Just As I Am

Rarely does a novel impact me in the way this one has. Virginia Smith's "Just As I Am" is one of those treasured finds that surpasses the expected in Christian fiction and makes its way to the instant classics list. With a heroine that challenges us to see the inside and not the outer trappings, Mayla's story had me hooked from page one--from the laugh-out-loud moments to the passages of tearful poignancy. As a twenty-something with Lagoon Blue hair, I related to Mayla on so many levels. And as an author, I marveled at the masterful way Smith crafted this tale of a young woman who learns to live a new--and unique--life in Christ.

Mayla Strong has purple hair, a nose stud, and a labret stud below her lower lip. Definitely not the type of convert the Salliesburg Independent Christian church is used to. Not that Mayla was all that interested in church. She only came to make her mama stop hassling her, but there was something about Pastor Paul's sermon that sent her down the aisle. Although Mayla's tiger striped blouse that shone through her baptism robe and her hot pink "hooker" panties gave Mama heart palpitations, (she hadn't raised her baby to dress that way,) Mayla was baptized that very morning. Mayla knew she'd been changed, but the church members weren't that accepting of this wild child, and her old friends didn't like the new Mayla. Pastor Paul wanted to help Mayla get involved in church, and he kept finding her job after job, but nothing seemed to work out. After she taught a children's church lesson that scared the little darlings half out of their wits, he retired her from teaching. . .forever. Part of the trouble was Mayla's refusal to give up her purple hair and face jewelry. If God accepted her just as she was, she felt others should too. This is a funny, touching story about one young woman's struggle to live an obedient life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This book is fantastic! Virginia Smith touches on some of thee most controversial subjects in the church by showing us just how much God loves each and everyone of us... even those that some would deem the most vilest of sinners. What I love most about Just As I am is, it shows just how much God accepts people just the way they are, and how He doesn't change people to conform to the church's standard of how a Christian should dress or act. Instead, this delightful story shows us how God takes each one of us and uses us just the way we are. It also reveals the difference between humans and God. People sometimes judge a person by their outward appearance and their lifestyle, while God looks at the heart and sees each individuals potential. So the next time "I" am tempted to judge someone by their outward appearance or by what they do, I'll remember that no one else's sin is greater than my own, and that God loves them as much as he loves me. Thanks for reminding me, Virginia. You did it with such grace and such tactfulness. And fun too! Keep up the excellent work!

Virginia Smith's debut novel Just As I Am was delightful. I identified with heroine Mayla Strong in ways I never expected. No, I don't have purple hair or numerous body piercings - but I have struggled to find my place of service, bumbling as I travel along my journey. Mayla is persistent, kind and a willing vessel for God to use in such unique ways. Her heart is pure and her actions well-meaning. She became my friend and an inspiration. Ginny's other characters are just as lively and memorable. The Scriptural truths (expertly weaved throughout) are practical and applicable to everyone. I can't wait for the sequel to see where Mayla's journey takes her next!

Virginia Smith's debut novel is beyond cool. I got it in the mail last night and read it from start to finish. That rarely happens with me. Usually it takes at least a few days for me to plow through a really great book. The author portrayed the conversion and confusion of a brand new believer with perfection. The voice of the character was so down-to-earth and believable. Issues came up that Mayla handled in a Christ-like manner. She did the right thing, like Jesus would do. I loved the storyline, the reality, the humor, the honesty, and lack of sarcasm. Mayla really did want to do right by God and her fellow man. She was the perfect example of how to be a true witness for Christ by being real and not changing herself to "conform" to the culture around her. I loved how she resisted, but then gave in. She saw the reward in loving others and being the hands and feet of Jesus. She didn't know she was doing it, but she was loving Alex in a way that touched many around her, including people at work and where she lived. She demonstrated to her friends and roommate, "They will know you are Christians by your love." This overflowed into the lives of others in the church as well, even an old grouchy man. When the timing was right, she did alter her radical appearance, but not because of external pressure, but a desire to please God, which is always the right motivation to have. I would love to see Mayla a few years from now dating her pastor. I hope there is a sequel in the works. That would be awesome. I want to see more books by this author.