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Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World: A Woman's Bible Study

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Women today receive many mixed messages about what their roles in life should be - we've all heard about the "mommy wars", debates over work vs. home issues, and other gender based issues that top many of today's headlines. With her new book Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World: A Woman's Worth (Pleasant Word, October 2005, paperback, 172 pages), Catholic author Cheryl Dickow helps women to find their own template for living a life of authentic Christian femininity in today's secular world.

Part bible study and part interactive self help book, Dickow's work was recently awarded by the Catholic Press Association in the Gender Issues category. Written in a gentle yet inspirational tone, Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World introduces fourteen biblical role models and their lives stories. Women are encouraged to look at the traits and values of each of these heroines and to emulate the qualities of each in today's society.

I know from many conversations with my own mother that some of the biggest challenges I face as a wife and mother today are universal and timeless, history repeating itself again and again. I found it heartening to discover, through Cheryl Dickow's book, that even biblical women struggled with and survived some of the trials I face today in my own life. Of particular interest to me was the chapter featuring Noah's wife (and her daughters-in-law) focusing on the value of serving others. How many of us, holders of college degrees and corporate experience, have felt exasperated by the prospect of yet another sink full of dirty dishes or a twelfth dirty diaper to be changed? Dickow underscores in value of a serving, even when it seems mundane. "It is vital for us to remember that our contribution is no less valuable because of our anonymity," encourages Dickow. Surely Noah's wife, as she cleaned animal stalls and fed a small army, did not anticipate that she would one day serve as a role model for 21st Century mothers.

Whether read in its entirety or studied on a weekly basis, Cheryl Dickow's Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World: A Woman's Worth is indeed a worthy and uplifting examination of spirit for today's busy woman.

This is a great little book to read, as the author intends, one section per week. I take this with me to weekly adoration hour at church and have really gotten a lot out of it. It is best read slowly in a quiet place, when you are able to contemplate each bit in your own time. There are some surprising lessons to learn about famous and not-quite-so-famous women of the bible. There are multiple bible verses on each page to complement the reading, as well as suggestions and activities regarding applying the lessons into your daily life. An enriching "find" of a book.

In an age when we are constantly bombarded with things competing for our attention, it is easy to lose sight of our path. This book is like putting on glasses that make me see 20/20 again. Bravo Cheryl Dickow

Cheryl Dickow's book, "Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World," is a book for all women! It nourishes each and every one of us as we seek to discover our own purpose in God's great plan. I was delighted to find a unique part of myself in each of the women whose journey I was able to experience. Each chapter clearly revealed God's ingenious plan at work in the lives of women like Zipporah, Mary Magdalene, Rachel, Noah's wife, and others. That understanding, along with the related Scripture verses and meditations, inspired me to reflect on the Lord's special purpose in my life, and to seek God in a way that would allow my own uniqueness to be brought to fruition. Cheryl's book affirms that women are an essential part of God's loving plan. It encourages us to REJOICE in the knowledge that we are WOMEN OF WORTH, WOMEN OF GOD!

A great book! Having benefited greatly from Cheryl's practical and spiritual advice on my role in leading my two sons to the Lord in "Raising Christian Children in a Secular World", I eagerly awaited publication of "A Woman's Worth". I was not disappointed!
Cheryl offers women in all phases of life the opportunity and methods for examining and improving their lives in the context of God's plan for them. Cheryl encourages women to read this book interactively: she guides readers to write down key thoughts, passages and intentions and keep them in mind as one goes through each day. This was a good exercise for me, since when I put something in writing, I tend to remember it better and make it more a part of my busy days.
Even beyond the interactive exercises, however, Cheryl's extensive research and insight makes it easy to find things in common with one or more of each of these biblical women. I was fascinated by their history and gained a new perspective on various bible readings and stories. She pinpoints key characteristics and outcomes of each woman and shows parallels between their lives and ours. Even though we are centuries apart, one can easily see our commonalities and learn much from them.
From teenagers, mothers and career women to golden-agers, this book offers sound methods for attaining a deeper understanding of God's love for us and our role in His great plan. I recommend it highly!

I thoroughly enjoyed Cheryl Dickow's latest book, "Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World: A Woman's Worth." In this book, I found support and encouragement for my own spiritual journey. It inspired me to more consciously consider the calling that God has for my life. Through the examples of women in Scripture, I've identified ways to practice some of their traits in my life. I especially liked the workbook format at the end of each chapter which helped me to focus in applying Scripture to my daily life. A truly inspiring book!

I loved this book and how it relates, in plain, easy to read language, with clear examples, how we can all become better human beings. The author's writing style is gentle, warm, non-judgmental, and very direct. She has a real passion for her topic that shines through every page. And the book is just plain interesting, keeping your attention throughout!

It was very inspiring and enjoyable and is an excellent suggestion to pass on to our daughters. The comparison of the Bible as it pertains to todays woman and world was thought provoking and wonderful and educational.

Cheryl Dickow brings a fresh new insight on women in the Bible. She is especially good at bringing a perspective that reveals how women of the Bible faced the same issues we face today. It is a great book for personal study or to study with a group of friends.

Having had the privilege of hearing Cheryl speak to a group of women, this book reflects her heart and is written like a warm conversation with a friend. I highly recommend this book.

"Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World: A Woman's Worth" is a true inspriation! I have never considered myself to be a very religious person however, Cheryl Dickow has really helped me regain a sense of who I want to be spiritually and has truely peaked my religious interest once again. THANK YOU!

I had no idea that I had so much in common with the women of the Bible. I felt very strong connections to these women and because of this book, I trust that these women will help guide me the next time I call for advice or a helping hand in my everyday life.

"Reclaiming Your Christian Self..." Offers ALL women a new sense of strength, empowerment, independence and what I call WOMAN POWER!!!

This is a GREAT GIFT for all the women in your life!! What an Inspiration!