Captivating: Unveiling The Mystery Of A Woman's Soul Hardcover – March 10, 2005

This book came to me as a recommendation, going through my singleness. The timing was surprisingly funny. Anyway at first I was reluctant b/c I'm that feminist who's stuck up in her ideologies/ways of thinking & doesn't need another book that'll drain her strength through foolish arguments. Plus I just didn't have time for it! Now to the one who fits the above description: Emerse yourself into the book! -Trust me you won't regret it. The first chapters will actually engage your arguments, that's assuming you rarely agree with every statement that's said. Be inquisitive and ask Staci/John for clarification. Be the reader who says, "Well no, I disagree with you" or "Girl, you better explain what you mean before I..." or "How about you put it like this" or "Wow! Now that's my girl!" I know, that's how serious my reading got to lol. -Be prepared to get some revelations about yourself. I'd suggest if you may, say a quick prayer for God to open the eyes of your heart and speak to you through Staci/John's book. It's no point to read this book for the sake of just reading. I'm just saying! -Please have a pen & notebook, or if reading from a tablet, make use of the highlight/note-taking options! You'll thank me later lol. -I enjoyed the authors' interpretation to the creation story and the Fall of man. Staci stresses the fact that Eve is the crown of creation, and continues to base everything she's goes through, on this fact. Ever wondered why females in society go through a lot? Well, the devil works day and night to fight against the crown of beauty, the crown of creation, Eve. Lucifer was once the most beautiful creation but after his fall, he became the angel of death. Eve on the other hand (created in God's beauty) is blessed with the gift of bringing life to the world. Won't Lucifer always be on her case seeking to destroy her due to jealousy? Sexual abuse, emotional abuse, you name it! -The feminist part of me made sense of what I should be fighting for. Feminism in today's society has been given a negative light and even though this book doesn't address this topic, keep an eye out for the subtle points and make personal meaning out of each! -Last but not least, this book sheds light on the amount of healing I should seek. Yes, our past should never dictate our future but it for sure explains our present. It helps to get closure, find healing, forgive yourself & others involved and move on. Grieving is healthy, and God is the best comforter in times of grief. One major lesson from my past, that this book helped point me out: Lack of grief is dangerous. The enemy uses it against you and this unknowingly or knowingly leads you deep into sin.

Im someone who comes from a shaky faith background. My parents went from being religious to hating God, back to church, then back to “God hates us”. It wasnt a good foundation to start with. And probably why I struggle today with faith. By that I mean, I can understand the Athiests mind set as well as the agnostics. Faith is a hard concept to grasp. Its something I have always had, but have lost sight of throughout my adult years. This book has a very good message to it. Even if you’re not spirital or religious, you get a great sense of self worth. I found myself agreeing with much of what the authors had to say and also teared up during parts of this book too. I realized I am broken, but im not alone, and there is help for me. All I have to do is seek it.This book was brought to my attention by a dear friend of mine. I was skeptical at first, all I heard was “jesus this” and “God that” BUT, an older self called out from inside me. The one who was very spirital and prayed everynight and had conversations with God in their car, and battled with non believers, and I found myself listening harder and enjoying this book more and more as time went on. I finished it in a day (I got an audio version) and it was a plessure to listen to, and has left me wanting more. It really was captivating.

I first discovered John Eldredge with "Wild at Heart" which completely changed my perspective about my husband. It illuminated the way I handled situations, prayed for my man and in turn, with the power of Christ, changed our marriage. After reading the book multiple times and having the 3 things a man needs embedded in my spirit, I realized there was "Captivating"! I purchased this book a few years back, but could never get past chapter one or two. Not for lack of trying, but something kept me from reading it. It wasn't time. Starting the book over last March after my husband returned from a 3-day intensive God-seeking men's event, I felt the time was right. I needed freedom and God pointed me right to this book again. I took my time. Reading and rereading truths that Papa was revealing to me and highlighting and sharing numerous passages on practically every page. My eyes were opened and my perspective began to shift for myself. So much more could be said about how God has used this book to impact my life, but simply stated...if you are in a place you are tired of being, feeling stuck in your head about your walk with God, what he has called you to do, your place, your purpose or needing something more, read Captivating with an open heart. The discoveries you will have about yourself, or even the discoveries my husband now has had about me, are life changing. So thankful for John & Stasi Eldredge and pray we get to thank them face-to-face one day for being the mouthpiece Papa used for freedom.

Recommend this book to every woman questioning : what is my purpose on this earth? This book is not a self-help book but it is an invitation for every woman to journey into the heart of Jesus, to ask of Daddy God the Creator: who am I? Why am I here? Do you find me captivating? Am I lovely? Am I wanted? Am I relevant? These are not questions we as woman can take to a man to answer but these are questions only our Heavenly Father can answer and for each one of us His answer is truly unique. It is from our vulnerability, it is out of our femininity that we will discover the warrior queens that we are and as His radiant daughters we too will take our place in the Great Story. I will now dance with my Bridgegroom, my Lover, my King ... I pray you will too

I recommend any woman at any age to read this book! It's so refreshing reading and understanding how important you are (as a woman) to God and to His plan for all of us. So if there is any woman in your life who is (or isn't) struggling in finding her self-worth, buy this book for them!! Or if you just need some encouragement for yourself, this is for you. ~*~

As a young girl who has struggled with ideas of who I am as a woman, and feminism and all that, this book has given me lovely insight. It is not just about trying to fight who I am and what I feel so as not to seem 'childish' or 'girly' or 'dreamy' but it is with these feelings, being confident, and thankful to God for them and being used by God with all these attributes. I know some people disagree with some points made in the book, but what I like is that it is not saying everyone should feel or act the exact same way, but rather explaining things and allowing the reader to figure out who she really is.

This book seemed a long read, and I was not sure about it. It was quite repetitive to say the least. BUT, once I got to where they say the prayers to God, I was astounded at my emotional reaction - which totally shocked me. It broke my heart and I sobbed out so much pain from my childhood, that I had not even know was there. It touched the very core of my being.It talks about how women need to feel, to become who they were created to be in Christ, and why most of us cannot be that way, because of the wounds of our past. Why we are caught up in certain habits to protect ourselves, without realizing that by doing this, we have chopped off a part of ourselves that has been so hurt, we decided never to let anyone in that part of us at all. And how that decision impacts every one around us, including those we love.I was so gobsmaked at my reaction to the prayers in this book!God is in this book. Recommended.

As a christian woman I wanted to gain an understanding of what God had created me for? Also I was tired of trying to live up to society's perception of what a christian woman is meant to be? I'm tired of having to justify my faith and how it empowers me to be a better person. I'm far from perfect and I know that I make mistakes every day, but I still strive to live in accordance to my faith. This book has helped me to gain an understanding of who I am in accordance to God's word. Also it has helped me to accept my femininity, my desires, my aspirations and to be honest with myself and to stop trying to be superwoman!!! Every woman should read this book as it provides you with an understanding of oneself. Its a very easy read, honest, funny at times and enlightening.

A pod quality second hand and precious book! Good enough to gift to a friend! I am familiar with this book and will always spot a princess who is looking down instead of up to gift it to!Next day delivery was a big bonus! Thank you!

I have read this book several times and each time I have marvelled at whether I had read it at all. Most will hate it first but if you are determined to walk through you will value the changes it brings into your life. One thing is sure that once exposed to its truths you can never be the same again. It's a good idea to get the companion journal as well

fantastic book..brilliant read for christians to understand how women have been made...and so how they need to be treated as well as interaction between men and women that is not based on fear but pure love..highly recommend :)

gf loved it

Really love this book.It may not fit every woman because we do not all have the same childhood experiences. But, overall, I think anywoman can relate to some parts of it.It really helps to get insights and make us understand more of ourselfs and what we can do to change somethings.Just don't like the fact that has quotes but then doesn't really point out where the quotes are from (like book, page, etc)

Couldn't put this down - so well written

This book really helped me to heal and assisted me to rekindle my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Excellent book. A must read

lovely insightful read

Such a wonderful book....very good for anyone with issues surrounding their beauty.

need to read this again!

Amazing life changing and challenging book. Easy to read and blessed me so much I have recommended it to many people.