chapter. It reminded me of thesis statements from college in the 70’s. Carlson followed her outline and delivered the information without being clinical. On the other hand, she wasn’t pie in the sky, cute little buzz phrase or anagrams either. Solid scripture with practical application fills these pages.
All things considered, “When we run the course together, we are able to help each other see what is good and true, and together we can stay the course of faithfulness.” (pg 133)📚
It’s passages like this, (found on page 39), that easily lead me to give 5 stars to author, Lindsey Carlson’s small but mighty book, “A Better Encouragement”. Carlson is quick to identify herself as a fellow traveler, woman on the road of life and firmly in the trenches needing to give and receive BETTER ENCOURAGEMENT.
She is a pastor’s wife, mom of 5 kids, author, ministry leader and EVERYTHING those include; clearly a busy
woman. Not only is she busy but her “business” is to, for and about women when she’s not being wife and mom to her sizable family. The demands of time and emotion are considerable. Without encouragement to recharge that God created need, her mission would not honor Him who called her.
On page 66, Carlson posts the 10 points from N. V. Peale’s “Power of Positive Thinking” that have polluted self help philosophy for 70 years, (it was published in 1952!). Twisted scripture is just one of the problems but it was scary to read these items and realize how long they have lived as “truths” and remain embedded as Christian self help. BETTER ENCOURAGEMENT can be found in Carlson’s book which is found on the Bible and points readers to the Bible.
Her writing style is inclusive and confident, sharing personal experiences and relating them to passages of scripture. Carlson is up front about the fact that she’s not a counselor or doctor and encourages those with potential medical or serious emotional issues to seek professional assistance.
The introduction for the book clearly states what readers should expect chapter by chapter. It reminded me of thesis statements from college in the 70’s. Carlson followed her outline and delivered the information without being clinical. On the other hand, she wasn’t pie in the sky, cute little buzz phrase or anagrams either. Solid scripture with practical application fills these pages.
All things considered, “When we run the course together, we are able to help each other see what is good and true, and together we can stay the course of faithfulness.” (pg 133)📚
June 21, 2022
Throughout this book, Lindsey Carlson emphasizes how important it is for women to feel encouraged in genuine, meaningful ways. She contends that Christian women are often at a loss for how to encourage themselves and others, since the shallow platitudes and worldly self-help messages they are most familiar with are poor substitutes for encouragement in the gospel. She writes about why encouragement is so important, how the Bible models encouragement, and how encouragement can help strengthen and comfort people. Although her illustrative examples and focus are gender-specific, there is enough straight biblical study in A Better Encouragement that men can also find it helpful and apply it to their own contexts.
Carlson shares vulnerable personal stories about struggles she has dealt with, and she urges her readers to invest in a healthy church community where they can be honest about their struggles, receive the help that they need, and encourage others. She also provides ideas and resources for how women can build a stronger culture of encouragement in their churches, and includes an extremely clear, helpful note for people struggling with depression and other forms of mental illness. However, this book is best for Christian women who already have deep biblical and theological knowledge.
Based on this book's title, I hoped that the author would speak to readers with nonexistent or nominal faith who are burnt out on self-help books and are looking for a new perspective. A Better Encouragement can help Christian women process their own struggles and know how to minister to others, but readers without biblical literacy or spiritual experiences are unlikely to understand or connect with it. I wish that Carlson had constructed this as both an outreach book and a tool to equip people within the church, but it is mainly just the latter.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Carlson shares vulnerable personal stories about struggles she has dealt with, and she urges her readers to invest in a healthy church community where they can be honest about their struggles, receive the help that they need, and encourage others. She also provides ideas and resources for how women can build a stronger culture of encouragement in their churches, and includes an extremely clear, helpful note for people struggling with depression and other forms of mental illness. However, this book is best for Christian women who already have deep biblical and theological knowledge.
Based on this book's title, I hoped that the author would speak to readers with nonexistent or nominal faith who are burnt out on self-help books and are looking for a new perspective. A Better Encouragement can help Christian women process their own struggles and know how to minister to others, but readers without biblical literacy or spiritual experiences are unlikely to understand or connect with it. I wish that Carlson had constructed this as both an outreach book and a tool to equip people within the church, but it is mainly just the latter.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2022
What an enjoyable and encouraging read. We all need to trade our "self-help" for TRUE HOPE. We all face or will face discouragement and wilderness times. Discouragement can affect what we believe and how we view or see the world. We are often swayed to things of this world when we are discouraged. There are so many excellent quotes and scriptures throughout the book. "Doubt often grows from small seeds of unbelief". "Better encouragement comforts us by the way of the cross". God encourages us to look to Him for his grace. God is our hope, salvation and joy. Nothing else in this world will ever give us the courage or comfort that only God can provide. God will not fail us! I can't wait to purchase a physical copy of this book for myself to reread!
Thank you Netgalley and Crossway Books for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this fantastic book.
Thank you Netgalley and Crossway Books for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this fantastic book.
May 27, 2022
Thanks to Crossway for the free book. When there are so many self-help books out there, it can be hard to know which are useful and which are not. Can we even ‘self-help’? This is what Carlson tackles in her book, and I liked how she approached this topic. She consistently pointed the reader to the Bible and what it says about being encouraged. In every chapter, the reader is reminded about their need for Jesus and how he’s the ultimate encourager. I appreciated how all of her claims were backed up by scripture. She also structured the book to encourage the readers in multiple areas. It is one that I’ll come back to when I’m needing the reminder about where solid encouragement can be found.
October 17, 2022
I liked the concept of shifting the focus on encouragement from just "kind words" to communicating God's promises to people in order to give them the courage they need to continue pressing on and enduring in the Christian life. It was a good reminder of where my focus should be. The chapters did seem a bit formulaic - opening illustration, Old Testament story applied to the present day, some New Testament verses, and then the opening illustration comes full circle. I also wish there had been more practical tips about how to encourage other people (the last chapter, "The Unity of Encouragement," did get at this a bit, and I enjoyed that chapter more).
November 21, 2023
Lot of good messages about turning to Christ instead of Self-help ideologies that will only fail us. Like any Christian book on the market there was some theology I disagreed with. I was kind of ready for her to stop talking about Covid. I know that’s when she wrote the book (and she didn’t get super political) I’m just sick of hearing about it sometimes. Over all I just felt like something was lacking that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Maybe I just like books that are a bit deeper in terms of theology🤷🏼♀️
December 2, 2022
Read this book in a ladies’ study. It’s a great message, but this topic could have totally just been a single article.
Every chapter says the say thing over and over. Basically don’t provide worldly encouragement, provide gospel-centered scriptural encouragement.
Also ironically…the author complains a lot in the book about the challenges of writing this book during COVID and other family trials. Not very encouraging at all.
Sadly, I can’t recommend this.
Every chapter says the say thing over and over. Basically don’t provide worldly encouragement, provide gospel-centered scriptural encouragement.
Also ironically…the author complains a lot in the book about the challenges of writing this book during COVID and other family trials. Not very encouraging at all.
Sadly, I can’t recommend this.
January 15, 2023
A steady reminder to be weary of self-help Christianity and to look for biblical, scripture based encouragement. There are lots of nuggets in here on how to look for encouragement, ask for encouragement, and commit to the call to encourage fellow believers. I only knocked it down a few stars because it was repetitive in the middle, but still a good read if you’re in a season where you’re struggling with the idea of encouragement.
February 22, 2023
I have read some of Lindsey Carlson's blogs, and was so excited to read this. It was very biblical (lots of Scripture and legit application) and she made good points. Christian women today ARE tempted to fill our desire for encouragement with SELF help rather than Gospel Hope. But to be honest, it fell a bit flat for me. A little basic perhaps? I think I wanted more depth into the hope/encouragement a Christian possesses. However, this might be a 5 star book for teen girls.
May 14, 2023
This helpful book shows us why we need encouragement, why we need to give encouragement and how to best encourage from someone who has undoubtedly seen all kinds of encouragement in her life as the wife of a pastor and the mother of 5. While discouraging the use of fluffy platitudes in the lives of believers, which only fill gaps in conversations but provide no lasting comfort, Carlson shows the reader a better way—pointing to Scripture as the means and meat of encouragement.
December 15, 2025
This book is an incredible testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure, heal, and grow. It speaks to those who have faced unimaginable challenges, particularly individuals who have suffered abuse. My daughter-in-law’s brave compassionate narrative guides readers through the complexities of trauma, while also offering hope and insight into the healing journey .
.
.
February 9, 2023
It was good! This is less about how to encourage others and more about where one receives encouragement. I really loved how saturated in Scripture this book is. It’s a good reminder in today’s world that true encouragement points us back to who God is and who we are in light of him.
June 24, 2022
Great reading. Very informative. Looking for more from this author. The best book other than the Bible on encouragement and I have read a few..
August 4, 2022
This is a great concept of encouraging others with the Word and not the world. That true encouragement can only come from the Author and Giver. We need to trade self-help for true hope.
August 6, 2022
I got this book through a giveaway. It really helped me through a hard time. I would recommend it!
August 24, 2022
An enjoyable and encouraging read! I would recommend it!
January 6, 2024
This is a good study of encouragement. Very focused on encouragement in God and the Gospel rather than vain words and flattery.
April 25, 2024
3.5 ⭐ Good book that points to biblical encouragement and not the world's half truths.
July 21, 2025
Another great reminder! ‘God’s people find joy in cheering eachother on’.
February 2, 2023
Enjoyed this book. An easy read, packed with scripture. In a world where women (and men) are encouraged to participate in "self love", I appreciated how the author showed through scripture, and real life examples (aka the fall of Rachel Hollis/Glennon Doyle) of why this is a unbiblical and detrimental practice.
June 27, 2022
Go to IG: @entre.mi.libro.y.yo to read the full review.
A big thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for gifting me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a very interesting book, but I feel like some of it went a little over my head. I think some of it could have been explained a little further. I just think that I wasn't really the target audience, but it was still very interesting and I hope my brain has retained some of this information for when I want to give encouragement to a friend or family member.
Thanks again for the book!
A big thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for gifting me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a very interesting book, but I feel like some of it went a little over my head. I think some of it could have been explained a little further. I just think that I wasn't really the target audience, but it was still very interesting and I hope my brain has retained some of this information for when I want to give encouragement to a friend or family member.
Thanks again for the book!
October 24, 2022
"Have you ever felt discouraged, down in the dumps, and someone tried to cheer you up with some kitschy phrase like, “You got this!” or “You are enough!” or “Girl, wash your face!”
It’s not that encouraging, right? Sure, it might sound nice in the moment, but when have these little self-help phrases ever actually encouraged you—ever actually strengthened and empowered you to do whatever you needed to do? If we’re being honest with ourselves, these cultural expressions are not truly encouraging. They do not help us when we are weary, and stretched thin, and don’t know how we’re going to make it through the day. Discouragement is a normal part of the human experience, and whether we want to admit or not, all of us need a little encouragement. But as Lindsey Carlson argues in her new book, we, as believers, are in need of a better encouragement..."
Read the rest of my review at tristanycorgan.com/blog-abetterencour... !
It’s not that encouraging, right? Sure, it might sound nice in the moment, but when have these little self-help phrases ever actually encouraged you—ever actually strengthened and empowered you to do whatever you needed to do? If we’re being honest with ourselves, these cultural expressions are not truly encouraging. They do not help us when we are weary, and stretched thin, and don’t know how we’re going to make it through the day. Discouragement is a normal part of the human experience, and whether we want to admit or not, all of us need a little encouragement. But as Lindsey Carlson argues in her new book, we, as believers, are in need of a better encouragement..."
Read the rest of my review at tristanycorgan.com/blog-abetterencour... !
August 13, 2025
Inspiring message and calling to encourage others in Christ! The chapters seemed a little repetitive, but the ending included great application to daily living.
December 27, 2022
I'm always amused when God brings books into my life at the perfect time, with messages that seem to hit me right between the eyes. "Okay, God...I get it." :)
This book is one such read--and a great one to read alongside Allie Beth Stuckey's "You're Not Enough" (and That's Okay)." Each goes deeper where the other might be a tad light, and vice versa.
It's a great reminder of where the self-help and self-love movement's center is--which, unfortunately, is not Christ--and directs the reader back to the true Source of All Wisdom. Filled with Scripture and powerful stories, the book will challenge (and indeed, encourage) readers at any phase/stage of life, as well as provide practical examples of how we can encourage our loved ones. It reminds the reader that we ourselves can't be both the "problem" and the "solution"; the latter must be outside of us, and frankly be Christ, in order to see true and lasting change.
A couple favorite quotes: "Followers of Christ are meant to be persuaded by the power of God's encouragement and his ability to provide his people with the clarity of biblically informed thinking." "You need regular encouragement that preaches the power of Christ over your salvation and your sanctification. You don't need to depend on your own positive thinking because the Spirit is renewing your heart and teaching you to have the mind of Christ. ... You can either be empowered to be a servant of Christ or a #girlboss. You can live in the light of God's truth, or you can live your truth."
Fantastic read. Convicting. I really liked a lot of the messaging in the many self-help books out there ... of course! It sounds great! But--it ultimately falls short. And I'm grateful for "A Better Encouragement" that points me back to Christ and his renewing of my mind and heart.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book is one such read--and a great one to read alongside Allie Beth Stuckey's "You're Not Enough" (and That's Okay)." Each goes deeper where the other might be a tad light, and vice versa.
It's a great reminder of where the self-help and self-love movement's center is--which, unfortunately, is not Christ--and directs the reader back to the true Source of All Wisdom. Filled with Scripture and powerful stories, the book will challenge (and indeed, encourage) readers at any phase/stage of life, as well as provide practical examples of how we can encourage our loved ones. It reminds the reader that we ourselves can't be both the "problem" and the "solution"; the latter must be outside of us, and frankly be Christ, in order to see true and lasting change.
A couple favorite quotes: "Followers of Christ are meant to be persuaded by the power of God's encouragement and his ability to provide his people with the clarity of biblically informed thinking." "You need regular encouragement that preaches the power of Christ over your salvation and your sanctification. You don't need to depend on your own positive thinking because the Spirit is renewing your heart and teaching you to have the mind of Christ. ... You can either be empowered to be a servant of Christ or a #girlboss. You can live in the light of God's truth, or you can live your truth."
Fantastic read. Convicting. I really liked a lot of the messaging in the many self-help books out there ... of course! It sounds great! But--it ultimately falls short. And I'm grateful for "A Better Encouragement" that points me back to Christ and his renewing of my mind and heart.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews