by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun and Tracey D. Bianchi
InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Ill. 191 pages
REVIEWED BY MICHELLE SUMPTION
This is the truth: We are each fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God, and with that we each have a unique, wonderful story to live and share. The pressure to meet certain standards or keep up appearances begins early. In those moments of discouragement experienced when seeking to discover your identity and story, this book provides a rich resource of the affirmation, wisdom and common sense to discern the truth in the midst of the barrage of false voices. There are many influences on our lives. Some are false and add an unnecessary burden to perform or conform to certain standards. Influences such as that cousin, twice-removed on your mom’s side, who keeps calling you your sister’s name, yet wants a detailed description of why you would want to go into a career that doesn’t pay well. Or even the inundated influence from society to own your own home, get married, have 2.5 children with perfect manners and stellar awards, and stay thin while you do it. Thankfully, there are other influences: ones that inspire us to uncover our true selves and embolden us to live out our God-given story. Adele Ahlberg Calhoun and Tracey Bianchi journey with the reader, speaking to the unique struggles and contexts of the 21st century woman. Experienced ministers, Calhoun and Bianchi invite women of all ages to hear the God-breathed truth about themselves, rather than the empty falsehoods offered elsewhere.
“True You” interweaves a foundation of Scripture and prayer with colorful storytelling and rich personal experience, creating a wonderful resource for women (or those wanting to better understand women) on how they can embrace their own story and share it with the world for the glory of God. Calhoun and Bianchi seek to engage readers in a community of support with practical wisdom regarding one’s relationship with God, others and self – as well as the spiritual practices to do so.
An important aspect of the book is its interactive nature. Calhoun and Bianchi encourage reading it with a friend or small group, providing discussion questions to enhance conversation. Creative journal and practice ideas at the end of each chapter promote deeper reflection and personal challenge. The authors provide positive affirmation and encouragement, making readers feel as though they “have your back” and were present in the room, cheering you on. The message is relevant and important, as Calhoun and Bianchi call us to courageously share our story. And in this message they also lovingly point us to the bold yet vulnerable task we are given of using our unique gifts and call to tell others of God’s love.
The book was a positive, refreshing read that I will reference in the future when ministering to or caring for women of all ages (including myself). In my friendships and deeper conversations, I have yet to meet a woman who has not wrestled with some form of self-doubt or identity struggle at some point in her life, and this book is a very poignant answer to that questioning.
Michelle Sumption is a teaching elder at York United Presbyterian Church in York, New York.
