Highlighting Books for Ladies

In recent days my wife and I have been discussing good books for women. It is sad that too often Christian books for women are shallow and mushy. Some contain lots of great stories and anecdotes but offer little Biblical advice. Others encourage good moral living but fail to exalt Christ. Still others encourage more of a self-esteem boost than a dependence of the sufficient grace of God. So what books are good for ladies? To help my women readers discern good books I have composed the following list.

1) Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free- Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Summary: In Lies Women Believe, Nancy Leigh DeMoss exposes areas of deception she believes are common to many Christian women and are at the root of their struggles. Some of the lies include lies about God, sin, priorities, marriage, family, and emotions. She deals honestly with women's delusions and illusions and then gently leads them to the truth of God's word that leads to true freedom.
Shortcomings: It can be harsh at times, and not all will agree with everythign that DeMoss says, but nonetheless there is great value and a general love for women that the author conveys in this book.

2) Overcoming Fear, Worry, & Anxiety: Becoming a Woman of Faith & Confidence- Elyse Fitzpatrick
Summary:Fear and worry are surprisingly common and paralyzing emotions for many women today. In fact, even those who have been Christians for years find themselves battling difficult and often overwhelming concerns--concerns about marital strife, rebellious children, problems in the workplace or at home, serious health issues, financial difficulties, and much more. God knew worry would be a very real problem. He addresses the issue in the Bible many times, giving practical guidance that is the only true solution to our fears and worries. Women will find comfort and encouragement as they learn from the transparent, real-life examples of others who have struggled with anxiety, including the author herself. A warm, friendly, and solidly biblical book that helps women to cast their cares upon God and be filled with complete confidence for every circumstance in life.

3) The Excellent Wife- Martha Peace
Summary: Who is an excellent wife? What is she like? Using the woman in Proverbs 31 as a model, trusted Christian counselor Peace offers detailed practical answers to questions most often asked by Christian wives. Her proven principles and scripturally based insights will encourage you to become the wife God wants you to be. This is a must-read for every Christian wife.

4) A Woman After God's Own Heart- Elizabeth George
Summary: Elizabeth George, who has led women's ministries for over 30 years, explains how the pursuit of God as the priority is what is necessary become a woman who loves her husband and children, and delights in the domestic role. George has much skill at explaining how this practically can work out in the lives of women, and even helps you to learn how to fit in other ministry opportunities.

5) Feminine Appeal- Carolyn Mahaney
Summary: A book of instruction for wives and mothers that explores 7 virtues which are to mark a woman's life, found in Titus 2. God has given older women the responsibility to teach younger women about these virtues. Putting them into practice is a matter of larger consequence than having a happy home: it's about being a good picture of our Lord and His message to our families and to a watching world.

Without getting carried away I simply list a few other books without their summaries below. I encourage the ladies to pick up and read at least one of these books. I greatly appreciate that so many women these days have an interest in reading, and especially in reading Christian material. But it is important to remember that not all books are created equal and some deserve your time and others simply do not. Choose wisely sisters.

1) Biblical Womanhood in the Home- ed. Nancy Leigh DeMoss
2) Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America- Jeff Pollard
3) Devotions for Ministry Wives- ed. Barbra Hughes
4) Beautiful in God's Eyes- Elizabeth George
5) Love to Eat, Hate to Eat- Elyse Fitzpatrick
6) Home Making- J.R. Miller
7) The Hospitality Commands- Alexander Strauch
8) Let Me Be A Woman- Elizabeth Elliot
9) Marriage to a Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Johnathan and Sarah Edwards- Elizabeth Dodds
10) Men and Women: Equal Yet Different ( A Brief Study of the Biblical Passages on Gender) - Alexander Strauch
11) The Feminist Mistake: The Radical Impact of Feminism on Church and Culture- Mary Kassian
12) Treasuring God in Our Traditions- Noel Piper
13) Disciplines of a Godly Woman- Barbra Hughes
14) Women's Ministry in the Local Church- J. Ligon Duncan III and Susan Hunt
15) Women Helping Women: A Biblical Guide to Major Issues Women Face- Elyse Fitzpatrick and Carol Cornish