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Fight Like a Girl: The Power of Being a Woman
Excellent Book
222 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
104 people are currently reading
1762 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Bevere
102 books730 followersLisa Bevere is a Christian author of the books Lioness Arising, Nurture, Fight Like a Girl, Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry, Out of Control and Loving It! Be Angry but Don't Blow It! The True Measure of a Woman, and You Are Not What You Weigh.
In addition to speaking at national and international conferences, she is a frequent guest on Christian television and radio shows. Lisa is also the cohost of the weekly television program The Messenger, which broadcasts to 214 nations. She and her husband, John Bevere, also a best-selling author, make their home in Colorado with their four sons Addison, Austin, Alec, and Arden.
In addition to speaking at national and international conferences, she is a frequent guest on Christian television and radio shows. Lisa is also the cohost of the weekly television program The Messenger, which broadcasts to 214 nations. She and her husband, John Bevere, also a best-selling author, make their home in Colorado with their four sons Addison, Austin, Alec, and Arden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 9, 2011
Garbage. Don't waste your time.
I actually hated this book. My dad bought it for me as a gift because of some of my ideas regarding feminism, and while I appreciated the thought, the book spat on feminism like, well, Jerry Falwell. It's not feminist at all; Bevere does not believe women have any real power to change things and can take little if any initiative to do so. The title alone set my teeth on edge: calling grown women "girls" disempowers them because it relegates them to the status of perpetual children, and children do not have power. When you actually open the book, it gets worse. It's the same old drivel you get whenever you read so-called "Christian" literature geared toward women: woman is designed for man's pleasure, woman should allow man to take the lead and be his "helpmeet," and Bevere's twist, a woman fights only when male resistance has been insufficient. My ideas are more in line with "a woman fights when she sees a fight worth fighting, regardless of male involvement" and "there is absolutely no reason a woman cannot defend herself and hers or will automatically lose a fight, physical or otherwise." (To his credit, I think my dad believed this was the kind of book "Fight like a Girl" was, and, indeed, at first it does seem that way.)
Bevere talks about Deborah, one of my favorite characters from the Tanak'h, but seems to miss the point of the story--Deborah wasn't in back of the battle because women don't fight until last; she was in the back of the battle because she was a LEADER, calling the shots.
There is also some idiotic tangent about gemstones and jewelry and how nearly all women like them. It's been a little while since I read the book, but for any woman who ever doubted that she was weaker than men or subject to their leadership by virtue of their maleness, this book serves to nauseate.
I actually hated this book. My dad bought it for me as a gift because of some of my ideas regarding feminism, and while I appreciated the thought, the book spat on feminism like, well, Jerry Falwell. It's not feminist at all; Bevere does not believe women have any real power to change things and can take little if any initiative to do so. The title alone set my teeth on edge: calling grown women "girls" disempowers them because it relegates them to the status of perpetual children, and children do not have power. When you actually open the book, it gets worse. It's the same old drivel you get whenever you read so-called "Christian" literature geared toward women: woman is designed for man's pleasure, woman should allow man to take the lead and be his "helpmeet," and Bevere's twist, a woman fights only when male resistance has been insufficient. My ideas are more in line with "a woman fights when she sees a fight worth fighting, regardless of male involvement" and "there is absolutely no reason a woman cannot defend herself and hers or will automatically lose a fight, physical or otherwise." (To his credit, I think my dad believed this was the kind of book "Fight like a Girl" was, and, indeed, at first it does seem that way.)
Bevere talks about Deborah, one of my favorite characters from the Tanak'h, but seems to miss the point of the story--Deborah wasn't in back of the battle because women don't fight until last; she was in the back of the battle because she was a LEADER, calling the shots.
There is also some idiotic tangent about gemstones and jewelry and how nearly all women like them. It's been a little while since I read the book, but for any woman who ever doubted that she was weaker than men or subject to their leadership by virtue of their maleness, this book serves to nauseate.
March 15, 2014
I read this with the understanding that this was a book about spiritual warfare (from a girl's perspective). This is a very heavy and important subject. I was looking forward to some in-depth, Biblical instruction on how to deal with spiritual warfare. But the first chapter doesn't clearly specify this topic of spiritual warfare. In fact, I couldn't pick a clear reference to spiritual warfare anywhere in the book.
Lisa Bevere starts out talking about womanhood as if she's writing a christian take on feminism. Some of it I agreed with; some of it I didn't. All in all, it doesn't really matter because her writing style made any potential point of hers muddled and confusing. Any point that I did pick up from her was shallow and unimaginative.
Every once in ten pages, she'd talk about some kind of war. Actually, there was a chapter on preparing for battle--mostly filled with references and elaborate reenactments from Lord of the Rings and Narnia (apparently they make better points than the Bible when it comes to how women should deal with spiritual war). But I was never very clear on what kind of warfare Lisa was talking about. It mostly seemed to reference a social struggle, but then there was talk of "bloodshed" and going into battle. Later she says that we're not fighting flesh and blood, but uses flesh and blood to make every point there after.
By halfway, I was ready to give up on the book. She hadn't mentioned a single thing about the spiritual realm that we're supposedly fighting. She referenced fiction novels (and movies!) more than she referenced the Bible (in terms of words used). And more than half of what I had read was nothing but metaphor interrupting an anecdote interrupting another metaphor which somehow managed to contract the first metaphor. For instance, on page 65 "arrows" are children, but on page 75 "arrows" is a metaphor for prayer (which somehow doesn't work in "close range," if I'm reading her metaphor correctly: if you need to pray for someone, stand back...maybe the children don't work in close range. I'm not entirely sure).
These complaints don't even cover half of what I was frustrated with. She has an entire chapter on wisdom, which she doesn't even define correctly according to Proverbs (which she does eventually quote...at the end of her chapter). She makes a number of bold statements that she never supports (claiming that she doesn't need a "theological dissertation" on it). She takes Bible passages out of context, quotes only half the verse without noting it, and takes off on flowery illustrations of knights and ladies without nailing down any Biblical point from the verse she just used (which had everything to do with the government, by the way). Her take on the sword of the spirit is absolutely appalling, misleading, and sad. Finally, I read the following statement and gave up all faith in her to know much about anything:
"We could almost say stories are the original form of movies, because as plots develop, we find our minds moving from one scene to the next."
Really, Lisa? Stories are ALMOST like movies? That's it. I'm done. I'm not reading this book anymore. If you want some insight on spiritual warfare, read The Bondage Breaker by Neil T Anderson. It may be less pink, and he may not give a damn whether you're a woman or man reading it, but at least he knows what he's talking about and makes his points about spiritual warfare clear and with strong Biblical backing.
Lisa Bevere starts out talking about womanhood as if she's writing a christian take on feminism. Some of it I agreed with; some of it I didn't. All in all, it doesn't really matter because her writing style made any potential point of hers muddled and confusing. Any point that I did pick up from her was shallow and unimaginative.
Every once in ten pages, she'd talk about some kind of war. Actually, there was a chapter on preparing for battle--mostly filled with references and elaborate reenactments from Lord of the Rings and Narnia (apparently they make better points than the Bible when it comes to how women should deal with spiritual war). But I was never very clear on what kind of warfare Lisa was talking about. It mostly seemed to reference a social struggle, but then there was talk of "bloodshed" and going into battle. Later she says that we're not fighting flesh and blood, but uses flesh and blood to make every point there after.
By halfway, I was ready to give up on the book. She hadn't mentioned a single thing about the spiritual realm that we're supposedly fighting. She referenced fiction novels (and movies!) more than she referenced the Bible (in terms of words used). And more than half of what I had read was nothing but metaphor interrupting an anecdote interrupting another metaphor which somehow managed to contract the first metaphor. For instance, on page 65 "arrows" are children, but on page 75 "arrows" is a metaphor for prayer (which somehow doesn't work in "close range," if I'm reading her metaphor correctly: if you need to pray for someone, stand back...maybe the children don't work in close range. I'm not entirely sure).
These complaints don't even cover half of what I was frustrated with. She has an entire chapter on wisdom, which she doesn't even define correctly according to Proverbs (which she does eventually quote...at the end of her chapter). She makes a number of bold statements that she never supports (claiming that she doesn't need a "theological dissertation" on it). She takes Bible passages out of context, quotes only half the verse without noting it, and takes off on flowery illustrations of knights and ladies without nailing down any Biblical point from the verse she just used (which had everything to do with the government, by the way). Her take on the sword of the spirit is absolutely appalling, misleading, and sad. Finally, I read the following statement and gave up all faith in her to know much about anything:
"We could almost say stories are the original form of movies, because as plots develop, we find our minds moving from one scene to the next."
Really, Lisa? Stories are ALMOST like movies? That's it. I'm done. I'm not reading this book anymore. If you want some insight on spiritual warfare, read The Bondage Breaker by Neil T Anderson. It may be less pink, and he may not give a damn whether you're a woman or man reading it, but at least he knows what he's talking about and makes his points about spiritual warfare clear and with strong Biblical backing.
September 17, 2012
Lisa Bevere's message of this book. We as women do not need to be like men to be powerful. Femininity is beautiful, powerful and different than men. God made us to "fight" the enemy, but in the way the He created us to do it, Men and women have different roles that God want us to play
This is a marvelous book that show women that it is a blessing to be a woman. We should be proud of the gifts of our femininity and stop apologizing for not being men. Scriptures are given that reinforce and support her teachings.
This is a marvelous book that show women that it is a blessing to be a woman. We should be proud of the gifts of our femininity and stop apologizing for not being men. Scriptures are given that reinforce and support her teachings.
July 7, 2012
Too much emphasis on physical beauty being the most essential part of femininity.
January 19, 2023
this has been on my bookshelf for years so i finally brought myself to read it. i like lisa bevere but i will be donating this.
September 2, 2007
Favorite Quotes:
"I am not asking you to embrace denial or ingore the flaws or weaknesses you see. I am just asking you to not engage them in conversation. Rather than conversing about what is wrong, I am challenging you to take your gift of words and strenghten the weak places. It is time to speak the answer rather than the problem."
"Without the constant of light or truth to guide us, we've again made ourselves the measure of everything, and in the process lost our way."
"I wanted him to conform to the image I had of him, rather than nurture the reflection he caught of himself."
"But alas, just like Esther we are not defined by who we are in the spa. We are defined by who we are in the fire."
"I am not asking you to embrace denial or ingore the flaws or weaknesses you see. I am just asking you to not engage them in conversation. Rather than conversing about what is wrong, I am challenging you to take your gift of words and strenghten the weak places. It is time to speak the answer rather than the problem."
"Without the constant of light or truth to guide us, we've again made ourselves the measure of everything, and in the process lost our way."
"I wanted him to conform to the image I had of him, rather than nurture the reflection he caught of himself."
"But alas, just like Esther we are not defined by who we are in the spa. We are defined by who we are in the fire."
January 18, 2015
Excellent for those who are struggling with thoughts of being a woman. Women are not a problem . . . they are an answer! 'Paradise had a problem, and we were God's answer. Think of it! You are somebody's answer. You are something's answer. There is a problem out there only your presence can solve. There is broken and wounded heart to which only you can administer healing. You are a voice to the mute. You are beauty amid desolation. You are not a victim; you are an answer.
June 18, 2020
So encouraging of our female opera in Christ. Well done!
July 11, 2018
Although there were a few good insights in this book, not enough that makes it worth reading. I was bothered by her negative tone which seemed to paint the world as such a dark and evil thing. Many times she would jump to matter-of-fact conclusions about what a scripture passage meant or it gave it a very narrow application that fit what she was feeling about any certain scenario. Lastly, she failed to create a coherent theme. It was titled "Fight Like a Girl" but gave very little insight on what that means. Many times, in any give chapter, I found myself wondering what her main point was and how it tied into the title.
June 5, 2010
I love Lisa Bevere,but I especially like the message of this book. We as women do not need to be like men to be powerful. Femininity is beautiful, powerful and different than men. God made us to "fight" the enemy, but in the way the He created us to do it. One of my favorite sayings was "men plan wars, women plan weddings" and in the end times, both are coming. Men and women have different roles that God want us to play and it made me excited to encourage my husband, children, sisters and everyone around me
October 30, 2014
As someone who takes pride in finishing what I start, I'm disappointed to say this one went back to the library a few chapters in. I was honestly very excited for this read after coming across several inspiring quotes by the same author, but the chapters I made it through went nowhere. When points were actually made, no solutions were offered. Though I would have liked to stick with this one until the end, I had other books on loan that took priority after seeing where this book was (or, really, wasn't) going.
February 29, 2008
Lisa made tremendous statments within this book. I have devouted months of my time to reveiw and re-reveiew the materials she and her husband, John, have written.
I was not afraid to read this book as a man: I realized that to better help women in their fight is to understand how they must fight.
I was helped by this book, because I read it with an open mind - not closed by gender. Christ is bigger than gender!
I was not afraid to read this book as a man: I realized that to better help women in their fight is to understand how they must fight.
I was helped by this book, because I read it with an open mind - not closed by gender. Christ is bigger than gender!
January 3, 2013
We read this one in my book club and it was a very good book and the matching dvd set that went with really helped you delve into what the author was trying to tell you. Use what is in your hand!
April 26, 2019
Fabulous book by a strong and fierce woman!
February 22, 2018
One day, I told the Lord...."I love being a woman but I NEED to be in love being a woman." I still don't know what that means, so I decided to pursue women ministries at my church, learn about women leadership, attend/watch on youtube women bible studies with women bible teachers. Of course, my mother (now deceased) was a wonderful, fierce, strong, beautiful, loving, woman with mistakes, and the apple in God's eye mother. But I want to walk in the God's love for me as a WOMAN. He makes no mistakes why woman were created. Therefore, my assignment is to be 'brave' as a woman, and walk in the powerful authority of being a woman for His kingdom. :)
May 4, 2020
I read this book years ago during my "returning to God" part of my life. It was a great starter for me to read as I learnt it was ok that God fashioned me to be kind and gentle even though I live in a world they keeps trying to tell me to "harden up". I also recommend using the companion Study Guide that goes with it as this really helped me to work through a lot of thoughts and feelings that at the time I was struggling with. I recommend this for all girls and woman who are looking to find confidence in who they are and acceptance of who God made them and find courage to be all that God destined them to be.
April 27, 2024
A good book for Christian woman that reminds us that God created us uniquely different from men for a purpose. And in a world where we are often called to fit into a certain mold, we need to be reminded of who God designed us to be givers of life, nurture and relationship. While our enemy loves for us to abandon our purpose and chase this worlds mold for us, our power is in being bromeareis of Gods image, living out His vision for our lives as women of God. Get a copy of this book and answer Gods call.
June 16, 2020
Every teenager, young lady & woman should read this book!
We have a skewed view of what being a woman of God looks like. The word has caused us to see our role differently! It is not being in charge of everything or being dominant! God has given us a unique role and it is time for us to take it!
We need to know when to speak up and when to be quiet. When to fight and when to comfort!
We are beautiful daughters of God and this book is so good and helps bring it all into clear view!
We have a skewed view of what being a woman of God looks like. The word has caused us to see our role differently! It is not being in charge of everything or being dominant! God has given us a unique role and it is time for us to take it!
We need to know when to speak up and when to be quiet. When to fight and when to comfort!
We are beautiful daughters of God and this book is so good and helps bring it all into clear view!
November 13, 2019
Empowering
This book touches so many secret thoughts and fears; instantly springing you from the lies of being alone in "this" to feeling surrounded by thousands of women struggling just like you.
This is the first book I've finished in 5 years and it has lit a fire in me! I will read again.
This book touches so many secret thoughts and fears; instantly springing you from the lies of being alone in "this" to feeling surrounded by thousands of women struggling just like you.
This is the first book I've finished in 5 years and it has lit a fire in me! I will read again.
May 7, 2020
Read this book years ago and didn’t connect with it at all. Picked it up a few months ago and felt as if I was reading a completely different book! For me, it shifted my opinion on how our modern world views feminism and equality between men and women. Definitely worth reading.
May 20, 2017
All Girls are amazing......my salute to all..
I feel, some girls are good nd some are more good..
She writes everything on a very simple manner but very effective....keep going Lisa Bevere
I feel, some girls are good nd some are more good..
She writes everything on a very simple manner but very effective....keep going Lisa Bevere
September 3, 2018
An authentic and inspiring read that offers a refreshing and optimistic look at what it means to be a woman. A must read for women everywhere!
December 16, 2018
She reminded me a lot of Beth Moore. Good biblical truth but not on a style that I really enjoyed. I imagine she would be interesting to hear speak, though.
May 4, 2019
I read this in a bible study with a group of women. It was a good easy read.
February 9, 2020
Must read for Christian women
Fight Like A Girl will help you find your hope and identity as a woman the way God created you to be!
Fight Like A Girl will help you find your hope and identity as a woman the way God created you to be!
November 25, 2020
Lisa Bevere is always encouraging and a great storyteller when it comes to baring her soul!
March 30, 2021
Excellent book about the role of women in God’s plan for the world.
January 19, 2022
75Hard—Book 1.
Day 18.
Day 18.
March 14, 2015
I am about halfway through this book and I literally cannot decide if I like it, or if it's horribly horribly misogynist. I have sort of a visceral gut reaction to statements like "The strength of women is different from the strength of men, and women can only achieve their true strength when they stop trying to achieve the strength of men," which, like, is TRUE, I guess, but it can have like a non-sexist Gloria Steinem meaning of "Each woman just has to learn to be the best possible version of herself" or an offensive and patronizing meaning like "The job of a woman is to accept and embrace her traditional role of nurturing and supporting the man," and I still haven't yet figured out which one of them Lisa Bevere fits into.
I will say, however, that whether I decide I hate this book or not, she does have one recurring image that I really like, of the Virgin Mary crushing the head of the serpent with her stiletto heel, which I think I might want on a t-shirt. Is that heresy?
I will say, however, that whether I decide I hate this book or not, she does have one recurring image that I really like, of the Virgin Mary crushing the head of the serpent with her stiletto heel, which I think I might want on a t-shirt. Is that heresy?
May 31, 2009
I vascillated between giving this book a 2 or a 3. After all, it took me over a month to read this short, simple book. The first two chapters are based on the theory that today's women wants to be like men and that we don't like women. I have never believed either of these hypothesis. I did find a few bright tidbits within the book, such as "For us, the moment of change should not be our highlight, but merely the beginning. It should be our point in time when our light is the dimmest, yielding the very faintest outline of the road before us. Not unlike the Wizard of Oz's fictional yellow-brick road, we should fin our way incresingly illuminated as we near our destination." I also thought her chapter on the Prophetess Deborahwas inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews