A Perfect Mess: Why You Don't Have to Worry about Being Good Enough for God

I did not get this book. Was not notified when it will come in.VERY DISATISFIED.

Lisa Harper is one of my favorite Bible teachers; her theological depth, humor & authenticity help me "get" how the Bible applies to my life today. In this particular book, she shed such fresh insights on the Psalms - a section of scripture I thought I knew pretty well - that I found myself deeply encouraged in ways I hadn't expected. "A Perfect Mess" reminded me of what an amazing gift it is to be adored by God...even on those days I'm not really living in light of my faith.

Lisa Harper shares some powerful truth wrapped in stories and humor and self-deprecation. Harper covers a baker's dozen of Psalms, the better loved and known like 119, 23, 139 and 51 among them. Life issues and emotions common to all humanity like overwhelming emotions, fear, paths, faith are discussed in twelve simple chapters and roughly 200 pages. Most illustrations are woman focused but a man could find some areas that would either convict or be balm to his soul as well. The format and transparent, honest writing coupled with discussion questions makes Mess a great idea for a woman's Bible or small group study. Each chapter covers a Psalm and Harper breaks it down a few verses at a time adding illustrations from her colorful life. A dead goat and baggy pants ended up being quite a little story about the love of God and His mercy toward His pathetic little messy ones. Other scripture and some historical and/or Biblical information is tossed into each chapter as well. Six or seven questions for consideration/study end each chapter. The questions are ones that could be verbalized, given a little time for thought, in a large group or journalized for personal study. Harper is charming and often funny, but also capable of diving deep into teaching truth and allowing the Spirit to convict the reader's heart. I folded over several pages to go back to and ponder the truth within and I also plan to hand the book over to my anxiously awaiting twenty-two-year-old daughter who will get much out of this simply complex study of human nature and God's divine design.

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.

Lisa Harper is an authentic and engaging author who shares her stories of her own shortcomings and God's amazing love in spite of them. I loved this book! It had the perfect blend of humor, relatability and depth.