LEAD LIKE THE REAL YOU:
Wisdom for Women on Finding Your
Voice, Pursuing God’s Calling, and
Leading with Courage.
By Amy Orr-Ewing
BrazosPress. 192 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978 1 587 436 062
There is something cathartic in sharing wisdom and experience, especially when it resonates with life and doctrine.
Orr-Ewing shares her 25 years of wisdom and experience gained through actively serving in prominent ministry roles.
The content of the material is extensive and in ten parts: Learning to Use Your Voice; Work and Calling; Facing Chauvinism in Christian Spaces; Pursuing Leadership Success; Addressing Abuse and Injustice; Finding Hope in Dark Times; Navigating Friendship; Leading Like Jesus; Growing Deep Roots; and The Value of Stories. Each part is broken down into short letters – ‘To Jo’, ‘with love, Amy’ – a total of 43 in all. The selected topics are relevant, and the style of writing is open and friendly.
Whilst each letter begins with personal experience, Orr-Ewing draws on Biblical truth which she has applied to a situation in view. Her desire as she states is to ‘combine deep connection to Scripture with a grasp of the cultural moment in which we live.’ (p.13). Scripture has clearly shaped and strengthened Orr-Ewing in her faithful years of ministry. However, as with all experiences, her wisdom needs weighing. What is wise for Amy may not always be wise for Jo. My favourite chapter was the final one; ‘Remember God is God’. I would have loved this to come earlier in the book and to have been a more prominent feature in each section.
This book is aimed at ‘women who want to grow in leadership wherever God has placed them’ (p.13). Top prize is to seek out an older woman to train you (Titus 2:3-5) and, in addition, you may glean helpful wisdom from Amy.
