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Yiya
Posted April 25, 2012
"Every woman is called to shine, and there are no exceptions"
Challenging and refreshing – I think these are the first words I would choose to describe this book. Janet Davis offers a journey of self-rediscovery in this book through the examination of some women’s lives – the author, some personal acquaintances and biblical characters like Mary and Martha enliven Mrs. Davis’s invitation to rethink our own identity. On one hand, it is amazing how today’s problems are the same found in the Bible, despite the difference in time and context; on the other hand, I have seldom thought of myself as someone shaped mostly by social expectations, rather than by the gifts and skills God trusted me with.
Written with simple and friendly words, the depth of this book asks the reader to turn pages slowly, as it awakens our insight of our own roles within our lives. Unassertiveness, insecurity, negative preconceptions and willingness to be accepted are some of the issues addressed in this book.
Something that I particularly enjoyed are the questions included before and after each chapter; none are easy to answer, but if done honestly, we would join Mrs. Davis’s journey to self-fulfillment and freedom from social expectations, making use of the particular skills and gifts God gave us – those that make us who we actually are, and which can be more gloriously used to live a life to worship Him.
Amazingly personal, I would highly recommend this book to those who would like to have a fresh insight of what a life of worship is.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. This has not biased my opinion on the book or the author in any way.
Michelle2m
Posted March 28, 2012
'My Own Worst Enemy' by Janet Davis caught my attention because I'm sure like many of you I hear those discouraging voices in my head when I'm about to embark on a new direction, adventure, goal, job whatever it may be. This book offers many insights into this occurrence of self-doubt, lack of self-worth, self-sabotage or whatever it is that holds you back. But we were created for a purpose and to ‘shine’ as Davis puts it. We've been given talents and abilities to use and to succeed. Davis shares many examples from her life and those that she has met as well as Biblical looks at women in the Bible. Each chapter in fact has at least one real life experience to share, then moves into a Biblical example, and then summary. Some chapters share multiple examples from each. It was for these reasons that I begin to find this read somewhat formula drive, I knew the basic framework to expect. This book also became overwhelming at times especially when multiple examples were used to illustrate the same point. While there is a lot of great and useful insight to be found in this book it really could have benefited from better editing. I got the point of the chapter and then found myself not pulled back in to continue through more of the same. It was not a book I couldn't put down or wait to get back to but I did want to complete it because there were moments which I knew I was getting something for my efforts. If you do struggle with self-doubt it is probably worth the read, I just wish it would have been more concise in its presentation.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of this review.
My Own Worst Enemy written by Janet Davis and published by Bethany House Publishers is definitely a great book. I felt as though this book was written specifically for me. I have been my own worst enemy. The author writes about how we (women) self-sabotage by denying ourselves the opportunity to shine. We convince ourselves that we are not worthy, even though it is our calling, God’s desire for us to shine. The gifts that God has given sometimes remain unused. Our dreams go unfulfilled because we don’t permit ourselves to move forward. The author provides insight on several women in the bible, however I admire the qualities of the woman in Mark 7:24-30. The boldness and humility she showed even though rejection by Jesus was a possibility. She wasn’t stopped by fear and knew she was worthy of something. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read such an empowering book. I can relate to some of the issues discussed. After reading this book I was truly inspired. The questions at end of each chapter were also helpful. An opportunity to express our feelings regarding decisions and experiences which also aids in moving forward. This book is truly a book of wisdom and encouragement.
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Posted March 23, 2012
Author and motivational spiritual speaker Janet Davis has an uplifting style of writing. Her third book, "My Own Worst Enemy how to stop holding yourself back" is written for women. It is filled with stories about real people and how they have unconsciously hold themselves back from reaching their full potential. The author reveals a lot of the mistakes she has made in her life and how learning from them have helped her to become stronger. The author added analogies to give the reader a better understanding of just how destructive this behaviour can be and how to see it in their own lives.
The analogies often appear in the book at rather odd places. This can confuse the reader but if they continue reading, the message will evident within a few pages.
Each chapter has a study guide complete with questions for the reader to self-evaluate themselves.
The forward to this book is written by Anita Lustrea, host of Moody Radio's Midday Connection.
This is one of those books that will prompt the reader to have thoughts and ideas while reading it. I suggest the reader have a journal or tablet of paper to write those notes on so they are not forgotten.
I give this book a FOUR START rating and recommend it to all Spiritual women who are searching to become better women. This book will give female readers a lot to think about. I only give it a four star rating because of the lack of preparation given to the reader before the analogies are given.
Overview
Women often find that the biggest obstacle to being all they were created to be is themselves. Though they long to succeed, they can't silence the voice inside whispering, "Just who do you think you are?" Through stories of modern and biblical women, My Own Worst Enemy explores both the calling of women to shine and the complex dynamic of self-sabotage that often keeps them from ...