Meet expectations

This book is great. I have not read the whole book yet. However, I am loving it. Lisa helps women to embrace their identitiy in Christ through encouraging women to know God & his promises for his children. It's through this discovery of God that our true identity is revealed. It is a must read.

Without Rival is my first introduction to Lisa's work and it was certainly an introduction. Tackling the topic of rivalry is not an easy one but Lisa presents a well rounded approach to the topic that feels full of openness and common sense wisdom. Lisa's personality seemed to leap out off the pages, allowing me, a relative newbie to her work, to more easily enter her work and assisted me in looking through her eyes. Lisa's passion for women and their ability to live vibrantly within God's calling on their life shows on each page.

I personally enjoyed the variety of ways and the thoroughness which Lisa brought to her book. Whether it was looking at gender issues, self image, our understanding of God, or even the value of rivalry Lisa laid out intriguing lessons and arguments regarding her views on the role these aspects should vs. how they do play out in everyday life. Her layout, especially in the first half of the book was also helpful as the chapters felt more connected and strengthened by one another.

While there are areas where are theology diverges(mostly in the final chapters), Without Rival sticks close to scripture for much of its inspiration allowing the majority of the book to appeal beyond denomination preference.

4 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

The writing style in this book is not my cup of tea.

I did gift it to several friends- who loved it and now are buying more copies to pass it on.

Overall, not my kind of book, but is good for someone who is struggling with comparison. Lisa gives a lot of life examples, so this book will grab attention of your non reader friends.

If you have a friend who is struggling with this issue, the book is an excellent christmas gift for her.

This is the first book I have read by Lisa, and I loved it. I am putting the rest of her books on my reading list.

Lisas premise is that because we are daughters of an unrivaled God, we have identity without rival, live with a promise without rival, and we are without rival. We as women find it easy to compare, easy to look at the outside and judge without knowing the beauty of the woman or the depth of her suffering.

Lisa expounds on the theme that we are to love others, even when they disappoint us. Because people always disappoint. She states Disappointment is fostered when expectations are not met. Love believes the best, which differs vastly from demands the best. When you expect the best and they do less, you are disappointed. When you believe the best and they do less, then you understand their story is not yet over. A new way of viewing others and having grace for myself.

I really enjoyed her chapter on the difference on being a deep well that refreshes, and a wishing well, a well of empty wishes. The entire book was a refreshing read.