Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life

Many of us believe that we are saved by grace--but for too many, that's the last time grace defines our life. Instead of clinging to grace, we strive for good and believe that the Christian life means hard work and a sweet disposition. As good girls, we focus on the things we can handle, our disciplined lives, and our unshakable good moods. When we fail to measure up to our own impossible standards, we hide behind our good girl masks, determined to keep our weakness a secret.

In Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman invites women to let go of the try-hard life and realize that in Christ we are free to receive from him rather than constantly try to achieve for him. With an open hand and a whimsical style, Emily uncovers the truth about the hiding, encouraging women to move from hiding behind girl-made masks and do-good performances to a life hidden with Christ in God.

From the Back Cover

You're strong. You're responsible. You're good. But . . .

. . . as day fades to dusk, you begin to feel the familiar fog of anxiety, the weight and pressure of holding it together and of longing left unmet. Good girls sometimes feel that the Christian life means doing hard work with a sweet disposition. We tend to focus only on the things we can handle, our disciplined lives, and our unshakable good moods.

But what would happen if we let grace pour out boundless acceptance into our worn-out hearts and undo us? If we dared to talk about the ways we hide, our longing to be known, and the fear in the knowing?

In Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman invites you to release your tight hold on that familiar, try-hard life and lean your weight heavy into the love of Jesus. With an open hand, a whimsical style, and a heart bent brave toward adventure, Emily encourages you to move from your own impossible expectations toward the God who has graciously, miraculously, and lovingly found you.

"If you struggle with trying so hard, being so good, and hoping so much for joy and grace in the mundane, savor this book."--Mary DeMuth, author of Thin Places: A Memoir

"It is such a joy for me to recommend Emily's book to you. She has profoundly ministered to this recovering good girl."--Angela Thomas, bestselling author and speaker

"Emily Freeman is one of those rare writers: profoundly biblical, lyrical, transparent--memorable. Her emancipating words on these pages offer the needed keys to all the good girls longing to take wing--and soar home to God's heart."--Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of One Thousand Gifts

Emily Freeman is a writer for DaySpring (a division of Hallmark) and has also traveled as a writer with Compassion International. Emily extends a daily invitation on her blog for women to create space for their souls to breathe. Join the community of grace dwellers at www.ChattingAtTheSky.com.