I wanted Rachel Hollis to be my friend. Maybe that’s not exactly right. I wanted to be more like her. Everything about her seems, well, perfect.
I thought I wanted that.
As I read Hollis’ books I found myself wondering what was missing. The words were great, the motivation was great, but something about it kept falling flat.
Was it the Bootstrap Gospel idea?
That sure was part of it.
Don’t miss what I discovered, and see what works better over at Relevant Magazine. (Plus there’s a great freebie at the end!)
Check out these great sites I’m linking up with today!
Literacy Musing Mondays, Purposeful Faith, Tea & Word Tuesday, Abounding Grace, Trekking Thru, Tell His Story, Porch Stories, Let’s Have Coffee, Worth Beyond Rubies, Moments of Hope, Tune in Thursday, Dance with Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Faith ‘n Friends, Blogger Voices Network, Grace & Truth, Heart Encouragement
This is so on point. Our brains are like magnets for the just-barely-false that sounds good and gives us a starring role in our own life.
Ooooohhh!!! This is so good! You are absolutely right, Michele!
Looking forward to this read, Becky! Do you know that when I listened to a chapter of her book just last week, it kinda fell flat. I thought, “This is empty motivation.” I didn’t understand how to put into practice her ideas. I admire her greatly and appreciate her positive message for women, but I think she’s writing for a different audience. Can’t wait to read!
I feel the same way, Betsy!
I agree whole heartedly. We have to be careful about putting anything above God – in any area – especially our own strength. laurensparks.net
Yes!
I love this! We must know that God doesn’t want or need our “works”, he give us gifts and asks us to use them for the kingdom & HIS glory NOT ours. Blessings to you and keep speaking the truth! 💖
Thanks April!
Well… I can’t decide if I want to read this book, or not. Headed over to Relevant to read the rest of the story and check out the freebie 🙂 … BRB LOL Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
I could tell you both sides of this. I hope you enjoyed the article!
These are such good reminders. She has a lot of great things to say, but if we cannot see them with a foundation of faith, we should avoid heeding her advice!
Exactly! It isn’t all about her and what she offers — we have a responsibility to look for the spiritual foundation we need.
Well done, Rebecca. I’m so glad to see this perspective out there … 🙂
Thanks Lois!
Put. God. First. Amen, sister!
Yes! I’m going to make a shirt that says this!!!
I read every word of the post over at RELEVANT. And, I have one sincere comment. THANK YOU FOR TRUTH.
Thank you for your encouragement!
Wonderful post, Rebecca (as always). Without Jesus, it’s all for not.
Thanks friend!
Rebecca, you are so right on. She’s someone we want to be like. She’s a great cheerleader. She hands out lot’s of good advice. Advice w can use to improve our life and self. But it is all up to us and God is left out of the picture. I finished listening to this book on tape 2 weeks ago and was talking about this same thing you are talking about here with a friend of mine. I found myself listening to a chapter or two, and then thinking about how I would rewrite the chapter from a Christian’s woman’s viewpoint. One that included God in the picture. Front and center.
For example, I can tell myself I am beautiful and worthy and enough all day, but that alone is NOT enough. The reason I can believe and know I am beautiful, worthy, and enough is because God tells me that as His daughter, I am. There is a big difference. One is grounded on His truth. The other on my truth. I can only motivate myself and pull myself up by my tennis shoe string so much. For real lasting results, I need God beside me, in me, behind me, and ahead of me.
YES!!! You are absolutely right! When we pursue these ideas with a foundation of faith, we will have the results we’re really longing for — HIS results!
I read one of her books … and yes, something pivotal and foundational was sorely lacking …
Thank you, Rebecca. I was wondering about her books.
I just reviewed one by Ruth Soukup, Do It Scared. Ruth has written books that use her enormous platform to evangelize, but this book has less of that angle and is more hands on. Her worldview is Christian, yet it is sad she does not mention sin or salvation.
Your review has helped me see that more clearly and I will edit my review. Thank you!
I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful. I don’t think every Christian writer needs to use their books to evangelize. However, everything we do as Christians should point people to Jesus in some way. I’ve been interested in Ruth’s latest book. I love hands on advice. Can’t wait to check out your review.
What a well-written review, Becky. I’ve never read her books and I have no interest in doing so. Thanks for sharing on Grace & Truth this week!
Thanks Aimee!
Rachel is like so many who are writing and speaking today. And many of them are very popular. But, as you beautifully pointed out, they are leaving out the main thing … that it’s not about us doing great things, it’s about God and what He wants to do in and through us. Not for our glory, success or happiness but for His. In the process, we find rest and peace and joy unspeakable.
Yes! It’s so true!
Thanks for sharing this again, Rebecca, since I missed it the first time. And thanks too for boldly speaking what’s been on your heart and giving us something to think about. Let’s continue to boldly shine God’s light in our generation — no matter the push-back. Isn’t that what Jesus did?
Amen, amen!
I find her message well-meaning, but lacking. It sure sells books, but don’t think the help it offers is lasting. laurensparks.net
It would be amazing to see what happened if she combined her secular wisdom with her faith!
I’m headed over there now to read, Rebecca!
Pinned.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Thanks for reading & sharing!
congrats on pub on Relevant!!
Thank you! It was great to work with them!
tweeted and fb’d!