You Are Free {Review}

​Some books speak straight to your heart, echoing your own stories and struggles, and You are Free by Rebekah Lyons is one of those for me. There are so many things Rebekah shares about her life and thoughts that resonated with me. This book met me at just the right time. From Ann Voskamp's foreword to the heartfelt acknowledgements to the quotes throughout the book introducing each chapter, You are Free shares this significant, life-altering message from Jesus of freedom given to us in Galatians five.

The fifteen chapters build upon each other in a chronological way through Rebekah's own freedom journey.

1  To Be Free
2  Free to Be Rescued
3  Free to Be Called
4  Free to Confess
5  Free to Thirst
6  Free to Ask
7  Free to Begin Again
8  Free to Wait
9  Free to Rest
10  Free to Grieve
11  Free to Be Weak
12  Free to Celebrate
13  Free to Be Brave
14  Free to Love
15  Free to Set Free

Although the stories span many years, there is a seamlessness to it all. As I read, I felt like I was listening to an older sister speak truth and love and wisdom straight to me. I felt encouraged and challenged at the same time. 

So many things stuck out to me throughout the book, but I was particularly struck by her writing about seeing her daughter's fears. It was like a picture of my little one and me. Generational sins and struggles are very real. And reading just a little about another mother and daughter trying to end that cycle of fear was quite impactful. 

Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:

“We cannot prioritize our doing before being, our assignment before healing, our service before freedom.” (Page 34)

“When I was sick, I only looked inward. Through healing, I started seeing everyone else.” (Page 44)

“Many of us are not free because we have no confessed the sins that hold us captive, keeping us in bondage. Confession is the gateway to healing, the route to freedom.” (Page 63)

“Nothing is beyond the power of the cross and resurrection.” (Page 91)

“We aren't responsible for the healing (or whatever seemingly impossible thing we are asking for); we're only responsible for the asking.” (Page 93)

“Sometimes it takes being stripped of what is familiar, giving everything up, to be reminded of who we truly are.” (Page 105)

“You may not know the outcome, but you can rest in the tension of the waiting. It's in the tension that the music is made….Waiting is a critical part of your anointing.” (Page 129)

“God cares more about our presence than our performance.” (Page 141)

“When we dull our pain, we dull our joy. When we numb our lows, we numb our highs.” (Page 153)

“Tears confess our need for comfort. Lament is a different kind of confession, one beyond words. It's where the Spirit confesses for us, with groans we can't express….Deep grief can take us to new depths of brokenness and surrender. In the depths of grief we realize mourning brings the comfort of God, and above all, God is waiting to rescue us in our darkest hour.” (Page 155)

“God wants us to reveal our weakness--to recognize what traumatizes and exhausts us. He wants us to confess our wounds, our sources of pain and stress, and bring them into the light so he can redeem and transform them with his strength.” (Page 165)

“Surrender says, ‘The calling you're laid before me is too great. I cannot fathom it. Still, I will obey. I will trust that you go before me.'” (Page 170)

"Being brave means no shrinking back or blaming obstacles. Bravery is moving scared. Bravery requires stepping out. The key is to never stop. Nothing may change about our circumstances, but we make a decision. To move. To trust. To be Brave.” (Page 199)

“I want my trust to be louder than my fear, even when I tremble.” (Page 202)

“God wants us to use our freedom for the good of others.” (Page 223)

Reading about Rebekah's journey of freedom in Christ was a lovely gift and set my heart on the truth of the Word. It reminded me that I am not alone in my own struggles with legalistic tendencies, striving and achieving, fear and depression, trying to figure out my calling, and not always feeling freedom to rest or celebrate or enjoy the life I've been given. It reminded me of the power of continually surrendering to the Lord. It reminded me of the power of sharing our stories. You are Free is a story of hope covered in sound theology.

The last chapter probably made me the happiest. This American cultural Christianity so many of us find ourselves surrounded by desperately needs the reminder that we aren't saved for ourselves, our freedom isn't ultimately about us. What we experience, what we've been given is all grace. And when we embrace the words of Jesus and live out our freedom, we can then get our eyes off ourselves and get to work, carry out His commands and truly love well.

Although I loved this book and definitely recommend it, I can see how some might not resonate with it because their experiences and stories are much different. Nevertheless, the truths presented in it are sure. For me, it did my heart much good to read these beautiful words.

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*I received a free copy of the book from the publisher as part of the launch team.