“Why is it hard to receive what we need?… In order to receive, we have to open our hearts, hands and lives. We put ourselves in a position that’s vulnerable.” ~ Holley Gerth
Psst… I’m going to a surprise book shower today.
Yep, that’s right. My dear friend of mine — Holley Gerth — just released a beautiful book into the world this month, touching the hearts of women everywhere called: “You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You To Be”. As I turned each page, my heart opened up to the loving whispers of my Abba Father: “You’re already amazing.”
To celebrate with Holley, who labored long and hard to deliver words of encouragement to us, our friend Stephanie invited us to surprise Holley by sharing a post about a woman we think is #AlreadyAmazing.
Holley spends so much time and care crafting messages to let us know we’re already amazing in the Father’s eyes, I thought I’d let her know why she is already amazing, too!
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Dear Holley,
I still remember when I first met you, how we went out for ice cream and ended up talking in the dark, sitting in the parking lot — swapping stories of God-sized dreams, the questions and journey for more joy and more God. You already know in our Heavenly Father’s eyes you are already amazing. But, I wanted you to know I think you’re an #AlreadyAmazing woman too because —
* You’re beautiful. I love how your eyes light up when you’re excited about a new idea God’s given you — and how your heart is energized by empowering other sisters to cherish theirs too.
* You’re courageous. You open up your heart, changing the world by showing us how God is changing yours.
* You’re real. Talking with you makes my heart lighter, knowing I’m not the only one who forgets to put the coffee filter in the coffee maker. You turn insecurities into a weapon of God’s love and friendship: transparency.
* You’re creative. I love what you did with this book, inviting women everywhere to embrace who God’s called us to be. I had so much fun taking surveys, jotting notes and circling answers, like girlfriends staying up late at a slumber party — talking about what we like — and what we don’t.
* You’re a heart to heart friend. You’ve made receiving a spiritual blessing, being the ears and heart of God to me. You make the world a sunnier place by sitting out on the limb with me, with your laughter and prayers.
I love how you dare us to embrace all of who we are in this book, You’re Already Amazing, by sharing so honestly how you found yourself on this journey… and continue to share it with us now.
With love,
Bonnie
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Is there a woman in your life who is #AlreadyAmazing? Pull up a chair. Click to share a comment.
You can link up a post in honor of that woman over at Holley’s blog here. (Stephanie snuck in to surprise her with the link up!)
If you’re looking for a faith dare to be all God created you to be, pick up You’re Already Amazing. It’s a treat for your soul. You can also join Holley and walk through the book with the Bloom (in)courage Book Club. Each week, there will be a post to go with a chapter, a video with Holley, and ways the chat together about it.
14 Comments
I would say my sister is amazing. She is a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. We share our lives together and do so much together. We share the same interests and love to travel. She is my confident and we share our love of the Lord. We pray together and share together. My life is complete with her in it. God bless and have a great day. Chris
I’ve already purchased the book when you first mentioned it. But I’m so glad to learn that it is the Bloom book club choice. I enjoy reading along with that group.
I have several friends who have walked with me through some very difficult times. Jamie quickly comes to mind as does Sue, Terri, Helen and Anna May. I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing these women into my life. Best of all, we share the love of Jesus and that creates such a tight bond of love between us.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
All of the women in my life are amazing, from the women I have a personal relationship with to women like Holley Gerth & Bonnie Gray whom I’ve never met but pour encouragement and love into my life. Thank you to all of you, I love and appreciate you very much!
Hi Bonnie!
Love this sweet post. Today, my vote for an amazing woman is my mom, all the way. Even though her health is slowing, she keeps putting one foot ahead of the other and always looks for ways to pour her love into our lives. I am humbled by her spirit over the years, and hope I can grow a heart like that one day too.
Thanks for brightening and encouraging us today ; )
Blessings,
Ann
There are some women in my life that are examples of life, they teach every day with their own behaviour. They trust in our Lord. They are patient, lovely.
They love sharing, given their time, they listen,……. I can rely on them.
And now having you as a special friend is a plus…..I can say I´m really fortunate!
Lots of love and continue encouraging us always. Thank so so much!
Yay for Holley! It’s evident from her writting that she is a genuine friend with a huge heart!
Friend, thank you so much for these beautiful words! I miss you and thank Jesus for making our paths cross. You’ve got a special place in my heart forever!
I just can’t get enough of you ‘amazing’ women! I devour your blogs, your comments, and your beautiful encouraging words. YOU ARE ALL AMAZING! 🙂
I have two lovely friends that are AMAZING friends – we are the ‘three musketeers’ or something like that. We all help facilitate our women’s small group at our church. I so love working with them, being blessed by them and just love being friends with them. So Gloria and Paula, you are both AMAZING! 🙂
Love you both!
Susan G.
A book shower–I love that! What a wonderful idea! Yes, Holley is amazing–awesome new book!! And YOU are amazing too, Bonnie, for never ceasing to encourage and inspire!!!! Blessings!
Oh Bonnie, thank you for sharing this post about Holley and her wonderful book, I think you are both amazing. I would also like to lift up my Mom, who has been sacrifically loving and giving her entire life, and a lot of fun too, she loves to laugh and she is always so joyful. and also, my best friend Elaine, who is now caring for both parents by herself, one with Alzheimers and one with Dementia. Both she and my Mom love the Lord and that brings us even closer together.
I needed this post today, I am a bit teary-eyed, going through some tough things in my family and I really needed to hear that God thinks I am already amazing today! Lori
Hi Bonnie – Have been cruising through your blog posts and wanted to tell you how much i have enjoyed your posts and thank you for sharing Holley’s new book with us…
Blessings, Christine!
Bonnie Gray YOUR SIMPLY AMAZING OM GLAD I WENT THROUGH MY EMAILS AND FOUND YOUR PAGE AND I SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR NEWSLETTER I JUST WENT THROUGH AND LISTEN TO ONE OF YOUR PODCAST I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! YOUR NEW FAN ERIKA Y.
Thank you, Erika!! This means so much to my heart as I record more podcasts to encourage you!