Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God

by Jamie Winship

Jamie Winship spent nearly 30 years living and working in conflict zones, and during that time he has learned an important truth: all human conflict originates from fear, and fear originates from a false view of God, ourselves, and others. Until we exchange what's false for what's real, we will never experience being fully alive, fully human, and fully free.

Unpacking the power of knowing our true identity in Christ, Winship takes us on a journey of telling ourselves the truth, changing our mindsets, and experiencing actual life transformation that leads to radical courage in the face of all that life throws at us. With humor, clarity, and real-life practicality, Living Fearless is your invitation to listen closely to what God is trying to say to you about himself, about the person he created you to be--and also about all those other people he created and loves.

If you want to discover the incredible difference abiding in Christ will make in your life and faith, get ready to do "a new thing" with God.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Inspirational, Spirituality, Christianity, Christian Living

176 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2022

Reviews

[Laura Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically a prayer handbook that's actually good!! Will enlarge your imagination for what God makes possible in your self and in your life. The author is someone who’s maybe helped me more than anyone else to know myself + God, so this book was long-awaited--and it delivered. Will be buying copies of this for other people for the rest of my life.

[Claire Rodrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was INSANE everyone MUST read this

[Gabi Allread · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU GUYS!!! Go dedicate a day or two to reading this book and sitting in the sacred space of prayer and nearness to the Lord’s heart that it creates. We are invited to live from a true identity but so often get lost in false identity of lies and fear and shame and God created us for more!!!!

[Kaytlen Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to Jamie Winship’s sermon series at an Antioch youth camp as well as Jennie Allen’s interview series with him, my community group HAD to read through his book together. No joke this will be a book I refer back to for the rest of my life! He walks through the concepts of identity in Christ as well as fear and prayer in profound ways that have spurred me on in my prayer life, pursuit of God, delight in the scriptures, and desire to walk in the Spirit as who God has created me to be. Cannot recommend this book more!!!! Also was super helpful and good to read through with community

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read! I believe most people don’t truly know their identity. This book walks you through asking the Lord who you are and what is your true purpose. Excellent!

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful and interesting concept about the false self, (the lies you believe about yourself) the real self, (what you actually believe about yourself, whether true or false) and the true self, (what God designed you to be.)

I have personally been studying identity for over two years now, and I found it interesting that the author makes a point to ask God about your own, personal, specific identity.

There were a few comments about forgiveness and anger that I wish the author would have explored more in depth; I felt the discussion on those topics were a little cliché.

I loved the author’s comments near the end about time, specifically the difference between chronos and kairos. I found that very encouraging.

[Ellie Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Every part of us that is moved by beauty and truth is God speaking within us.” I cannot recommend this book enough! Scripture and stories come together to explain how fear is simply living outside of the true identity the Lord has given you. And this gives practical steps on how to hear from the Lord both the identity you have believed about yourself - and the identity the Lord has given you. If you are 20 something wandering life wondering what your purpose is, read this book. if you are 75+ and have lived a whole life but still need a reminder of who you are in Christ, read this book.

[Hannah Walser · Rating 5 out of 5]

life changing

… second time around and just as life changing

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jamie Winship is a former police officer and missionary who writes "Living Fearless" in order to urge us to live in a manner according to our God-given identity.

Winship is at his best in the concluding chapters of the book where he invites the reader to consider the impact of shame on our lives. He shares about his own struggle with alcoholism. It's the softest and most powerful part of the book.

Winship believes that we need to uncover our unique God-given identity. Winship's own identity, for instance is "militant peacemaker." Quoting David Benner, Winship tells us, “We do not find our true self by seeking it. Rather, we find it by seeking God.”

There is truth here, although I think Winship's conception of identity misses some biblical truths. For instance, Winship shrinks biblical identities shared by all believers (priest, son, ambassador, etc) to only certain individuals and ignores corporate identities (bride, body, etc).

I also wish the tone near the close would have been matched by the early chapters. For most of the book, Winship writes with a pretty rah rah muscular tone. At times it can border on self-promotional, with too many stories seeming to star Winship.

In addition, Winship can tend to slide into overstatement and reductionism. For instance, about Jesus, he says, "He wasn’t trying to convert them to another religion. He was simply leading them into identity transformation."

There is a lot that is helpful in "Living Fearless," although there are some things that hinder it from being a book I would strongly recommend.


For more reviews see thebeehivelive.

[Abram · Rating 2 out of 5]

In "Living Fearless," Winship explores how finding our identity through prayer can help us live the lives we are called to. While Winship's ideas about integrating God into our lives via prayer were valuable, his concept of identity as a Christian didn't square with my interpretation of scripture. Winship may have mistaken what he calls our identity, with spiritual gifts/talents that dictate our calling/individual role in the church. From my understanding, our identity as Christians across the board tends to be uniform (I am a child of God), while our differences, skills, and gifts (I am good at or enjoy doing x) nuance our roles/callings as Christians. Despite these issues, I still found value in his encouragement to let God direct even the mundane areas of our lives.

[John Majors · Rating 4 out of 5]

powerful story and teaching on living out your true identity in Christ. Written by former police officer whose main strategy was to pray.

[Kristin Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I could give this book 10 stars! Excellent guide on walking with God and abiding in all moments of life.

[Elena (ElenaReadsGoodBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great journey in identifying your personal false identity and replacing it with your God-given true identity. Biblically based and spiritually sound. Let God Lead!

[Lisa Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find your identity, believe it, and take action!

[Jolanta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a notebook and take your time with this one - don’t just rush through it. This book is an absolute MUST read for every Christian. It’s not just inspirational; it’s practical. You’ll find powerful tools to help you root your identity in God and learn to recognize the voice of His Spirit. This book changes you as you read it. So read it slowly, reflect deeply, and let it work in you.

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay wow there’s SO much I could say, but I am just jazzed for y’all to at least read this quote and ponder:

“When we are young, God is building into us identity. You don't have to be a Christian; it's what God does for all people because God knit together each of us in our mother's womb. God built identity into each of us. God wants us to understand our identity, but the enemy, the world, and the flesh work to crush it out of us. That's the way this fallen world works— replacing truth with falsehood.”

God has been teaching me a lot about identity and freedom lately, so reading this book today is definitely timely. I am envisioned and pumped to keep asking God what I need to know and do about the small and big things ahead. What a gift!!

Highly recommend this book for anyone looking to be strengthened in identity and even understand themselves. It’s a pretty straightforward read with helpful stories and conversational writing. Not heavy/hard but truth-filled and joyfully freeing!

[Alex Griggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8 / 5.0*

Completely shattered my grid for an identity mindset, a grand opus for identity in our world’s identity wasteland.

A beautiful blend of storytelling, scripture references, application. What an easy read. If it wasn’t for the intentional applications, I would’ve finished this book very quick.

I stand on the fact that I am accepted, significant, and secure in the Kingdom of God, which, to be clear, is MORE than anything I’ll ever need. But yet, I felt like there was more.

It feels that we’ve over complicated a millennia-old truth - that your identity is God-given. It’s where you flourish. So much language to comb, barriers that hinder growth.

Paul wasn’t the Rock - Peter was! Aaron wasn’t a deliverer of a people - Moses was! Aaron flourished in his own gifting. Identity unlocks a revelation of freedom to operate within the Kingdom.

This is peak cinema!

I have my own critiques if we’re really splitting hairs, but I am not the Holy Spirit. Let Him convict you if you have your own qualms. Otherwise, be free & be blessed by this necessary opus on identity.

[Darcy Schock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was transformational. I’ve struggled with fear and my identity for along time. Loving Fearless approaches them both in a really simple but powerful way. This book just may be a yearly read for me.

[Caroline Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not recommend this book enough. I learned so much about God, how He speaks to us, and how to lean in to what He is calling me to. Jamie has such a gift and I’m so thankful for his pursuit of living out his identity given to him by God.

[Astrid Eastman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading this book after listening to a podcast interview Jamie had given. What a compelling man to listen to and now read his book. Learning to discover not only your true self/your true identity but how to live into it, just as we were created to do will be a game changer.

[Barb Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changing Book

Such a wise and very practical book. Can’t wait to see how it transforms my life. I highly recommend it!

[Vanessa S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good — I highly recommend it. All about identity and finding/walking out our true identity in Christ. I can see my husband & myself going through this with our kids in the teen years.

[Remick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ask God daily: What do You want me to know? What do You want me to do?

[Amanda Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this was really good but there were times I almost felt like I was being yelled at? But like in a kind and caring way? Love his perspective of Prayer & walking away with a lot. I also feel like it was reflective of narrative therapy haha, essentially letting God re-author the identity we have given ourselves. I liked!

[Hannah Zabran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every believer should read this book. It’s life changing if you’re willing to let it be! Thank you Jesus for speaking through this author and if you don’t know what I’m getting you for Christmas, now you do!! Hehe

[Kt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Ashley McClellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't put into words how great this book is. It will shape my faith for the rest of my life. It's brought a new depth to my faith & prayer life.

[Jen Severn · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST READ!!!!
THE CHAPTER “silencing the room” it’s powerful.

[Seanna Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow!!!! This book was INSANE! I would HIGHLY recommended this!

[Lori Neff · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful short book that shows how hate is rooted in fear and how fear holds us back.