Made For More: An Invitation to Live in God's Image

Virtually everyone is familiar with the idea of man having been created in God’s image, but how exactly does this relate to us as we sit in Monday morning traffic or sort through a tower of laundry? Hannah Anderson’s ability to connect the dots between the divine and our very recognizable human condition is where Made for More really shines. She does an exemplary job of addressing the divine spark that drives all of mankind to understand, “Who am I, and why am I here?” There are an untold number of self-help books that attempt to address these questions, but most fall short as they try to define how identity manifests itself without first answering where identity comes from. As the author explains, our tendency is to check boxes (gender, race, age) and look to categories (our profession, political party, marital status) in an effort to define ourselves, when in truth, we should be fixed upon a North Star.

Made for More could have come across as a very abstract book given its lofty topic, but Anderson has an engaging way of using personal stories and scripture to help the reader personally connect with the ideas being expressed. It’s also a very well organized book, and the quality of writing is excellent. For example, Anderson uses the image of a diamond to illustrate the myriad ways—or facets, so to speak—that we reflect God’s divinity. After all, a diamond in its natural state does very little to reflect light. As Anderson writes, true potential is revealed only when “God has painstakingly planned them and cut them so the light of His nature can bend and refract through you and come bursting forth in brilliant splendor.” The image is immediately recognizable and beautiful, but more importantly, its one that's not easily forgotten. Through the power of good storytelling, Anderson gives us many other gems to help make our relationship with God appear gloriously relevant. Who we are and why we’re here are daunting questions to take on, but Anderson does a fine job of helping us answer them as we strive to find greater meaning in our daily lives.  - Roxana Laing

Made for More explains how each of us is made in God's image, for purposes beyond what we can see. The more often we choose to live in God's image, the closer we come to trusting Him and letting go of our worries.

My family is adjusting to some new situations right now, and we will experience more changes in the coming months. This Spring I've been feeling in limbo... not where I'm accustomed, and not yet where I'll soon be. So far it's been emotionally difficult. I vacillate between sitting lazily on the couch ("I give up") and feeling restless... like there must be something more to these months of my life. I'm not meant to just sit around and wait for the next chapter, right?!

So I picked up Made for More. Reading it gave me an authoritative nudge to live each day in God's image. Helping others, doing mundane chores, loving my family, and working at my job outside the home all need to be done for God's glory and with my eyes on Him. Hannah Anderson explains that looking for ways we can glorify God in our CURRENT lives (yep, even my crazy limbo life) is the way to reflect God's image. And whenever we reflect God's image, we become more like Him.

I know I need to get off the couch. God put me here for much more than being a bystander to all his glorious world. Since I've been nudged, I will take more opportunities to serve Him and trust him throughout my day. Everyday. - Angela Tollis

"Anderson freely admits this book, while beneficial for men, is written primarily for women. The book targets women to discover their identity and how women live as a creation made in the image of God.
Anderson challenges current thinking about identity and roles, not just current but throughout modern history. It enables women to come to terms with the purposes God has appointed, while encouraging women to live in God’s image, trusting him, and setting aside the worries of the world.
Written in an easy to read style, this book gives examples and wisdom for the modern life. Highly Recommended for women wanting to discover their identity and purpose in life." Reviewed by Heath Henwood, Net Galley April 17, 2014

"Anderson strives in her book to tell us how important we are as images of God. We are made for more than we settle for. When we find identity as an image bearer means that we are made to live in dependent communion with God, learning to live in relationship with others, and stewarding creation. Anderson gives examples of our modern life and the wisdom we must seek. Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with Christianity collections."

Rated 5 of 5 stars, Reviewed by Joan Brichacek Wilson, Net Galley April 6, 2014

Hannah Anderson's book Made for More is refreshing. It locates the real discussion of what a "woman's role" is or isn't in both men and women being made in the image of God and tasked with the care of creation. This challenges the self-absorbed literature regarding women that has become the norm, as well as self-satisfied women who are content to do little for the kingdom. 

Kathy Keller, New York City

One of the biggest questions dividing the church today is “What counts as biblical femininity?“ In Made For More, Hannah Anderson reminds us of the more fundamental question:  “What counts as biblical humanity?“  This personal, lyrical, and deeply theological meditation invites us to the common ground so often forgotten in our disputes and offers a gospel vision of imago dei regained through union with Christ. While directed to women, it is not simply a “women’s book” focused on the “pink” passages but a rich portrait of the “more” that God has for all of us as he conforms us to the Image of His Son.

Derek Rishmawy, director of college and young adult ministries, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Santa Ana, CA

I have sometimes thought that the emphasis on gender roles was an understandable response to their erosion within the broader culture. Hannah Anderson has a message with the same goal, but a different strategy:  Here is a book for women that has something to teach men beyond what women want or talk about when we are not around.  By pointing our attention toward the massive backdrop of the image of God, Anderson isn't trying to downplay or ignore differences between the sexes but rather to let them emerge naturally as both sexes ground their lives in the love of God.  This is a wise, clear, and well-written book that I heartily commend to everyone made in the image of God, male and female alike.

Matthew L. Anderson, lead writer at mereorthodoxy.com and author of The End of Our Exploring

Here at last is a book about Christian womanhood that I can read and recommend, a book that builds a biblical view of womanhood not with proof texts but with foundational doctrines, a book that draws not upon trendy bestsellers but upon the greatest thinkers and writers in history. Made for More transcends narrow, contemporary gender debates with a clear and compelling call for all of us to flourish as human beings made in the image of God.

Karen Swallow Prior, author of Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me and Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist

Can women “have it all”? In Made for More, Hannah Anderson reminds us that debating whether women can have fulfilling families and careers isn’t the right place to begin in answering that question. Instead, she argues that women do have it all: we are full image-bearers of a great and glorious God. As Anderson unpacks the truth of what it means to be fully human and created in God’s likeness, she skirts the trendy controversies of the day, instead offering women a strong scriptural foundation for understanding our identity. While the mommy wars rage, Anderson’s still, small. and eloquent  voice calls women to a deeper, freeing vision of all that God intended womanhood to be.

Amy Lepine Peterson, mother, TESOL instructor, and freelance writer

This is a book about human flourishing, directed at humans who also happen to be women. Hannah Anderson wants us to understand that, from the cradle to the grave, women are image-bearers of God. Grasping the significance of being made Imago Dei changes the way we relate to God, to others, and to creation. It changes the way that we think about relationships, education, work and success. And it makes developing and employing our gifts imperative instead of optional. Hannah asks women to broaden their gaze, to look beyond the “pink passages” of Scripture to the full counsel of God’s Word, to understand that our ultimate purpose is not to be like Esther or Ruth but like Christ himself. Any discussion of identity must start with this recognition. This book is a needful reminder that all of us, men and women alike, are created to uniquely bear the image of our Maker “from life’s first cry to final breath.” 

Jen Wilkin, bible teacher and author of Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds 

To find and understand yourself, you must find and understand God first. That is the simple yet vastly profound message of this book. In other words: If you have ever been restless, if you have ever been disappointed or confused about your life, if you have ever wondered how to discover the "more" that something in you longs for—this is a book for you to savor. Don't be surprised if you pause often to let the sentences sink in deeply. That is where sentences like these belong.

Lisa Velthouse, author and collaborator on five books, founding editor of PickYourPortion.com 

In an age where women are looking for "more," Hannah Anderson gives us the only addition that will not be taken away: life as an eternal soul in the image of God. Her writing is clear and her perspective hopeful. Today's women, especially the younger generation, are burdened with doubt and cynicism about who they are and why they are here. Anderson writes with assurance and grounded optimism. We need her fresh voice in this generation. I highly recommend it!

Luma Simms, author of Gospel Amnesia: Forgettingthe Goodness of the News and Counterfeit Me 

We have all played a role shifting, justifying and sidestepping in pace with our culture. Hunting for a deeper peace, a stronger anchor, and a steadier foot, Hannah's words bring truth back to center— where God is the North Star of our souls. Hannah uses her gift of contemplation to be the gentle hand lifting the faces of her sisters to gaze upon the strength and beauty of that Star. 

Christi Ziebarth, artist and educator

Made for More is a warm conversation about humanity, life, and value, and the journey that each of us must take in coming to grips with God and ourselves. From the first pages, Hannah offers hope, safety, and even joy by reminding us of who we are as people made in God’s image. No matter where you are in your journey, Made for More invites you to a life of health and wholeness for today, tomorrow, and into eternity. We will use this bookoften as we disciple women in homes, churches, chapels, and Bible studies.

Chris and Kelly Wallace, chaplain, US Army

As a counselor, mentor, and parent, I am compelled to assist others to understand why we were made and what we are made to do.   Salvation is the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of our place in God's creation. Made for More challenges each Christian to passionately endeavor to reflect God within their unique sphere of influence.

Del Dee McCaleb Hindman, wife, mother, mentor/counselor

I've read many books on womanhood and am pleased Hannah Anderson has written a book that finally gets underneath the issue and addresses the necessity of understanding personhood. Hannah graciously rises above the gender debates and will challenge you out of every "category" you think you are in and place you in the only one that matters . . . in the image of Christ. This is a beautifully written book useful for women looking to deepen their understanding of their Creator as well as how they are to live and love like Jesus.

Suzie B. Lind, pastor of women's ministry, King's Harbor Church. Torrance, California

Drawing our eyes back to our Maker, again and again, Hannah Anderson teases out the beauty of being made, a created being, for creative purposes, in the image of God. Using rich images and deep theology, she pliably molds the gender issue into a human issue—one that should concern every one of us in profound ways. 

Lore Ferguson, blogger, speaker