Christa Black - God Loves Ugly: & love makes beautiful

In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the authors intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher at permissions@hbgusa.com. Thank you for your support of the authors rights.

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Copyright 2012 by Christa Black

Graphic Artwork: Libby Gifford

Photography: Steven Taylor

Styling & Makeup: Tasha Homan for Relevant Hair

Hair: Carmody Homan for Relevant Hair, and Lynn Dowling

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible (Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation). Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the authors intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher at permissions@hbgusa.com. Thank you for your support of the authors rights.

The author has added italics to scripture quotations for emphasis and all emphasis within scripture quotations is the authors own.

Faith Words

Hachette Book Group

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First ebook edition: September 2012

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ISBN: 978-1-4555-1657-5

I wish I had this book when I was struggling with bulimia as a teenage girl. Thank you, Christa, for presenting your story with such raw vulnerability and honesty. You show that true beauty comes from what seems like the ugliest secrets. Freedom will be experienced by many as a result. And as the mom of three girls, I promise I will be referencing this book often.

Natalie Grant, award-winning singer-songwriter

This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to be loved. Its not just for people in despair or rehab; its a dose of loving truth for us all. I can attest to this awakening in Christas life Ive seen it up-close and beautiful! This beauty-for-ashes story will never grow old.

Christy Nockels, singer-songwriter, part of the 268 generation

Brilliantly written, real, raw, inspiring. Christa is a true role model who has an amazing story to share and teach from.

Pattie Mallette, author of Nowhere But Up: The Story of Justin Biebers Mom

If ever there was a book worth reading and a journey worth taking, it is this one. Christa has a remarkable way of putting her heart on paper. GOD LOVES UGLY will encourage you to search your own life and rediscover truth, beauty and how love changes everything. Whether youre nine or 109, the words in these pages will teach you to see with new eyes.

Kari Jobe, worship leader, songwriter

God Loves Ugly is a song that changed my life and self-esteem, and now GOD LOVES UGLY is a book that inspired my heart.

Jordin Sparks, American Idol winner

Christa really hit the bulls-eye with GOD LOVES UGLY. I cant wait to give this book to my mom, sister, and every other woman in my life. Its extremely relatable and encouraging.

Kellan Lutz, actor

I cant recommend this book enough. Christas effortless style and honesty will reach hearts, inspiring hope for all who struggle to believe true freedom is for them.

Michael W. Smith, Grammy-winning artist

Intelligent, creative, humble, generous, passionate, raw, and honest these are some of the words that spring to mind while reading this wonderful piece of heartfelt literature by my friend, Christa Black. As she delves into subject matter that is often danced around, she has the grace to give each of us readers real life stories, with real life answers in a way that empowers and brings light rather than shame. I am confident that this book will be life changing and life saving for so many, and my heart is ever grateful for the courage and tenacity of our beautiful Christa. Be inspired as you read.

Darlene Zschech

After reading GOD LOVES UGLY, one word kept echoing through my mind and heart: compassion. Christa courageously peels back the layers of fear and defense mechanisms to reveal a heart created to receive love and live a life of compassion. Battling the lies that try to guide our beliefs is a part of my story and the story of countless others. Christa shares keys to freedom from the lies and like a true friend, leads you down the path to total joy and deliverance. You wont be disappointed!

Kim Walker-Smith, Jesus Culture

This book is a beautiful portrait of the Fathers heart for us. I love how Christa exposes the lies of beliefs that disempower. She does a great job of teaching people to know who they are and how the Father sees them.

Jenn Johnson, Bethel Music

To my life partner and Studhubs, Lucas. Your love
continues to heal me deeper than any earthly medicine
ever could. I learn from your compassionate heart,
peaceful demeanor, and stoic wisdom every single day.
Thank you for choosing me to walk this life road with
you. Its the best time Ive ever had.

I couldnt have walked this journey of healing without the support of family and friends holding me up when my legs were a bit too wobbly to stand.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your unconditional love through my crashes and burns, ridiculous escapades, impromptu travels, and mountaintop victories. I wouldnt be the woman Ive become without your support, your example, and your constant prayer.

Graham and Theresa Cooke, I sure enjoy being your fourth daughter. Thank you for teaching me how to rest in the truth.

Im eternally grateful for my best friend, Kelly, who saw my bad character and chose to love me out of it, and to my beautiful Antonia, who believed in me when I didnt have the strength to believe in myself. Thank you for helping me make the kind of music I adore.

And then we have the Michael W. Smith family, who adopted me in all of my craziness. You took me into your home and your hearts and provided me with much more than a gig for over ten years. You gave me a family.

I still smile when thinking about the divine setup of running into Miss Andrea Lucado on the lido deck of that cruise ship. This book wouldnt be what it is without your mad editing skills. And to the best sister-in-law a girl could ever ask for, Libby Gifford. Your brilliant illustrations brought my words to life.