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2007 by Jennifer Hatmaker
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ISBN-13: 978-1-57683-894-5
ISBN-10: 1-57683-894-3
Cover design by Wes Youssi, The DesignWorks Group, www.thedesignworksgroup.com
Cover image by iStock, Getty
Creative Team: Terry Behimer, Karen Lee-Thorp, Kathy Mosier, Arvid Wallen, Kathy Guist
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.
Unless otherwise identified, all Scripture quotations in this publication are taken from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Other versions used include: the New American Standard Bible (NASB), The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995; the Contemporary English Version (CEV) 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission; THE MESSAGE (MSG). Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group; the Amplified New Testament (AMP), The Lockman Foundation 1954, 1958; the New Life Version (NLV) copyright 1969 by Christian Literature International; and the King James Version (KJV). All italics are the authors. The study is best followed using an NIV Bible.
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For every woman who has held a baby while stirring dinner, taking a phone call, helping a kid with homework, thinking about work the next day, and gearing up for sex that night. May this study be the equivalent of an unexpected housekeeper, chef, and secretary showing up on your doorstep. I love you, Girlfriend.
Acknowledgments
I want to thank my husband, Brandon, for cutting me a lot of slack on my roles. Thanks for not pointing out the things I wrote about that Ive yet to master. I plan on having it all sewn up by the time Im fifty or something. For being patient in the meantime, I love you.
My girlfriends deserve line space for taking the journey with me. Ive never known a group of girls who try so hard, even if we mess up the worst. I dont want to think about living one day without you. You are the quirkiest Modern Girls, and I adore you.
I cant fathom what this study would look like without my editor, Karen Lee-Thorp. You can spot a rambling rant with unmatched precision. Sorry I do that, but Im incapable of changing. Just keep your delete button in good working order.
To my talented friends at NavPress: Terry Behimer, Kathy Mosier, Mike Kennedy, Kristen Baldini, Kris Wallen, Arvid Wallen (love my covers), Pamela Mendoza, and every other dear person who touched these projects of mine. I cant tell you what a pleasure it is to work with you.
Finally, I am infinitely grateful to You, God, for loving me, though Im a bit of a problem child. Thank You for giving me security and grace in my roles. Ive never felt too far gone, and that is a credit to Your merciful patience and affection. I love You as much as any daughter could.
Introduction
Welcome, Modern Girls! An informal poll of girls in my life revealed balancing our roles as a top struggle for women across all ages and stages. As God confirmed that this indeed was my next topic, I went into the fetal position. When I told one girlfriend about this upcoming project, she said, Fantastic! Who is going to teach you? Touch.
I dont know why, but God called me into ministry now. He didnt let me get older so I could know stuff. So Im always teaching what Im currently learning. Know this: Ive read fifteen books, taken weeks off to prepare my head for this writing, and dragged countless women into conversation because, Girls, I am so in the trenches with you. One author I read actually wrote, I never understand why women struggle in this area so much. What? Is she on drugs? And if so, will she share?
She obviously does not live a real life, so know this about me: Im a pastors wife, a mom of three (ages eight and under), a friend, a daughter, a sister, a writer, a teacher, a neighbor. I have no nanny, no housekeeper, no parents in town, no assistant, no free babysitters, no free ride, no time, and often no clue. So I wont be writing while the nanny takes care of my kids and the maid cleans my house. Ill be typing with a three-year-old lying in my lap putting tape on my face.
I know how insane it feels to juggle fifteen roles. If youve ever bawled your eyes out from sheer exhaustion, this study is for you. If that seems a little dramatic, you can read the author I referenced earlier. She doesnt get us either. But if frazzled has ever been used to describe you, lets reclaim beauty together in our roles: believer, wife, mother, professional, daughter, and friend. Ill be your girlfriend, not your lecturer. Through healthy boundaries, diligence, and freedom, well discover together that we can do everything through him who gives [us] strength (Philippians 4:13). We really can. Gods not a liar.
Youll encounter three icons throughout the study representing three different ways to respond. The radio icon indicates a time to dig into the Word, the rearview mirror icon offers a chance to personally reflect on truth, and the telephone icon opens the door to intimate prayer. The questions with asterisks throughout the study are good discussion starters if youll be meeting with a small group. In addition to the book youre holding, youll need a Bible and a lined journal for your answers and journaling activities.
From one busy Modern Girl to another, enjoy.
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