Girl Meets Change by Kristen Strong | RE:VIEW

Sweet, personal, and honest.

I saw the cover of this book first (yes, I've always got my eye toward design) and I just loved what it represented. The seasons, change, new life. All of it! Then I got around to reading the title and thought this was something I should read.

Right off the bat I connected with what Kristen was saying--how she pinpointed what I'm sure a lot of women feel. Change is hard. You may be one of those women who loves change (as I'd say I do in some cases) but Kirsten pointed out that change for change's sake isn't really good change. It's all in how we view and meet the change that matters.

From a devotional standpoint I did enjoy the book, though it took me much too long to finish it. I think this was somewhat due to busyness, other reading/work I had, and some what do to lack of extreme connection. For me, a devotional book really needs to speak to a need that I have. While I feel like there is a lot of change in my life now and coming in the future, I didn't feel as gripped (if I can use that word) to Girl Meets Change. Not for lack of wanting though.

I found Kirsten's writing to be strong and to the point--both things I love! And I think she did a good job of seeking out stories to add here and there along with her own personal anecdotes. I did enjoy that she used examples of Biblical characters, but I found that they were "typical" characters. Esther, Jacob, Abraham...Now there is nothing wrong with these examples, and for those who haven't grown up in the church or don't know the Bible well, these may have pointed out "light bulb" ideas, but I found that I wasn't challenged to see their stories in a new light.

To me, there wasn't a moment of awakening where I realized something new about myself - which is often why I read devotional books (aside from my own Bible reading, of course). Don't get me wrong, I did my fair share of highlighting and Kristen had some amazing gems that I took to heart. But I just didn't connect in a "wow, this book changed me" type of way (ironically). And that's okay. Not all books will.

I would still be confident in recommending this to women who know they have a difficult time with change or those who are facing an upcoming change that could be difficult, scary, exciting, or crazy-new. Kirsten's attention to scripture and her constant encouragement will mean a lot.

Rating: 4*
Purchase: Girl Meets Change

Book Description
(from Kristen's website)

Whether chosen or unexpected, all change brings stress. Kristen Strong knows about change--especially the kind you didn't choose. Over the years, she's fought hard to learn an important truth: change is not something to be feared but something to be received as a blessing from God who works through it, not in spite of it.

In this hope-filled book, Kristen invites you to see all the ways you are loved and cared for in the midst of change. She walks alongside you as a friend, gently ushering you toward a new view of change, one that meets you at the crossroads of your own sense of anxiety and God's sense of purpose. With practical advice for coping in every part of life, she draws from her own experiences, the stories of others, and stories from Scripture to help you find contentment, purpose, and renewed strength.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.