Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother

I do not always choose the books I review. Sometimes I am able to request specific titles from publishers but other times titles arrive unannounced. This provides me with the opportunity to review books that I would not, under most other circumstances, read. Such is the case with Feminine Appeal, written by Carolyn Mahaney. I left the book in my shelf for several weeks before I dared to open it up. I was gratified to see that it was endorsed by many men far more godly (and masculine) than myself, so if someone is going to laugh at me for reading it, they will also have to mock John Piper, Josh Harris, Mark Dever, Wayne Grudem, Dennis Rainey and Randy Alcorn. I feel that I am in good company, and so much so that I can even admit that I found the book tremendously enjoyable. Feminine Appeal is, of course, written primarily for women. Having prepared several audio tapes which examined Titus 2, Mahaney was challenged (apparently by Mark Dever) to publish these presentations in book format. Nancy Leigh DeMoss says that as she listened to these tapes "my heart rejoiced at her evident love for the truth and her clear, compelling presentation of this passage that outlines the " curriculum" that should be at the heart of all ministry by and to women. I was delighted when Carolyn agreed to put that teaching in book form." Mahaney extracts seven feminine virtues from verses 3 to 5 of Titus 2. The verses read as follows: Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. The seven virtues are: * The delight of loving my husband * The blessings of loving my children * The safety of self-control * The pleasure of purity * The honor of working at home * The rewards of kindness * The beauty of submission Each of these topics receives a single chapter in the book which concludes with a reflection on Mahaney's own mother, Margaret, who evidenced so many of these graces. Appended to the book is a study guide prepared by Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, daughter of C.J. and Carolyn. There were at least two aspects of this book that stood out to me. First, in a book of this type it is always easy for an author to present herself as the example of all that is good and worthy. It is easy for an author to show how she has overcome the difficulties of life and now exemplifies the virtues of godliness. This is particularly prevalent in certain areas of the Christian world where Christian writers, speakers and singers feel they need to display the evidences of a type of anointing that transcends what the rest of us experience. I was glad to see that Mahaney is honest and humble. She humbly admits her own faults and her own shortcomings. She does not hold herself as the example

This is one of the best books I have ever read in the realm of being a Godly wife and mother. It is like having a godly mother who has raised children from infanthood to adulthood and had a happy marriage sit down and share what are the most important ways you can be a blessing to your family and husband. It really emphasizes the importance of family relations over worldly success and materialism. I would highly recommend it to anyone struggling in these roles or a new wife and mother.

This book is an excellent resource for those wishing to fulfill their calling to be a Titus 2 woman. After a failed marriage and being a single mom who works outside the home, I found this book a treasure trove of information on how, even I, can become the woman of God I was born to be.I find it unfortunate that a previous reviewer saw this book as anything less than glorifying to women and exemplifying women's equality and worth in the home. I suggest she read it again, this time with her eyes open.Bravo to Carolyn Mahaney!

I was saddened as I read the earlier review from "Stafford, Va" and heard the bitterness expressed. She has missed out on something so precious and beautiful. This book is the most biblical, clear, concise and FREEING presentation on the topic of womanhood that I have ever read!!! Not only was Carolyn honest and forthright, but her words were filled with hope and truth. It takes courage to write about this truth in the day and age that we live in. I respect Carolyn for the stand that she has taken and I look forward to the day when my daughters will be able to read this book and learn as I have.

This book is a must read for any woman (single or married), who is serious about living a life glorifying to God! Carolyn is very down to earth and refreshing. She is very honest about her life and the way a Christian woman should live. It should be on your bookshelf! You will benefit greatly from this refreshing and honest look at Titus 2.