Cover Image: Ready to Rise

Ready to Rise

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Member Reviews

Jo Saxton has written such an honest and real book about the challenges of leadership in a variety of contexts. I love how she weaves in the stories of her friends and biblical characters who have also struggled in different capacities on the journey to lead. Jo writes in such a way that relates, inspires, and challenges us as women to not live in fear, but build up our community, our village to step into our leadership in whatever capacity we're called to.

This book is truly like reading an encouraging and honest letter from a friend. I was sad when it was over and tried to draw out the last chapter so I wouldn't have to finish reading it. Another awesome aspect of this book is that it's written with discussion questions, so small groups can work through the book together.

If you are a leader already or have always felt a call on your life like you were made for something more, I highly recommend this book!

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Amazing book for a time like this (and every day as a female leader)! This book is an amazing mix of authentic personal experiences, biblical truths, and inspiration. Highly recommend it!

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I’m halfway through Jo’s latest book and she is reading my mail again! She speaks directly to the thoughts I’ve had, the experiences I’ve endured and the questions I’ve had of myself as a female leader in a male dominated world. She qualifies the call that God has on the life of every woman with freeing truth of how God has made us and the gifts He has freely given us. This is the book that I have needed to read for years but am so thankful that right now, my heart has been prepared for this message. I’m anticipating a full on transformation of thought, identity and future plans by the end of this book. I’m ready Jo!

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I love Jo Saxton! I have heard her speak several times at If:Gathering and have always been so encouraged. "Ready to Rise" is no different. Jo calls and encourages women to rise together, find their voice, and influence their community. She talks through many real life issues that impact women and can deter them from fulfilling their God-given purpose. If you are in need of encouragement or just to know that other women are in the same boat, this is the book for you!

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This was an incredibly inspiring read that seems perfect for the current climate. Drawing inspiration from the strong women in her family that came before her, the author encourages us to step up and own our stories. Leadership can be difficult to navigate, and doing so as a women adds even more stigma and expectation to rise through. This is a must read for any woman, but especially those in leadership.

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There are times when you read a book to learn. You open it and are ready to be lavished with new ideas or general uses and plans that you can implement. You are genuinely ready to embrace the guidelines and the anecdotes as they teach you about someone else. It is an altogether different thing when you read something and you realize every story, every plan, every gem is speaking directly to you.
Ready To Rise by Jo Saxton is for every woman. Literally everyone who has ever lived, ever dreamed, ever desired anything at anytime. It’s not a self help book. It is however, self inspiring, self reflecting, self discovering and self encouraging. It’s a book that not only identifies, it clarifies and reminds in ways that most people, especially women shy away from. This book isn’t about someone else. Pages filled with ways to help other people be better, do better, but rather a book that is for you; one you wish you’d written in your journal and decided to live. Simply put, it’s a book that reads you. Knows you and kindly coaxes you to not only love who God made you, but to accept fully that your “just” and “only” were created just for you, only by God no matter how many others resemble you, rely on you or disregard you. Ready To Rise reminds us all that we are in a constant state of growth, if we are living, we are rising.

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I absolutely loved this book!! I loved the conversational style in which Jo wrote. I loved the inspiring stories. I especially loved her call-to-action by ending each chapter with thought-provoking questions. These questions helped the reader (me) take the text and incorporate it into my own life to make positive changes. Highly recommended!

NetGalley gifted me an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A new book on leadership for Christian women!
It takes a woman leader to encourage Christian women to lead! (You can quote me!)

“Ready to Rise” by Jo Saxton, “Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, and Step into Your Influence”. Yes Jo is a woman who leads, and speaks to groups, and writes books!

When I first picked up this book, I knew it was about encouraging Christian women to find their voice and influence people, but I did not know it was about the art of leadership for Christian women.

This book is full of tips and steps to follow. It also is full of encouragement! Jo gives examples from her own experience as a leader, and uses several Bible stories as examples of women in leadership in the Church.

Although I am no longer in a leadership position, I was back in my 30’s and 40’s. I was a leader in my church, and I was a leader in my professional job. Looking back on those days, I can say that I did not do most of what Jo tells women leaders to do. I think it would have been easier on me if I had intentionally done at least some of what she recommends, but I did not know how to lead as a woman. No one told me how. I tried to just push on from day to day, mostly on my own, surrounded by men, with little contact with other women leaders. I didn’t even get a book on how to succeed as a woman in leadership. Jo says that is what most women in leadership do, and they give up.

So please, if you are a woman in a leadership position, or you want to move into a leadership position, read this book. That is my advice. Don’t try to do it alone.

Jo Saxton has lots of experience. She has a friendly way to communicate her advice. Reading this book, I felt as if Jo was standing at my side, with a hand on my shoulder, encouraging me, teaching me what to do, and understanding the difficulties of being a woman in leadership. She understands the frustrations and the tears, because she has been there!

Although I knew what a mentor was, I didn’t have one, nor did I try to find one. I really should have, and Jo explains in the book why you should have a mentor, and how to get one, or several.

I had not heard of a “sponsor”. Jo explains in the book why finding a sponsor is vital. In fact she says that without a sponsor, women cannot succeed in leadership. Yes, she tells you how to get a sponsor, and what a sponsor will do for you.

Jo says that “Now is the time to rise.” And this book gets you Ready to Rise.

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Men are normally raised that it's ok to be assertive and live out your God given purpose. Women, not so much. In most households, workplaces and life in general, we are shut down if we aspire to be anything more than a wife and mother. And if that's your gift and calling, it is ok to live your truth and your life without ridicule and regret. Ms. Staxton gives women the permission to be all who God called them to be, whether it's to be the best wife and mother you can, whether you're called to be the CEO of a company or even called to the ministry. This was such a phenomenal and well rounded book, I will be referring to it in the future very often. Job well done.

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I love Jo Saxton, and this book did not disappoint. The part that stuck out the most to me was her description of ezer. This new Biblical understanding of women in leadership really struck a chord with me.

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've been following Jo Saxton's work for quite some time and was delighted to read this book. Geared towards women who lead in any context, "Ready to Rise" is a call to action. As a woman in leadership and often the only woman in the room, it can be challenging to find one's voice, but Jo encourages just that through Biblical examples, practical tips and sound advice. Jo's passion for empowering others is evident and her wisdom quite applicable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks to step out into healthy and empowered leadership spheres to which you've been called.

I received an advance digital copy of this book. This is my honest review.

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Ready to Rise by Jo Saxton was a joy to read, light enough to absorb easily, yet profound enough to get under your skin and make you reflect, especially after you had laid the book down to return the everyday tasks. This is a book that speaks into this new world that exists around us, even though it wasn’t planned for this wilderness, and particularly the opening chapters have a prophetic tone about it. Early chapters feel like a well written sermon, warm and engaging whilst the concluding chapters challenge further participation and development. I was struck by the idea of uncovering who we are as women, as opposed to discovering or indeed recovering, for who and what we are as women has always been. To be honest, at times I felt she was writing my story, other times I was slightly jealous I hadn’t written the book myself, but I found myself grateful for her careful consideration and gracious attitude. This is not a text that is out to bring men down or indeed blame them, but a recognition that subconsciously to a point, and consciously, culture has consistently portrayed women within a limited framework. So although, unapologetically about encouraging and empowering women in leadership (which is a broad term), there is a nod to the menfolk, some I think who might value the basic principles underlying the text. I loved the use of Timothy as well as powerful women from Scripture, some rather obscure ones as well as known ladies. She balances Scripture, the call of God on our lives and practical application, along with some worthy quotes from authors in a variety of fields. So, therefore, although it is not an academic text as such, it also stops short of being a personal soapbox. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter get deeper the further into the book you go, taking you on a journey of discernment, with some being more relevant or indeed necessary as you go. I intend to go back and re-read this book, following the questions as I go this time. I’m always to impatient on the first read through to find out what happens, and I found I really didn’t want to put this book down.

I would totally recommend this for any woman needing a boost or a gentle reminder that they are so much that culture has shaped, that they don’t have to be all and do all to be worthy of praise or merit. If you are a woman considering changing paths in your career or community, again it is a helpful read. And I think a fantastic book to read as a group of women, building up community and support as we go, particularly as the hardest element is moving from the belief that ‘I can be’ to ‘We can be’.

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I absolutely loved "Ready to Rise" ! Saxton is adept at encouraging her readers to leave fear behind, running towards what God has called us to, unafraid.

The book is a clarion call to step out and use our talents for not only lifting others, but continuing on the path God has for our lives. Saxton is a truth teller and a friend you can lean on.

This would be a great read for all ages of women.
I think in a group setting, this would springboard a lot of conversation and growth among friends.

If you enjoyed "The Dream of You," don't miss out on "Ready To Rise." Saxton continues to gift us with wisdom, perspective and guidance.

I was an early reader, thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher. I can't wait for my pre order copy to arrive!! All opinions are my own honest thoughts.

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Jo’s book is great for women in leadership. She touches on every area of life and how to rise up! Highly recommend this book!

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I am a huge fan of Jo Saxton's leadership and speaking. This book was amazing. As a woman who leads, this book was very real and transparent, humorous, authentic and practical. She addresses many issues that face women who lead - some that are familiar like sexual harrassment and the need for mentoring- and others that are less talked about, like listening to our bodies and the scarcity mentality. This book challenged and encouraged me. Highly recommend.

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Ladies, if you are looking for an encouraging and empowering read, Ready to Rise would be a great choice! Jo Saxton talks about how to use your spiritual gifts, find your voice, take care of yourself, allowing yourself to be healed by our Savior, grow your grit, and surround yourself with a supportive village. One part of the book that stood out to me was when she discussed how the word in the Bible for women in Genesis was "ezer", which is often translated as "helper". Ezer means "to rescue, to save, to be strong". Saxton highlighted some important female leaders in the Bible such as  Deborah, Jael, and Mary. She also included stories about a group of female leaders who started meeting, and how they found their voices and inspiration through supporting each other. 

Some of my favorite quotes from this book included:

"If there was ever a time to uncover our potential and voices  - it's now. Now is the time to boldly and authentically represent God's goodness in the world. Living as channels for his transformative change and power. Now is the time to rise."

"We cannot present or perform our way out of our own brokenness, no matter how hard we try. Nevertheless, Jesus doesn't need us to keep it all together, to pretend life and people haven't happened to us. He's the kind of leader who tends to His leaders, lays down His life for their whole lives."

"However you live into your influence, whatever way you hope to make an impact on your world, you will need grit for the journey."

"When I'm feeling negative about my voice or my influence or my impact, I need to take my mind off myself and retain perspective. One way I do this is through practicing thankfulness."

"You always had a twofold purpose: having a relationship with God and then representing Him in the world around you - to play your part in the Great Commission."

"Our leadership is not the end result; a better world, filled with God's love and light, shaped by His mercy and justice and grace, is. All things made new."

I would recommend this book for all women, especially those who are in or are seeking to be in leadership positions. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, as part of the launch team, in return for an honest review.

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The release of this book could not be more timely. Whether you are feeling worn down, weary & uncertain of your voice or you are ready to tackle the next battle full speed ahead - you will find both comfort & challenge in Jo's words. Grab a cup of tea and soak in her wisdom & encouragement. Get ready to build hope, experience healing and find courage as you step into your God given voice. Love this book! Love this woman's voice!

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Jo Saxton is one of my favorite speakers from If:Gathering. In fact, her sermon this year, tied into this book, was one of my favorites. It made me look forward to reading this, and I was not disappointed.

I loved this look at women in leadership, especially in church leadership, but not exclusively. My favorite chapters were the ones in the middle about saying yes to who you are and using your voice. Each chapter includes at least a reflection question or two at the end, and they made me long for a pen and a journal. I will be picking up my own copy of this now that it has released so I can write in it and dig into these questions personally.

There's a good balance here between personal stories, Bible stories, and practical application. Bible stories include the creation story, the story of Deborah, and the foot washing scene from John 13. The tone is conversational. In fact, there are several passages that are examples from a gathering of women, and I would have loved to be part of those conversations.

If you love Jo, and/or if you are looking for a resource to explore your God-given gifts and voice to use for God's purposes and for your passions, be sure to pick this one up!

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Ready to Rise
Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step into Your Influence
by Jo Saxton

WaterBrook & Multnomah
WaterBrook
Christian | Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 14 Apr 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Ready to Rise through WaterBrook & Multnomah and Netgalley:



In this book Jo Saxton reminds the readers if there is every a time for us to find out voices and fulfill our potential the time is now. She goes on to encourage the readers to think of their family trees, think of their storie bys and experiences and think of how the limits as well as opportunities shaped the lives of the women in their family tree.


The readers are reminded too that we need the voices and influence of healthy and empowered women who are taking their places to make an impact on the world for the common good.



Saxton goes on to remind us how Jesus used women, how their lives impacted the early Church. The woman of Jesus time did not have the ability to look up to Christian women from the past, because they were the first.


The readers are reminded too that we do not have to carry life's burdens alone. It is pointed out that our voices are more than mere words, our words are our God given identity and purpose in action.


We are reminded too that Your voice has real potential— for encouragement, for strengthening people in life’s trenches, and for tangible influence for good in the world.


If you are a woman looking for an empowering book to read during this time of Self Isolation, I recommend Ready to Rise!


Five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

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This book has been the push I have needed to step into all that God has called me to be. Jo Saxton has a gift of story telling that makes each and every minute better than the last. She has an ability to turn a story into a call to action, setting the reader up with tools to succeed in business and in life. This book is the perfect leadership tool for all women who desire to step into a world of leadership and influence.

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