Jen Hatmaker works out the glorious equation of Gods design for women in her new book, Ms. Understood. Not only does she cancel out the misconception that women are second-rate people but she does so with biblical truth, humor, and authenticity. If you are ready to be freed from the feminine trend of self loathing, then Jens book is just the book for you.
So much for my preconceived notion of godly womanhood. Jen Hatmaker has busted those long-cherished myths with solid, biblical truth. Dont miss Jens witty, hilarious, and highly accurate survey of whats right with women. Forget about the girls in my lifeIm recommending this book to all the guys I know. Heres a picture of womanhood that we all need.
LAWRENCE W. WILSON , author of A Different Kind of Crazy: Living the Way Jesus Lived
If at all possible, you should invite yourself out to dinner with Jen, because shes smart and funny and godly and warm. Thats what I did. If, however, geography or fear of a restraining order prevents that, please read Ms. Understood. In it youll find the same spark, challenge, courage, and belief that Jen carries through life. Her vision for what God can do through women inspires me to live a better, brighter, more fearless life.
NavPress is the publishing ministry of The Navigators, an international Christian organization and leader in personal spiritual development. NavPress is committed to helping people grow spiritually and enjoy lives of meaning and hope through personal and group resources that are biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical.
For a free catalog go to www.NavPress.com.
Ms. Understood: Rebuilding the Feminine Equation
Copyright 2008 by Jennifer Hatmaker. All rights reserved.
A NavPress resource published in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
NAVPRESS and the NAVPRESS logo are registered trademarks of NavPress, The Navigators, Colorado Springs, CO. TYNDALE is a registered trademark of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Absence of in connection with marks of NavPress or other parties does not indicate an absence of registration of those marks.
Cover design by Charles Brock, The DesignWorks Group, www.thedesignworksgroup.com
Cover image: Veer
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked CEV are taken from the Contemporary English Version, copyright 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLV are taken from the H OLY B IBLE , New Life Version. Copyright 19692003 by Christian Literature International, P. O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.
Some of the anecdotal illustrations in this book are true to life and are included with the permission of the persons involved. All other illustrations are composites of real situations, and any resemblance to people living or dead is coincidental.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Hatmaker, Jen.
Ms. Understood : rebuilding the feminine equation / Jen Hatmaker.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-1-60006-216-2
1. WomenReligious aspectsChristianity. I. Title.
BT704.H38 2008
248.843--dc222008006003
Build: 2015-08-05 16:35:12
This book is dedicated to God, for blessing the world with women. You are the best Creator ever.
Acknowledgments
How I wish I could name every woman I adore here, but, alas, Id leave one of you off and have to hear about it later. So I humbly acknowledge the company of women whove spoken wisdom, laughter, inspiration, and holiness into my life. This book is not worthy of you, but you inspired every word of it.
Thank you, Brandon, for this particular year in the Team Hatmaker story. You have been a steady anchor through a stormy season. You deserve a prize for remaining fiercely true to your loud, impulsive, fiery bride. Someday Im definitely going to turn precious, maybe.
Ive never mentioned men here (am I sexist?), but Id like to thank some good ones who stood strong with Brandon this year: Tray Pruet, David Daniels, David Smith, John Herrington, Andrew Barlow, Mark Groutas, Brent Phillips, Chad Zunker, Dad, Matt Carter, Andy Melvin, Hess Hester, Terry Fox, Brandon Thomas, Steve Murphy, Charlie Pennington, and The Denver Crew: Dennis Jeffreys, Alex Shootman, Mike Kilbane, Mike Nelson, and Scotty Priest. You will never understand how much I love you for believing in Brandon. You all have starring roles in Adventures in Church Planting. (Sorry you wont get paid for it. Its low budget.)
If it sounds melodramatic to say that these girls saved my life this year, well, thats just par for the course with me. Special thanks to Mom, Lindsay, Trina, Steph, Laura, Christi, Molly, Stephanie, Anna, Michelle, Paige, and Jenny. You girls closed in like vultures when I needed you, and I mean that in a good way. I love you so much. Please stay my friends forever. Ill try to stop airing your dirty laundry in print.
How can I thank my editor, Karen Lee-Thorp, enough? You people cannot fathom how I ramble in print pre-editing. No one needs an editor worse than I do, and no editor is better than Karen. Thank you for sticking with me on this project. Im totally codependent on you. No pressure.
To all my friends at NavPress: I dont know if its an oversight on your part, but this is the sixth book of mine youve published. (What is wrong with yall?) To beloved Kris Wallen, Dan Benson, Pamela Mendoza, Kathy Mosier (happy twins!), Darla Hightower, Arvid Wallen, Kathleen Campbell, Shelley Ring (bless you for the title concession), Jessica Chappell, Susan Riches, and Eric Grogg. Without you, Im just a sarcastic girl with a laptop, wasting a lot of time. Thank you for believing in me. Ill try not to waste your money.