Same Life, New Story

Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious uses the stories of biblical women to show that it is possible to change your perspective and your future regardless of your past and current circumstances. Through inspiring stories of biblical figures such as Naomi, Deborah, Hannah and Elizabeth, Silvious shows that all women have a choice. We can decide to follow our own stories beginning today. To begin with, we have to decide that today is the day we want to move on from our past stories and begin fresh. We have to stop allowing the past to distract us from the present. We need to learn to focus on the here and now and work on our hearts and attitudes. Although the past helped to shape us into the women we are now, it does not have to control the women we continue to be. This book is all about growth and making the decision to walk with God, allowing Him to guide you into your story.

Each chapter is centered around a biblical woman and a principle to apply to your life. Silvious tells the story of the Bible characters, as well as sharing more recent, applicable stories revolving around the theme for that chapter. At the end of the chapter, there are personal reflection questions, journaling ideas, and group discussion questions. This book was designed as a ten week small group study, and it lends itself nicely to that format.

I think Silvious does a nice job sharing both biblical and modern stories. I related to the women as they struggled to overcome their past and focus on their present. She does a nice job tying the stories to the attitudes and thoughts of the women involved, showing the mindset and relationship with God these women had.

I would recommend this book to all women who want to feel that there are others who share their struggles dealing with the past and becoming the people they want to be. It would work well with a small group, but also lends itself to individual reflection. The stories are well written and the Bible references are appropriate to the stories. Silvious supports her themes with Scripture, and gives the references to allow women to delve more deeply into the Bible on their own.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”