When I judged Barbara Hughes’ Disciplines of a Godly Woman at first, I felt it could only be one thing- boring. It belonged to my Mom and had been lying around the house for years. So when she brought the book a few weeks ago and said, “Try and read this book, Ozioma”, I took one look at it and rolled my eyes. Of all the books to read in the world, how do you pick one on an unpopular subject, godliness? Add discipline to that and dare add women also, and it wouldn’t even get a second glance.
But I was wrong, and gladly so. I still went ahead and read it because I was at a point in my life where I needed to view my life circumspectly and hear what God had to say on discipline. I am still learning the ropes of this thing called adulting and this book couldn’t have come at a better time. You know what, I think that all those times I overlooked it, God must have been preparing me for this time when I’d value it the most.
I love the way each of the five chapters is divided into sub-sections focusing on soul, character, relationship, ministry and grace. And each chapter starts with a short (easy-to-remember) verse from the bible, which I thought was just wonderful. But my best part of the book would be the last 36 pages of the book which contains lovely hymns, a great bible study plan I’m already using, a testimony, and best of all a list of classics.
Now to my favourite quotes:
As I read, I took note of the phrases, verses and quotes that spoke directly to me and I’ll want to share some with you.
Finishing this book has helped me see singleness in a new light. I recently listened to Jamie-Grace (an American singer who at the age of 26 married her first boyfriend) talk about her journey of singleness and waiting in the lyrics of her song – The Wait. I was inspired by this story but at the same time I prayed “Oh God this cannot be me, please let this cup pass away”. And though my waiting period may not be over yet, I’m in a much better place to ask such questions as:
What am I doing with the friendships in my life? Do I date unbelievers? Do I try to help God’s plan for my life?
Final verdict: Very insightful and a must-read for young women. Plus Barbara’s tone is warm, honest and casual. It was worth spending an entire month on, and I hope I did convince you.
Favour Onukogu
@herownherogirl – Instagram, Twitter
When I asked Favour to do a post on her current reading list, I was half expecting her to refuse. But she sweetly accepted, and even sent a reminder to me after a while. And I’m so glad she did, this post was so easy to read. I think I’ve seen this same book sometime in the past but probably just skimmed through. Now I want to really read it again. It’s not everyday you come across a great book that provides godly and practical counsel for young women today.
For this month, I returned to my first love, fiction and started reading Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo. It was part of a reading list shared on Kacheetee’s blog and from the reviews I felt it would make a great read. Still waiting for that magic to happen though.
What did you read in August? Any suggestions for me?
Fae
P.S featured photo is our guest writer, Favour
P.P.S If you want to purchase the book, I’ve included a link here
I’m an agnostic but still read “Gita” (a scripture in Hinduism) when I need some hand-holding and encouragement, so I can very well relate to your thoughts on this book. The flashy self-help books fail to do it for me anymore.
Keep reading and posting reviews. 🙂
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Oh yes Jheelam, I have a certain reservation towards some self-help books like “7 Steps to…” There just so many different perpectives out there, that throw one into confusion rather than provide “help” My go-to is always the Bible.
And thank you for always leaving a comment. They make me happy.
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❤ ❤
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I enjoyed reading and I think I like this section 😁😁 Especially as I haven’t been reading so much non-medical books lately, haha. But trust me, I still manage to do so. This book reminds me of Elisabeth Elliot’s Let Me Be A Woman. Read it? Would make for a great read. Keep shining, Fae. ❤❤
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Nah, I haven’t read the Elliot book but the title is so alluring. You can trust I’ll check it out.
Ha, I think I understand why your reading list would be predominantly medical books, haha. How is your house job going?
I’m glad you like this section, I’m all smiles here.
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I shared my house job experience so far on the blog today: https://annieejioforwrites.wordpress.com/2018/08/30/living-and-working-in-ile-ife-nigeria-experience/
Your words to me to share my job chronicles like I did my medical school chronicles kept ringing in my head, even when I was not writing/blogging. I am so glad I could share a part today. I will return your call soon. I missed it yesterday. ❤❤❤
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bought Hughes’ book – ‘Disciplines of a Godly Man’ for a friend in 2016. I skimmed through the book and I think it’s an easy-peasy, nice and squeasy kinda read. When I rolled my eyes through the bookshelf at the book store, I saw ‘Disciplines of a Godly Woman’ and thought of hitting the book. But huh! I haven’t. I think your review will jolt me to reading it. Thanks Fae.
Well, for this month, I’m still taking a walk through the pages of ‘Oceans Apart’ by Karen Kingsbury. I LOVE FICTION!
Yaay! I partly read a non-fiction book – ‘Sit, Walk and Stand’ by Watchman Née, an erudite new creation writer. This book is a treasure. His expositions tugged at the hem of my skirt at intervals I’m amazed at how Née related our physical positions to our spiritual positions.
Annie thanks for sharing your house job experience. I’m sure ‘Let me be a Woman’ by Elisabeth Elliot would be an interesting read. Read her ‘Purity and Passion?’
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Anything Karen Kingsbury gets me excited. The last book of hers I read was “Shades of Blue”. Did you read my bio? I’m a fiction lover too!
New creation? Nee? I’m off to read it ASAP
No, I haven’t read any Elliott’s book. Seems I have to include it in my reading list.
Thanks for leaving a very long comment!
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