Girl Meets Change (A Review)

 

I don’t like change but it seems that regardless of how I feel about it; in an instant change can be thrust upon me whether invited or not.

A few weeks ago I signed up to review Kristen Strong’s new book Girl Meets Change because 1) I love Kristen, she is a talented writer and overall lovely person and 2) I was definitely interested in her perspective around change.

Little did I know that I would be personally going through a major life change in my family while reading the book. You see a few weeks ago we decided that my middle son who is 16 would move east and live with my sister-in-law and her husband to finish his last 2 years of high school at the school my SIL teaches at.

On the other side of the country.

This was not an easy decision and I won’t get into details because it’s not only my story to tell but I will just say that as a mom this decision brought about a great deal of change to my life and so it was kind of perfect that I was already going to be reading Kristen’s book.

Girl Meets Change-Truths to Carry You through Life’s Transitions is probably one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Kristen knows what she’s talking about. As a military wife she is well acquainted with the topic and the book is chock full of wisdom. She addresses the challenges that come with change and how to receive it gracefully.

We can look it in the eyes, uncross our arms, and acknowledge it by calling it what it is: God’s next best thing for us. We can open our arms toward heaven, knowing that this change, no matter how intimidating, is approved by a good, gentle, and gracious God who desires us to see and feel him in our everyday lives.

And THIS

I must be continually ready to give up the parts of my life that God wants to replace with trust in him, even if what I need to give up are my own expectations and continual need to be in the driver’s seat of my life.”

(and I would add the lives of my family members. . . )

The truth is that while keeping things the way they were would have been more comfortable perhaps, it is not what would have been best. A change was necessary. And sometimes we “must leave the comfort of what is to embrace the potential of what will be”.

I also really appreciate that Kristen addresses the need to grieve of the loss of the way things were. We don’t need to stay in a place of grieving indefinitely but personally this is a big change. I miss my boy but I can simultaneously be happy for him and the opportunities he has in front of him while also being sad and missing his daily presence in our home. I’m OK with feeling all of the feelings right now. And I feel comfort in knowing Jesus is OK with my feeling all of the feelings for as long as I need to.

Our tears point us toward what we love. They also point us in the direction of healing.

There is so much wisdom in this book. Drawing from stories and characters from scripture as well as her own personal experience the author provides a beautiful look at the process of dealing with change in our lives and how although it may not feel like it while we’re going through the discomfort of change it is actually what we all need in order to grow and move towards God’s best for our lives.

When God asks us to give up something, its because he wants to give us something better.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who might be experiencing any kind of change in their lives. Whether it’s a move, a new job, new baby or relationship, a change in health or a new season of life. This is a perfect guide to help navigate the waters of change.

And for me, while I still definitely miss my boy; my prayer is that God will use this change as a blessing for all involved. For my boy in his new environment but also that he would be a blessing to my in-laws who are caring for him and that this change would bear fruit for all involved for God’s glory.

How about you friends, have you had to deal with change? What’s been helpful? 

Linking up with #tellhisstory and #RaRaLinkup

 

**Also, stay tuned. I am starting a new series next week that I am REALLY excited about. More details soon!