“I know it sounds right, BUT is it actually true?”- Bob Goff
Sometimes we hear sayings so often that they creep into our theology. We don’t even stop to consider if they’re true, or if they just sound good. You can inspire, motivate, and encourage people without the truth. Statements can be partially biblical, but still be missing a key element that makes them TRUTH. Discernment is the key to knowing what’s true versus what makes you feel good.
Girl, Wash Your Face and the author Rachel Hollis are trending like crazy right now! She’s created a following that hangs on her every word, picture, and action like they are Gospel truth. She’s an incredible writer, businesswoman, and mother. She encourages women to stand up for themselves, chase their dreams, and not take no for an answer. What an incredible example for other women to follow. I also love how authentic she is. She has struggled, and she's willing to share those struggles in the hopes of encouraging and motivating other women. Based on what I know about her, I really think that Rachel would understand my perspective. You can respect someone without agreeing with them! That’s right, Rachel Hollis is amazing and inspirational, but I don’t agree with her about a lot of things. I realized that within the introduction of her book.
I listened to, took notes, analyzed, referred to scripture, and researched this book extensively. That might sound excruciating, but I needed to know for myself if this book was everything people say. The questions I was trying to answer going into it were- Is this book for Christian women?, Is this book supported by Biblical truths?, Would I recommend this book to Christian women to grow in their relationship with Christ?. With those questions, my sweet followers on Instagram, and my daughter in mind, I read on.
Is this book supported by Biblical truths?
No. She plainly says that “perception is reality”, “just because you believe it, doesn’t mean it’s true for everyone”, and “we decide our religion is right so every other religion must be wrong”. If you’re a Christian then you know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Him. John 14:6.
She also says multiple times and in multiple ways that “you are in complete control of your life”, “you are the captain of your vessel”, and other phrases that contradict the sovereignty of God. As Christians we know that God is in control. We make choices, but are by no means in charge.
Is this book for Christian women?
No. This book is written by a Christian, but not for Christians. It is published by a Christian Publisher, under the pretense of being a Christian book, but it’s doubtful that the editor, publisher, or author really intended it for Christians. If they did, then that’s an entirely different conversation to be had. I’d describe it as a self help motivational book to coach women into success and self-love through hard work and self discipline. Rachel Hollis herself says "The truth? You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are. That's the takeaway." That sentence in itself should reveal that this book is not written for Christian women. Beth Moore put it perfectly in my devotional this morning “Without God’s intervention, we can offer only a small bandage to someone hemorrhaging from uncontrolled emotions. We may bring calm for a moment, but our efforts will have little lasting effects.” This book may be a source of motivation, encouragement, and guidance but without God it’s just temporary. That’s something Rachel misses, or chooses to ignore.
Would I recommend this book to Christian women to grow in their relationship with Christ?
No. If you have strong biblical knowledge, the gift of discernment, or are willing to fact check everything then go ahead and read it. You will definitely find some good stuff! I did. Like when she says “I studied the Gospel and finally grasped the divine knowledge that I am loved, worthy, and enough as I am! I am a child of God and that trumps everything else”. YES GIRL YOU ARE!
That’s why I’m sharing this. You are all of those things. You don’t need any more steps to become a better version of you! You don’t need half truths that intertwine the gospel and what society says. You don’t need Girl, Wash Your Face to rest in the knowledge that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You don't have to do it all yourself. You don't have to quit diet coke to prove to yourself that you can stick to something. You don't have to constantly strive and work for success. You don't need a vision board with Beyonce and a beach house on it. All we need is Jesus.
Although I was trying to save you some time, inevitably some of you will read it for yourselves. If you read it, constantly ask “I know it sounds right, but is it actually true?”. I’ve included some scripture below that may help you in discerning truth while reading. Her words are inspirational and encouraging, but that doesn’t make them true.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me. John 14:6
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
