Some books are easier to read than others, their words flowing like a life-giving fountain right into your soul.
Each chapter in Fiercehearted by Holley Gerth could stand alone as an object lesson tracing the backstory of Holley’s life and ending with a scriptural truth made alive in my heart.
When she described a time in her life where she longed to be an alternate version of herself, it really struck a chord with me.
I thought if I could just be successful enough, I would become someone else. But you can’t grow into someone else. You can only grow into more of you. I really did believe that if I just tried hard enough, I could become a more outgoing, popular kind of person. I thought I would stop being an introvert. I thought I would quit loving a quiet house more than a loud party.
This book helped me see that the version of myself looking back in the mirror is who God created me to be and if I look a little closer I’ll see a fiercehearted woman learning how to become fiercer each day—learning to be the woman God created me to be.
I found myself nodding in agreement and chuckling in parts where I related to her so much. Like when she tried to balance a tray of food in one hand and coffee in the other while opening the door with her foot instead of putting her coffee down to use the knob.
This is how I go through life so often. I think I have to hold onto it all, all the time. I act like setting it down means it’s lost to me forever—gone down some dark cosmic hole.
I realize I do this same thing with my faith. I want to hold it all together so I can become the Godly woman I aspire to be—as if I will come to that place where I won’t struggle if I just do all the right things, not understanding that faith-making is grown in the jumbled-up Christmas wrappings of my daily life.
The process of faith, I’m finding, is not like my careful system. Instead it’s learning to live in the mystery. Faith is an entirely different thing than logical, cold certainty. Instead, its about a deep and wild security. After all, what I really hope for is not managing to finally follow all of my rules; it’s to believe I’m truly loved anyway. What I want assurance about is not that I’m capable of being perfect but that someone will catch me when I fall.
Not faith that completely understands but faith that trusts. #fiercehearted @HolleyGerth Share on X
Holley describes what it means to be kind, not nice in chapter 32.
Nice is easy for me. It covers up hurts and avoids conflict. It wants to please. It pretends to be fine.
Kind has the courage to speak the truth in love. It seeks the highest good for both people.
And that’s the thing. Sometimes for me, being kind doesn’t feel nice.
And I realize that maybe when the shaking of truth causes all the dust particles to show up in the light of the sun as it gets in my eyes, it’s actually better than leaving the rug alone to let the dirt sit.
So let’s find the courage to be more than simply nice and instead be truly kind. This is not the choice of wimps; it is the choice of warriors. Having a soft heart in a hard world is courage not weakness. We’re stronger than we know, braver than we think and the universe needs true, audacious kindness more than ever.
I can look in the mirror now and see Fiercehearted staring back at me. Because I see life is about becoming and the process is continual. I no longer have to want it. I just have to claim its name tag and wear it.
Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
What a wonderful review! I haven’t read Fiercehearted but I can completely see myself responding just like you did. Thanks for sharing!
Hi! Valerie, Thanks so much for sharing this review! I love Holley’s writing too, and can’t wait to check out Fierce-Hearted! Happy Thursday. Visiting from Salt & Light Link-up today.
Hi Valerie. I love when you said “And I realize that maybe when the shaking of truth causes all the dust particles to show up in the light of the sun as it gets in my eyes, it’s actually better than leaving the rug alone to let the dirt sit”. Sounds a lot like me. At the end of the day it really is about loving oneself just as God has fashioned us. Thanks for the review. Will have to check it out. Blessings, Tania from TheodoraLove
This looks like a great book, Valerie.
I’m going to have to check it out.
Thanks for sharing it with us~
Blessings,
Melanie
Thanks, Melanie! It’s a great book!
What a great review, Valerie! It makes me want to grab a copy myself. I especially liked the part about trying to become someone else and learning you can only become a better version of you. That’s part of faith and stewardship … trusting that God created us this way for a reason and doing our best with what we’ve been given. Great truth to ponder this morning! Blessings!
I loved that part because I always look at the writers who are “speakers” and question myself. But I know if God wants me to go that route that he will equip “the version of me” to walk that path just like Moses ;).
Thank you for this review. I can’t wait to read Holley’s book. I relate to many of the excerpts you shared in the book review, and I look forward to working on my kind as opposed to my nice! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Robin, You will love Holley’s book. I’d love to know your thoughts after you read it.
Hi Valerie! Thank you for featuring Holley’s book and giving us an inside look. I just left her blog and she is so incredibly excited about her launch. I loved the expression on her face. I know her book will be a blessing to all who read it. Nice visiting with you. ?
Hi Tiffiney, Hope you are doing well. Thank you for visiting with me because it’s always nice to hear from you.
I loved your book review and loved Holley’s book. I found that reading this book came at just the right time in my life. Thank you for sharing that it is okay to be exactly who we are.
Hi Mary! I thought this book came at just the right time for me too. Praying it reaches many women so they know they can celebrate their uniqueness!
Valerie,
I love Holley’s book too, but she’s even better 🙂 This weekend I got to be on a retreat here in Canada with 21 women where Holley shared on how to be a fierceHEARTED Leader. She impacted us to Live Fully and Love Bravely as we lead. It was a weekend I’ll never forget. Your review is great. I hope more girls read it and learn to be ‘real’ as Holley was in the book, and in person. Praying God extends the reach of your writing!
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
How amazing to be at a retreat with her! I listened to her on a live FB video and love the way she speaks. She is so personable and kind. Thank you for your kind words Sherry! They always bless me.