I really enjoyed this book. While I don't think it had an overall theme (anxiety, grief, etc), it just had a lot of stories I feel people can relate to, followed by scripture to back it up. I have enjoyed both of her books so far.

An in-depth and personal look at how to approach lies that so often entangle us. Author Madison Prewett Trout writes with transparency about how she has learned to live a life of truth. She draws from her personal life, illustrating common lies that can take hold and walks us through Bible stories and Scriptural principles we can use to fight them on our journey to Dare To Be True.

I got an uncorrected proof of this book on e-book and I cannot wait for it to come out so I can get a physical copy and add all my highlights and notes to the physical book. Madi did it again. Every chapter, I felt like she was speaking directly to me and the thoughts that have been trying to bind me lately. God has definitely used her to speak to His people through this book

This was such a good reminder of the lies that the enemy uses to drag us down keeps us bound to the chains of lies. The enemy come to steal, kill, and destroy and he does not stop there. This book was a reminder that we can escape the chains, destruction, and lies that we are fed in this world from the enemy. Madison Prewett Troutt wrote this so beautifully and helped to remind us that we must be anchored in His word and remember all of His promises that we are given day after day.

I really appreciated the overarching message of this book, that living in Gods Truth and Love is the only thing that can truly set us free. I believe that wholeheartedly, from my own experiences and those of my closest friends and family. where it uses explicit scripture, open to little interpretation, pertaining to who God is and who we are as God’s children, the author paints a beautiful picture of what it means to be lost and scared and vulnerable without God, and what it looks like to be strong and humble and at peace within God’s love. I also appreciated the acknowledgment of harmful practices or reasons people have fallen away from faith due to sinful and harmful behaviors of people, that is so important to touch upon these days as we’ve seen so many people hurt by establishment religious manipulation.

however…

while she acknowledges the harm, she still perpetuates it. it’s clear the author has a limited, shallow interpretation of certain scripture, especially relating to identity, sexuality, and humanity. I don’t doubt their faith, but it’s clear from the examples about sin relating to identity and sex that the author is very restrictive in God’s Love and tends to believe that what she personally does not understand cannot be from God, which is in itself a lie from the enemy. but the idea that being a member of the queer community is inherently a lie, or not from God, is demonic in nature and denies God. and that something involving sex outside a cishet married couple is wrong, even individually. does she not realize sex is also from God?! her ideas on sex specifically contribute to toxic purity culture rather than Godly purity and modesty.

I pray for her and her readers to realize Gods love is infinite and boundless, and the truth of the Gospel and Word of God is we are to love, love God and love others, beyond anything else. telling someone who they are is a lie is not Love, it’s demonic. saying the Godly Truth can only follow a modern patriarchal interpretation of scripture (bc there is no explicit scripture outcasting anyone who is queer or has sex or masturbates) is demonic and blasphemous. and its interesting because the author herself understands this in talking abt other lies we are told (experience, socialization, knowledge, etc) but can’t seem to understand her own message when talking about sexuality and identity.

it’s fascinating, reading Christian nonfiction, because it’s so clear how truly no person is perfect, no person’s interpretation of God‘s word is perfect, we all have so many deep-rooted sins within us that we are so incredibly blessed to have forgiven by the Lord. I know the author‘s heart is in the right place, but as she points out, our hearts can be easily deceived, and our minds can tell us lies. I’m so grateful for Jesus‘s love that saved the author, myself, and the world. I pray His love can fully be known by every living creature on the face of this Earth and beyond.

I appreciate the authors message, and believe she comes from a good place, but I clearly think she misses the mark in some areas and has let her own biases corrupt her interpretation of scripture. thank you for the ARC.