Last summer I had the incredible opportunity to attend the She Speaks conference put on by the Proverbs 31 Ministry team. If you are not familiar with Proverbs 31, they are a large non-denominational ministry focused on bringing women into relationship with Christ. Every morning one of their devotionals slides into my mail box with a daily dose of what the doctor ordered. I adore everything they do. Devouring my daily dose has lead me to feel as if I am BFF’s with this God lovin’ group of ladies. I get them and they get me. Meeting some of my devo heros face to face last summer sealed our digital friendship into the stratosphere.
One author from the P31 team I particularly stalk admirer is Amy Carroll, her first book, Breaking Up with Perfect, was recently released. I’d heard the buzz. I thought about getting it. But, I was hesitant for some reason. When an opportunity to review her book lite up my computer screen like a neon sign that familiar nudge to jump stirred in me and I knew God was telling me to get over my hesitation. 
I have to admit while the title sounds delightful, I don’t exactly see myself as perfect. If perfection and I don’t walk along hand in hand do we really need to break up? Hence my hesitation. Isn’t this book meant for people who have it more together than me? Honestly, perfect and I aren’t even friends.
And that’s exactly why God lead me to read this book.
Amy feels my pain and she feels your too. She gently walked me through seeing how much I strive to be perfect and how I am continually let down by the fact that I NEVER get there. I have to break up with the goal of perfect. There are too many of us trying so hard to be perfect or running the other way because we think we never can be. 
In all truth, I’m not sure I know anyone who doesn’t suffer somewhere on the spectrum that Amy outlines. From inner turmoil, to lack of confidence, backing out of friendships and burying dreams, all these issues have root in the image we hold ourselves to. That image is usually perfection instead of the image we were created to bear. The image that holds no false appearance or expectation, Christ. This is where the freedom comes. I want to walk in freedom. I want you to walk in freedom. God gifted Amy to help us all. 
If you’re like me you love reading books and soaking up the wisdom God gives others. Often I find after I turn the last dog-eared page the knowledge gathered slowly slips out of my mind like a leaky faucet. Does that happen to you? I don’t make a habit of re-reading books, even though I should. This book has the perfect tool to help girls like me with retention issues. When you finish reading the meat of Breaking Up With Perfect there is a list hiding in the back of the book. A list to help cram all the happy highlights back into your steel trap. A guide I will refer to often. It’s tips on 50 ways to leave your perfect. You can skim this epic list for a shot of break up confidence to keep Amy’s wisdom fresh on a forgetful brain. It’s a quick reference guide to stop you from jumping back in bed with perfect. Because you know breaking up is hard to do!Ya’ll are going to love this book and the freedom it unleashes.
If you are interested in getting a copy for yourself you can purchase the book here: Breaking Up with Perfect. (affiliate link) OR you can head over to Instagram for a chance to win a FREE copy! I can’t wait to hear what you think about Amy Carroll’s new book! Cheers to breaking up for good!
I had not heard of that book- the one I just picked up is similar in spirit, however. Present over Perfect- Leaving behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of living by Shauna Niequist. Gave a copy to my equally busy best friend and we’ll be studying it and discussing it together.
We would do well to encourage each other that we can be accepted- for who and what we are. Just as God accepts us.
Glad for books and friends that can feed us and encourage us in our walk with God!
Me too, so thankful we are in community to walk each other through this crazy world, hope you enjoy the book!