Are You "A Perfect Mess"?

Recently, I had the opportunity to read A Perfect Mess, Why You Don’t Have to Worry About Being Good Enough for God by Lisa Harper.

This is one of the few Bible study books I’ve read and wasn’t tempted to “skim” the scripture discussions. Why? Because Lisa Harper is FUNNY. She has an irreverent way of describing things that makes her book entertaining and exciting to read. But just because she talks like an Everyday Jane, don’t underestimate the weight and importance of her words. Lisa Harper is a biblical scholar to the nth degree. She just has the uncanny ability to make her wisdom and knowledge accessible to her readers.

I really needed the message of this book because I’m definitely more Martha than Mary. I feel the need to earn my salvation, and when my efforts fall short, my prayer time is spent disbelieving that God really wants anything to do with a failing worm like me. What I didn’t expect is that a Bible study on certain key Psalms would help me. Why? Because I don’t like the Psalms. I know, I know, everyone likes Psalms . . . except me. But I like them a lot more after Lisa Harper walked me through them!

A Perfect Mess is a wonderful book. Lisa Harper is completely transparent in showing us the messiness in her life and what your own messiness means for your spiritual relationship with God. My favorite chapter was entitled “Frantic Isn’t a Spiritual Fruit”. In fact, I read that chapter first and then went back to the beginning of the book! Since everyone of us is A Perfect Mess, this book is a must read.

GIVEAWAY: I have one copy A Perfect Mess by Lisa Harper to give away. To enter the random drawing, please send your name and mailing address to seewhykinsman@gmail.com. The winner will be selected on Friday, July 24, 2009. Good luck.

Below is the summary from the publisher. You can purchase the book here:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307457882&ref=externallink_wbp_aperfectmess_sec_0526_01

Summary:
Caught up in the self-imposed pressure to do and be all the things they think a Christian woman ought to do and be, countless women are working desperately to convince everyone, including God, that they have it all together. Few have any idea that the Creator of the universe looks at them with delight even when they yell at the dog, drive a minivan littered with French fries, or think bad words about that rude clerk at the store.

A Perfect Mess offers hope to every woman who yearns for a vibrant relationship with God but worries she isn’t good enough or doesn’t do enough to merit His affection. With characteristic authenticity, speaker and author Lisa Harper shares poignant stories from her own imperfect life to showcase the real-life relevancy of the Bible in the lives of modern women.

As she guides readers on a story-driven journey through selected Psalms, they will be inspired to experience for themselves how God’s incomparable love transforms the messiness of life into a gorgeous work of grace.

Author Bio:
Lisa Harper is a master storyteller whose lively approach connects the dots between the Bible era and modern life. She is a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker whose upcoming appearances include the national Women of Faith Conferences. A veteran of numerous radio and television programs and the author of several books, she also is a regular columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Lisa recently completed a master’s of theological studies from Covenant Theological Seminary. She makes her home outside Nashville.