Morning!
A couple months ago, a young woman named Emily Swanson emailed me about a book she had recently written and published called Beauty in Christ, Freedom From the Idolatry of Body and Food. The only thing she had to tell me to hook me in was the title! My blog’s slogan is: “pray, eat, move, groove.” Pray is the first word because my faith is the most important thing to me in my life, so I was immediately interested in reading about how we can integrate faith with the trials of eating disorders.
Emily was kind enough to send me two free copies of her book— one for me to read + review and one for a giveaway!
Review
When I was reading Beauty in Christ, I almost felt like it was one big, thoughtful, very well-written blog post, with some guest authors in there as well. That’s the best way I can describe the writing style, and I thoroughly loved it (hello, I blog and read blogs all the time).
Emily provides her own as well as a few other first account experiences about struggles with eating disorders. Her honesty and expression of emotion is awesome. Most of all however, her analysis of how to choose recovery for the glory of God and his Kingdom is truly what makes her story outstanding.
She addresses topics such as “Viewing Food the Biblical Way,” “Exercise: Taking Dominion of Our Bodies,” and “Food: A Tool, Not an Idol.” I love how she writes about these things very simply, but the simplicity of her words make such a huge impact. I also really appreciate that she makes so many Scripture references throughout the book, which really solidifies it for me.
It’s great to talk about how food is important and exercise should not be overdone, but Emily also acknowledges the other end of the spectrum, which may involve overeating and under-exercising. Her main point is that food should not be an idol in any sense, whether you worry about it making you fat or whether you eat without keeping nutrition and moderation in mind. In addition, exercise should be used as a means to stay alert and active in order to serve the Lord.
[source]
Beauty in Christ really discovers what beauty and health truly are. One of my favorite excerpts from the book: “I began to realize that our ultimate purpose for living is not beautiful bodies and six pack abs, because what happens to those when you die? They crumble to dust.”
Kinda raw, but so true. There are unimaginably better things awaiting us, so strive for health to serve God and neighbor and to be joyful. Six packs don’t mean a thing.
Overall, Beauty in Christ is a short yet powerful read that I’d definitely recommend to any Christians out there who have struggled or are struggling with an eating disorder or even just body insecurities.
Giveaway!
Emily is being awesome and giving away a free copy of her book through Daily Moves and Grooves! If you’re interested in winning, comment below (anything at all)! Winner will be announced Friday.
{Open to U.S. only.}
Thank you so much for your generosity and your amazing work, Emily!
Daily Moves and Grooves 
I am commenting secretly hoping to win because I really need this in my life right now, but will purchase a copy either way. Thank you for bringing this book to light for it will help many!
I agree with Heather; I’m getting this book whether I win or not! It sounds like such an impacting read.
Wow, her words are very wise. I wish I lived in the states so I could win this beautiful book!
I’ve been working on recovery for some time now and have always been curious how faith and religion play into this struggle. As a practicing Catholic I would love to learn and find inspiration from this book!
This book sounds like it was MADE for me. Seriously, this would be amazing.
PS: When will the winner be announced?
Friday! I forgot to put that in, thank you!
Wow that book sounds positively amazing! I have been a long time reader of your blog and I find it absolutely amazing. I am currently in the process of an ED recovery and struggle with the balance of exercise and the challenge of eating, so this book would deffs help!
I would love this book!!! Right up my alley!
I would love to read this book- looks awesome!
Oh my goodness I would LOVE to win this book!!! I have been struggling with an eating disorder for 16 years and I am losing hope. I have drifted far from God and need his help to recover.
Beautiful. The past ten years have been riddled with various degrees of ED. Now as a youth pastor’s wife, I am helping girls deal with similar issues. I would love this as a resource for me and to help others.
Your delightful synopsis of Emily’s book certainly captivates me and I surely would like to get my hands on a copy. Who is the publisher and is Emily Swanson’s book available in the public library. I am with you when it comes to putting God first in our life and do everything else for the glory of God alone. I’m just so, so proud of you, Alison!
Love and Blessings from your Canada Grandma
Sounds like a great book! I have been looking for more books to further strengthen my faith. Right now I am loving my Athletes Bible. So gooood. I love it because it applies to my life just as that book applies to the lives of many others 🙂
Pingback: WIAW: The Big Green Salad | Daily Moves and Grooves
I just finished “Let’s All Be Brave” (which was SO Good!) and now I need a new book!
Wow! This books sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing your review. It’s a definite must read!
This sounds great!!!
This book sounds great!!
So this sounds absolutely amazing. Hope I win!!
Hey friends,
I’m Emily, and I’m in the midst of setting up a site for y’all so you can purchase the book and provide testimonials and stories of how it impacted you! 🙂 So humbled by all your sweet comments, and thanking Alison for her honest analysis of the book. However until I get the site up, you can definitely purchase a copy of the book on :
http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Christ-Emily-Swanson/dp/0985365188/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408228126&sr=8-1&keywords=Beauty+in+Christ+emily+swanson
If you have testimonials or questions you can email me through my email at beautyinchrist93@gmail.com! I would love to talk with other young women about this subject as it is still something that is very much on my heart often.
Emily S.
Pingback: Book Reviews