Lisa Bevere, an evangelical speaker and author known for tackling touchy topics with candor, wit and transparency, lays down the gauntlet again as she calls Christian women to cease trying to emulate men and embrace their feminine, strong nature. Bevere (Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry) offers women a clear alternative to society’s take on the definition of true strength. Rather than relinquishing the power and influence that she believes women innately embody for the sake of mimicking men’s overt physical strength, women can choose to wield their impact for good by way of subtler, more feminine speech and conduct. Bevere expounds upon the ways women fight best “as caretakers of others’ hearts, by lifting another’s spirit by speaking strength to their weaknesses, and wisely offering images of healthier, life-enhancing practices.” She asserts that enemies often fall before influence rather than brute strength: “A gentle tongue can break a bone” (Prov. 25:15).
Although some women will be put off by the book’s gender-essentialist stance (e.g., women are by nature more tender and more spiritual, etc.), others will resonate with that message. All will appreciate Bevere’s authenticity as she delves deep to unmask long-held misconceptions regarding women’ uniqueness and untapped potential.
