Who are you, really?
In an uncertain world, we crave the security of knowing exactly who we are and where we belong. But too often as women, we try to find this safety in our roles and relationships, our professional accomplishments, or our picture-perfect homes. And as we do, our souls shrink smaller and smaller. It's because these things aren't made to hold us.
In Made for More, Hannah Anderson invites you to re-imagine yourself, not simply as a set of roles and categories, but as a person destined to live in the fullness of God Himself.
Starting with our first identity as image bearers, Hannah shows how Jesus Christ makes us people who can reflect His nature through our unique callings. She also explores how these deeper truths affect the practical realities that we face as women--how does being an image bearer shape our pursuit of education, our work, and even our desire for holistic lives?
Because you are made in God's image, you will only ever know yourself--only ever be yourself--as you find your identity in Him. Find it now.
About the Author :
Hannah Anderson lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she works alongside her husband in rural ministry, cares for their three young children, and scratches out odd moments to write. You can find more of her writing at her blog www.sometimesalight.com.
Review :
Virtually everyone is familiar with the idea of man having been created in God's image, but how exactly does this relate to us as we sit in Monday morning traffic or sort through a tower of laundry? Hannah Anderson's ability to connect the dots between the divine and our very recognizable human condition is where Made for More really shines. She does an exemplary job of addressing the divine spark that drives all of mankind to understand, "Who am I, and why am I here?" There are an untold number of self-help books that attempt to address these questions, but most fall short as they try to define how identity manifests itself without first answering where identity comes from. As the author explains, our tendency is to check boxes (gender, race, age) and look to categories (our profession, political party, marital status) in an effort to define ourselves, when in truth, we should be fixed upon a North Star.
Made for More could have come across as a very abstract book given its lofty topic, but Anderson has an engaging way of using personal stories and scripture to help the reader personally connect with the ideas being expressed. It's also a very well organized book, and the quality of writing is excellent. For example, Anderson uses the image of a diamond to illustrate the myriad ways--or facets, so to speak--that we reflect God's divinity. After all, a diamond in its natural state does very little to reflect light. As Anderson writes, true potential is revealed only when "God has painstakingly planned them and cut them so the light of His nature can bend and refract through you and come bursting forth in brilliant splendor." The image is immediately recognizable and beautiful, but more importantly, its one that's not easily forgotten. Through the power of good storytelling, Anderson gives us many other gems to help make our relationship with God appear gloriously relevant. Who we are and why we're here are daunting questions to take on, but Anderson does a fine job of helping us answer them as we strive to find greater meaning in our daily lives. - Roxana Laing
Made for More explains how each of us is made in God's image, for purposes beyond what we can see. The more often we choose to live in God's image, the closer we come to trusting Him and letting go of our worries.
My family is adjusting to some new situations right now, and we will experience more changes in the coming months. This Spring I've been feeling in limbo... not where I'm accustomed, and not yet where I'll soon be. So far it's been emotionally difficult. I vacillate between sitting lazily on the couch ("I give up") and feeling restless... like there must be something more to these months of my life. I'm not meant to just sit around and wait for the next chapter, right?!
So I picked up Made for More. Reading it gave me an authoritative nudge to live each day in God's image. Helping others, doing mundane chores, loving my family, and working at my job outside the home all need to be done for God's glory and with my eyes on Him. Hannah Anderson explains that looking for ways we can glorify God in our CURRENT lives (yep, even my crazy limbo life) is the way to reflect God's image. And whenever we reflect God's image, we become more like Him.
I know I need to get off the couch. God put me here for much more than being a bystander to all his glorious world. Since I've been nudged, I will take more opportunities to serve Him and trust him throughout my day. Everyday. - Angela Tollis
"Anderson freely admits this book, while beneficial for men, is written primarily for women. The book targets women to discover their identity and how women live as a creation made in the image of God.
Anderson challenges current thinking about identity and roles, not just current but throughout modern history. It enables women to come to terms with the purposes God has appointed, while encouraging women to live in God's image, trusting him, and setting aside the worries of the world.
Written in an easy to read style, this book gives examples and wisdom for the modern life. Highly Recommended for women wanting to discover their identity and purpose in life." Reviewed by Heath Henwood, Net Galley April 17, 2014
"Anderson strives in her book to tell us how important we are as images of God. We are made for more than we settle for. When we find identity as an image bearer means that we are made to live in dependent communion with God, learning to live in relationship with others, and stewarding creation. Anderson gives examples of our modern life and the wisdom we must seek. Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with Christianity collections."
Rated 5 of 5 stars, Reviewed by Joan Brichacek Wilson, Net Galley April 6, 2014
