***I received this book for free in exchange for a fair review as part of the CWA Review Crew.
A popular topic in homeschool circles, at least around here, is "keeping it real". As far as I can tell that involves sharing our daily struggles, fears, disappointments with a support network or social media contacts. I do it, my friends do it......but honestly, other than venting our frustrations (and doesn't that make all of us feel better??) are we really accomplishing anything?
I put a "pity party" facebook post up today. I was really struggling this morning. The list of reasons why is long and not really pertinent to the current task but lets just say that life isn't fair. Right?
When sharing my pity party on facebook what was my desired outcome? Honestly, I wanted someone to tell me to hitch up my big girl panties and get on with it. I wanted someone to say that they've been there and lived to tell the tale. And several friends did. Mission accomplished.
I wonder though, sometimes, what the world would be like if we were REAL all the time? What would that take? How would God use me if I didn't strictly control my world and others perception of it?
Good question.
I was asked to review a new book by Jamy Whitaker, Get Real: Stop Hiding Behind the Mask.
This book is deep. Jamy covers everything. She starts by explaining why we put the mask on to begin with. This part was painful for me. First, I wanted to pretend I wasn't wearing a mask. Second, if we allowed that I am "putting up a front" then why am I doing that??? Ok, I waded through my past and you probably should too.
Next, we explore why keeping the mask is wrong. Hmmm. I was kinda thinking about keeping mine. I built it, I should be able to use it! Right? Wrong :( So, we go through all the ways that God can't use you, can't use me, if we are wearing our mask. I want to be used by God! Isn't that why I'm here???
Now, we know we've got a mask; we know that we shouldn't be wearing it. Jamy walks us through how this information can affect our lives. How it should cause us to change.
Like I said, it's deep. In the back of the book are Bible study questions, making this perfect for a small group.
As painful as it was, I'm glad that I've got this information, I'm glad that I've taken a good, hard look at myself and can see myself how God wants to see me. Isn't that the best place to be? I think so too.
You can check this book out at Amazon for $3.99 if you've got a kindle or $11.33 in paperback. Or visit Jamy at www.jamywhitaker.org
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