Book Review: Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere
From the book shelf: “Lioness Arising” by Lisa Bever
Lisa's passion for sharing her message comes through strongly in Lioness Arising. There are some key messages to encourage Christians, especially female Christians, to actively pursue their mission. For example, Lisa opens with these powerful statements…
- You are stunning
- You were born for this moment.
- Don't be afraid of your strength, questions, or insights.
- Awaken, rise up, and dare to realise
- all you were created to be.
Lisa uses the simile of a lioness to capture the reader. She discusses her insights into the qualities and characteristics of lionesses and applies them to women Christians. For me, some of this works, but some are a bit of a stretch. For example, lionesses live in groups to support one another, strategically hunt, and raise and protect their cubs. I do agree that as Christians we are best supported when we are immersed by brothers and sisters in a church community. However, we do not have the same life-threatening purpose as a lioness with regards to hunting for food and providing safety for their cubs from visiting male lions.
Lisa raises several concepts for us to think about. She wants us to be Christians not act like Christians. She advocates our Christian obligation to care for those who are in need, the poor, the helpless, and those suffering injustice or discrimination. She quotes extreme examples she has seen around the world of women who are victims of abuse and discrimination, such as sex-trafficking and prostitution. These can be difficult to relate to for most of us.
However, overall, I think this book is worth a read to remind us of our leadership role, our power, and transformative actions we can take when we fully embrace being a Christian.
Reviewed by Jane Musgrave