From this moment on you will have a new name. You are never to call yourself a fat Christian woman again. From here on out, you are ever and only…My Beloved. – Father God
I had the opportunity to review My Big Bottom Blessing: How Hating My Body Led to Loving My Life by Teasi Cannon and published by Worthy Publishing. (Hint, hint; on 5/24/2012 you can see a post by Teasi right here on Uncompromising!) This book is about Teasi’s struggle with weight and body image beginning with some pretty incredible hurts.
I really appreciated that this was Teasi’s story, her struggles and pain, and what, ultimately made a difference for her. The book doesn’t come across as a self-help book. The best part of reviewing My Big Bottom Blessing was that it was something that I needed to hear from someone with the same struggles as me.
The book is great for a small group study or for individual reading. It was written well and a very easy read. Each chapter is another part of Teasi’s story. Sometimes she has conversations with characters, who cause her stinkin’ thinkin’. She is very vulnerable as she tells very painful stories from her life.
At the end of each chapter is a prayer, questions for the reader to answer about what was discussed in the chapter, a pep talk, and a forward focus word with corresponding Bible promises. I like the fact that each Bible verse is written out so that I didn’t have to find each one.
What touched me the most was when Teasi spoke of her encounter with evangelist Jack Frost. Specifically, when Frost said, “It doesn’t matter if you feel it or not. The truth is still the truth.” It helped me work out something that wasn’t even related to the book.
Teasi used an analogy that like Saul, who persecuted Jesus’ followers, we persecute God with our warped self-image. We call God a liar when He tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and we speak of our fat thighs, flabby arms, and poor self-esteem.
What really came across was that we need to stop trying to get our self-image and self-worth from the media machine and start looking to the Father and what He says about us. We are all People of the Second Chance, so we need to stop wallowing in bondage and start living life as our loving Papa God created us to live.
Leave one comment below and I’ll choose a commenter on 5/23/2012 at 4 PM (Eastern Time) to receive a copy of My Big Bottom Blessing: How Hating My Body Led to Loving My Life.
Read Chapter 1 of My Big Bottom Blessing by clicking on the title.
I understand hating your body oh-so-well, but I never thought of it as persecuting God, but that’s exactly what it is!!! Wow.
I never thought of it that way either, Pearl. Talk about conviction!
Congratulations to Pearl for winning the book!!!
I’ve read and enjoyed this book as well. Great review of a fabulous book! It’s been said that real change happens when we become aware of the negative self-talk in our heads, and replace it with positive messages. This book takes it a step further, offering an honest look at one woman’s struggles with weight and body image. But rather than just “thinking positive,” she became deeply aware of God’s love for her. Knowing she was God’s beloved made it possible for her to love herself. I know all women, regardless of size, will appreciate Teasi Cannon’s honesty!
Thanks for your input on the review, Keri!