Desperate Women of the Bible: Lessons on Passion from the Gospels

Excellent book for a group study - great stories with thoughtful questions. Good theology and application.

Unlike many women's books, Desperate Women of the Bible is not cutesy, not an excuse for the author to overlay Scripture with her personal stories. At least five characteristics impressed me. Kadlecek tells stories well, drawing us into the world of the women. Kadlecek handles Scripture responsibly, shaping her commentary around these questions: What is the context? What is the conflict? What new insights (counsel) can we learn? How can this story help us change (conversion)? In each chapter Kadlecek brings us movingly back to the cross and Christ's mission to the desperate women and to all who would believe in Him. Clearly well-read, Kadlecek inserts references from an impressive bibliography. Finally, the preparation, reflection, and "dig deeper" items that accompany each chapter make it clear the author's is a teacher at heart and is calling the reader to learn. I was so impressed with this book, I invited the author to speak at a women's retreat.

I WAS DESPERATE............. WHAT AN ANSWER TO MY PRAYERS- I TRULY FELT I WAS GUIDED TO THIS BOOK- EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ THIS- I DID NOT KNOW THE BIBLE ALL THAT WELL AND SHE PUT THINGS IN A UNDERSTANDABLE CONTEXT THAT WAS EASY TO READ AND RELATE TO- ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK YOU TO THE AUTHOR FOR WRITING IT....

Written by journalist, author, and retreat and conference teacher Jo Kadlecek, Desperate Women of the Bible: Lessons on Passion From the Gospels presents the stories of eight nameless women from the Gospels who were driven by passion and desperation to find out who Jesus Christ really was. Desperate Women of the Bible guides the reader in an exploration of the story of these unforgettable women, and the insights revealed as to how emulating Christ's character and teachings can transform even the most desperate of one's desires and passions into a life of greater fullness and purpose. "In-Between Reflections", such as "What are some specific and creative ways you could consciously seek opportunities to give more generously?" and "Digging Deeper" passages between chapters of narrative parable offer the opportunity for self-study, further reflection, and examination. Highly recommended for personal spiritual discovery as well as group study and discussion.

I usually shy away from any devotional or study book that is about or for women, even though I AM a woman. This is because nearly all of them are written by and for sweet, charitable women who are already kind and thoughtful and Christlike. Sadly, I am not that kind of woman, and I am a constant work in progress, so these books are often, in my opinion, filled to the brim with sappy sentiments and fluffy, empty drivel that I simply cannot stand. When I choose a devotional book, I want SUBSTANCE, and I want to KNOW GOD! I want to read a book that inspires me to live for Him and to change myself! I am excited to say that "Desperate Women of the Bible" is exactly the kind of book that I have been looking for! Jo Kadlecek has written a wonderful book that encompasses everything that is necessary in a good devotional, and has also included aspects that I rarely find but always desire to. Each chapter studies a certain section directly from the Bible about a nameless woman of the New Testament who encountered Christ and was transformed. Not only does Kadlecek include the actual Bible passage for you to read, but she then delves into the historical & social context of the passage! I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that she has taken the time to give her readers a deeper understanding of the Biblical passage, as nearly every devotional I read NEVER does this! She then discusses the "conflict", "counsel", and "conversion" of each passage with agility and theologically sound reasoning. Peppered with the standard (but still entertaining) modern-day anecdotes and her own opinions, she has managed to pen a study book that is complete in every way - intelligent, entertaining, God-inspired, empowering, relevant, and passionate. Simply fantastic. Grade: A+