I’ve thought about it a lot lately–as a woman, as an author. What is it about Rachel Hollis that makes her the dark chocolate of hundreds of thousands of women?
For most of 2018, her Girl, Wash Your Face was among the top 10 bestselling books in America. It now sports over 10,000 Amazon reviews (80% are over 5 stars)…and her sequel’s Amazon’s #13.
Successes like these make me wonder what the author pings on in a culture–and in the case of these books, Christian culture, too. What are women ready to hear? What are they telling your friends, You totally need to read…
I get why she satisfies. And why she doesn’t.
Part of Hollis’ message reverberates with my own story, my own wrestling with what it means like to live a purposeful, vibrant life as a woman. What should women’s dreams look like? What about ambition? Desire? …And in the context of the relationships that matter to me?
So I’m writing today over on FamilyLife.com, Girl, You Can Be Fierce: The Allure of Rachel Hollis. It’s about what we as women find so appealing about Rachel Hollis…and what we need to beware.
An excerpt of the article:
When my children were young and my life looked like a paper towel commercial, I experienced some intense inner combat. I loved motherhood and my children. Cherished its profound, intricate value.
Yet like my mommy-paunch, my desires felt smushed, concealed, and artfully dressed for the sake of a greater vision. “Worthy sacrifice” was (accurately) mentioned by writers I followed.
But (could I have told the truth then?)—I did possess a desire to achieve. My bookshelves and journals tell the story of my exploration of desire, popping out like a muffin top.
Whether I stayed at home or worked (I did both), Christian standards felt like they needed more teeth, more sturdiness to compete with not only women’s desires, but the biblical picture of women.
I’m curious: Have you experienced this? Have you wondered what a bigger vision for womanhood could even look like?
I always love a dialogue more than a monologue. What are you thinking about Hollis and her message? Why do you think she resonates–and what should we look out for?
Click here to catch Girl, You Can Be Fierce: The Allure of Rachel Hollis.
Then hop back here to join the conversation. I’d love to hear from you.
Like this post? You might like
- Guest Post: There She Is: Miss America, Swimsuits, and #UsToo
- What’s God Think of Strong Women?
- On God and the Dreams of Women
- Does What I Want Matter? On Desire, Dreams, and Ambition as a Christian
- Guest post: Why Do We Love This is Us?
