Thin Places Review & Contest

This is the first book since Captivating that I feel every woman should read. Mary DeMuth's heart leaps off the page and reminds you of the fears, insecurities, and triumphs of your own heart. I thought this would be a memoir like all the rest, but that's not so. Sure, Mary's story is beautifully woven throughout the chapters in Thin Places, but it's so much richer than a memoir. I truly believe every woman could benefit from this book, but there is a catch.

Humility.

Pride won't flip the pages of this book, because as Mary's vulnerability seeps into your own heart you can't help but realize how much you need Jesus. Sometimes we don't want to need anyone. Sometimes we don't want to acknowledge our weaknesses in order to lay them at the foot of the cross. But Thin Places will stir your pain and bring it to the feet of Jesus ... if you let it.

When I read Mary's words I could relate to some parts, but not all. Either way, I realized how much I desire love and approval from others. I'm not liked/loved by the majority. Most of my family and friends stop talking to me the second I mention something they disagree with or don't want to hear. My passion for Jesus and certain social issues pushes people away. But I want to be loved for who I am. I want people to see me, all of me -- good, bad, and ugly -- and accept me even if they don't understand me. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Oh, how Mary delicately shined a light in this thin place. Here's an excerpt I adore:

Anne Lamott says this: "Risk being unliked. Tel the truth as you understand it. If you're a writer, you have a moral obligation to do this. And it is a revolutionary act -- truth is always subversive." Like Anne, I'm learning to tell the truth, even if it means folks won't like me.

Even if it means my reputation is marred.

Even if it means being silent.

Even if it means I feel alone in this world.

Even if my personal need for order and harmony are shattered.

Even if.

I tell the truth because my desperate desire to be liked is a snare. My realization of this, after far too many years of striving after the wind, is a thin place where Jesus shows up. He tells me, "I've been there. I wasn't always liked." King David echoes the same sentiment: "I carry in my heart the insults of so many people" (Psalm 89:50 NLT).

What I love about Mary is that she ends every chapter, every painful memory, every thin place, with a light so bright you can't help but ponder it as much as you want to read on to the next chapter. She shines a spotlight on Jesus after she takes you through dark places. She always does this. In life and her writing -- she shares the truth with you, but doesn't leave you there to whimper. She lifts your chin, sets your eyes on Jesus, and stands with you as you triumph over your trials.

I can't speak highly enough of Thin Places. It is a book that will never have a home on my shelf ... I will give it away OFTEN. I only wish it released sooner. I only wish she'd write more non-fiction books. I know, Mary, you are a storyteller ... you love to pen novels. But this book is one of the best I've read in quite a while. I want you to write more. :)

Before I write 6,572 words about how much I love this book, let me offer you a chance to win a copy of Thin Places and discounted web design packages from Tekeme Studios. Watch the video below, wait for the questions, find the answers, and we the first four people to send us the correct answers will win the prizes listed in the video. After the first four winners are chosen we will continue accepting answers and choose a random winner to win a free copy of Thin Places. So watch away!

CONGRATS TO GRAND PRIZE WINNER RONIE KENDIG.
Coupons expire 30 days from win.