Impressions: Women read Heald for purpose

Deborah Tompkins Johnson/Columnist
Published: July 19, 2008

This week I'd like to take you back to an author I have mentioned to you before: Cynthia Heald.

PURPOSE AND FREEDOM CAN GO TOGETHER

I benefited so much from the first of her books I read ("Becoming a Woman of Pur-pose") that when I wanted to delve into an issue and saw she wrote on the topic, I grabbed Heald's "Becoming a Woman of Freedom."

Do you ever feel bogged down? I do. I wanted to find out about that feeling and what to do about it. I have found a helpful reference in Cynthia Heald's "Becoming a Woman of Free-dom."

"Becoming a Woman of Freedom" teaches freedom from hindrances, laying aside the past and putting aside the need to please people (seeking their approval). A big effort for me that she addresses is laying aside busyness.

In the chapter on freedom from busyness, Heald says, "We must examine the bulky weight of constant busyness, for we will have difficulty finishing our race at the speed with which some of us are running. If we're going to persevere, then we must learn to run with rest, the comfort and refreshment that the Lord so lovingly provides."

With a pleasant and uplifting manner Heald also discusses freedom from our old selves, bitter-ness, anxiety, doubt and fear, the flesh, the world and discouragement.

I find refreshing her "Author's Reflection" in each chapter. This is where she personalizes what she has taught, telling us her own experience with busyness, discouragement, anxiety, etc.

"Becoming a Woman of Freedom" and "Becoming a Woman of Purpose" are part of a series. Written for women, the books help us to explore various aspects of our char-acter, all the while encouraging us to seek a closer relationship with God so that we can deeper experience the love God offers to each of us.

Other books in the series include "Becoming a Women of Excellence" and "Becoming a Woman of Prayer." The devotional on "Becoming a Woman Who Walks With God (Abiding in Christ)" won a Gold Medallion award. The Award is now called the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Award).

MARRIAGE BOOKS FOR HUSBANDS AND WIVES

Cynthia Heald has also written "Loving Your Husband: Building an Intimate Marriage in a Fallen World." She and her husband, Jack, together have authored "Loving Your Wife and Walking Together," a Bible study for couples.

The Heald's books are available at book stores and online at navpress.com.

Please do let me know if you decide to read any of the books in the "Becoming a Woman" series.

Deborah Tompkins Johnson can be reached at .