★★★★★ 5
Beautiful and Encouraging in every season!
Format: Hardcover, Format: Hardcover
I have been waiting with eager anticipation for the release of Beholding and Becoming. I have followed Ruth Chou Simons online for several years, beginning as a new “unlikely boy mom” myself, and I always come away from reading her words more encouraged and grounded in my identity in Christ and more aware of how to live out my role as a wife and mother from a gospel-filled heart.
This most recent book is beautiful. The chapters are short enough to be read quickly, but packed full of truth that you can continue chewing on and digesting throughout the day. I love that the chapter titles (especially the “Becoming” sections) can also serve as helpful mantras or reminders, and I find myself repeating them to myself throughout the day - especially “Learn to Love What Must Be Done.” These little subtitles encapsulate the principles Ruth lays out in the book in a concise, easy to remember way and help me to apply the principles in my day-to-day life - and that’s the goal isn’t it? Gospel transformation - not just more knowledge and pretty pictures to go with it. I know that is Ruth’s goal and I’m a grateful recipient of her God-honoring wisdom.
Also, I’m just always in awe of Ruth’s skill with a paintbrush and intentionality to choose images that are meaningful in and of themselves. There’s a glossary at the beginning of this book that shares a bit about the meaning of the different images and motifs throughout the book - so lovely and helpful! AND between each chapter are beautiful paintings with hand-lettered ideas for how to implement the principles from the previous chapter.
If you’re looking for a brief devotional read with true depth and beauty, this is it. I’m looking forward to giving these as gifts to many friends and family members - Christmas is on the horizon!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2019
