Brave Beauty review

Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You by Lynn Cowell

Publisher Description:

What will my life be like? Who will I be? Whether girls put these concerns into words or struggle anxiously with these thoughts, during this season of change, girls have questions. Sometimes these questions also come with fears and they need a safe place to process these fears. From Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and blogger, Lynn Cowell, comes Faithgirlz Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You. For girls 8-12, Brave Beauty brings tweens 100 courage-building moments to reflect on Scripture and find confidence in God, rather than in someone, some place, or some thing, as culture will all-too-soon tell them to. Lynn will also prepare girls to:

• Overcome confidence-defeating thoughts and stand on who Jesus says she is.
• Shape her self-worth on Christ and overcome the temptation base it on environmental factors.
• Build a strong foundation to face the fickle and flippant opinions of others.
• Find approval of herself even when she lacks the acceptance of others.
• Find security by turning to Christ as she steps through the exciting, yet scary world of growing up

Formatted as theme-based mini chapters, these moments can be read as one-a-days, one-a-weeks, or at the reader’s own pace. Simple and empowering, Lynn’s voice is relatable and conversational, making it easy for girls to feel like they’re spending time with a friend.

My Review:

When I was given the opportunity to review this book I expected that it would appeal my 9 year old daughter.  What I didn't expect was for it to appeal to all of us! 

While this is definitely written as a conversation with younger girls - simple language, examples that connect with preteen experiences etc - the topics are such that apply to all of us.  Who doesn't need to be told they are loved (section 1)?  Or that they can be brave (section 2)?  Or that they can be confident (section 3)? 

Admittedly, some of the sections are more applicable to prepubescent girls (it actually talks about pimples!) but it opened the door to some great discussion between myself, my 17 year old and 9 year old about our experiences.  I don't know that these discussions would have come about without a starter story like this book offers. 

I love the "Becoming Brave" sections at the end of most chapters.  They are simple, little sections that encourage the reader reflect on what has been read, on God's truth about the situation and apply it to their own life, to internalize the truth of Scripture.  We use these as journal starters for personal prayer journals.  But not all sections have these.  Some have "Getting to Know You" sections with short little surveys.  These encourage the girls to examine themselves and see where they are in that particular area of discussion. 

And most importantly, I see my daughter not only drawing closer to God, but finding who she is as well.  That alone makes this a book that I would recommend to others, and that I wholeheartedly recommend to you.