If You Only Knew

Read this book. Just read it. You will not regret it.

As many of you know I love to read. I read many books and especially love books that point me to Jesus and remind me of truth. This is one of those books.

Through sharing her own story Jamie Ivey talks about the freedom that comes with sharing our stories. We all have them. She talks about the importance of vulnerability and community. Above all she shows us that Jesus is Better and points us to Him.

Beautiful, honest, encouraging, uplifting and convicting. This book is worth a read.

Jamie, I am so thankful for you, your story, and your willingness to be vulnerable with us. I've been a big fan of the Happy Hour for a while, so I've been looking forward to this one. So excited for all the Lord is doing in you and through you!

This was my favorite book of 2017, topping even the likes of Jen Hatmaker. Jamie Ivey poured her heart, soul, and truth out in a way that will resonate with every woman. No matter what stage of life you are in or what story you have lived, this book will speak to you.

I must commend Ivey for having the courage to share her story with the world. There are few women, especially those within Christian circles, who would dare voice their struggles with addiction and sexual promiscuity, let alone put them into a book for the world to read. Her bravery gives hope to women who might otherwise believe the lie that they are alone in their struggles and a disappointment in the eyes of God.

Judging by her wildly popular podcast and frequent status as a speaker, you’d never guess her personal history did not match her present success. You’d also never know that she still struggles even now with her past.

Even if you don’t have “a past” and you’re confident in your faith journey, this book will help you develop an even deeper sense of identity and purpose. No matter what our personal stories, we are each called to share with others and this book will help you considerate your role.

Claiming this as my favorite book of 2017 is not an exaggeration. I felt both relieved and uneasy as I read through the pages. There were moments when I felt like she was telling my story and others when I was annoyed because it felt like she was pushing me to be even more honest with myself and others. There will definitely be times when you are uncomfortable as you read this book. Even in your most uncomfortable parts, Ivey includes truth with an air of compassion. She tells her story in a way that is relatable and gives you hope in how your story can also be used for greater good.

This book gives hope to all the “good church girls” who struggled to live up to expectations they couldn’t achieve and still today carry with them the shame of their past choices. She says all the things that we think but are too afraid to share. Her words take away the power of shame and help us understand what healing can look like. “Most of the women seated around you on Sundays, most likely including the woman who’s sitting there wearing your shoes and outfit and smiling to people across the room, are afraid that if others knew their struggles, they’d be disqualified from doing the work of God.”

In everything she shares, Ivey always brings the reader back to the way that God has redeemed her story. This isn’t as much a story about her as it is the way that God was persistent in her life and has given her the voice and opportunity to impact a new generation of women. She challenges each women to use their voice and their story to impact their communities, to share their redemption, and give hope to others.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the Publisher.