Endorsements
Freedom. That is what I am beginning to grasp. Through the reading of Exhale , I found myself sensing new freedom in my life as I began to put into practice the principles Amy and Cheri lay out so clearly. Im taking new steps toward losing who Im not, loving who I am, and living my one life well thanks to this book! Im so grateful for it!
Lynn Cowell, Proverbs 31 speaker; author, Make Your Move: Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures
In a culture saturated with pressure to always do more and be more, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory offer a different way. Like fresh air to women who cant catch a breath, Exhale lifts the burdens you were never meant to bear and then infuses your day with compassion, wisdom, and practical steps to live your one life well. This book isnt one more to-do; its permission to do less.
Michele Cushatt, author, I Am: A 60 - Day Journey to Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is
With hard-won wisdom, authenticity, and hearts for the truth of Scripture, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory deliver an approachable empowerment to spiritual and emotional growth. In these pages discover that youre not alone, change is possible, and hope can infuse your present and future life. A well-written, practical book.
Mary DeMuth, author, We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis
Exhale feels like a good friend who just walked through the door and invited you to rest. That friend knows how tired you are, how exhausted you are from trying to be all, do all. I love how gentle and funny and wise this book is, and I highly recommend it to any woman needing a deep, refreshing breath of clarity.
Suzanne Eller, international speaker; bestselling author; cohost, More Than Small Talk podcast
Amy and Cheri are the wise friends who have been there and who will take you by the hand, fix you a cup of tea, and share just what you need to hear to begin a journey of empowerment to finding your fullest life in Christ. You are created for lessless worry, less self-judging, and less second-guessing. You are also created for moremore joy, more happiness, and more fulfillment. Exhale is a beautiful guide, full of wisdom and grace, to a better you. I cant wait to read it again!
Susy Flory, New York Times bestselling author; director, West Coast Christian Writers Conference
Take a deep breath. You officially have permission to stop being Super Woman, doing all the things, and instead bask in exactly who God has made you to be. In Exhale , Amy and Cheri have given us a precious gift. Its the gift of Bible stories showing us what pieces of ourselves we can ditch, practical advice on how to ditch them, and the beautiful hope that emerges in us when we allow God to transform us. You do not want to miss this book. Every page is like a breath of fresh air.
Maria Furlough, speaker; author, Breaking the Fear Cycle and Confident Moms, Confident Daughters
Have you ever suddenly realized youre holding your breath? Your stomach is tight, your shoulders tense, your smile forced. Then, whoosh , you breathe and everything changes. This book is like that for a stressed-out womans heart. You read and everything changes.
Holley Gerth, bestselling author, You re Already Amazing
This book is the breath of fresh air weve all been longing and looking for. If youre feeling burned out or overwhelmed, Exhale will show you how to leave your frazzled ways behind to embrace a life of fulfillment and freedom.
Lauren Gaskill, founder and president, She Found Joy; author, Into the Deep: Diving Into a Life of Courageous Faith
Amy and Cheri shine here. Their conversational style makes this a breeze to read, yet the impact is life-changing. How many women do you know who truly celebrateand stewardhow God made them? Want to become that woman? Then Exhale is a must-read.
Lisa T. Grimes, coauthor, Remember Who You Are ; managing director, Habergeon
I know what its like to be so exhausted from trying to meet everyones expectations, so stressed by circumstances, and so beaten down by problems and people that simply breathing feels like a challenge. Exhale is a book I so could have benefited from during those trying seasons. Amy and Cheris tips and encouragement help us all learn to breathe again as we discover how to rest in who we are and whose we are, so we can fully embrace and enjoy the life God has given us.
Tracie Miles, author and Proverbs 31 speaker; director, COMPEL Training
Maybe you long to lay down heavy burdens or embrace the future with hope and optimism. Exhale will serve as your friendly and practical guide. Its time to step out into the life you were meant to live.
Arlene Pellicane, speaker and podcaster; author, Days to Becoming a Happy Wife
Hey, you. The one gripping your list, making your plan. Worrying, stressing, and wondering how youll ever please everyone and get it right. Arent you tired of holding your breath? Arent you ready to exhale ? With humor, kindness, vulnerability, and joy, Amy and Cheri pack each chapter of this book with precious and powerful insights from Gods Word, along with tender guidance on how we can exhale, move forward, and breathe.
Shannon Popkin, speaker and blogger; author, Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible
Carroll and Gregory pour out hard-won wisdom like a balm for dependable women. Through candid stories, pivotal observations, and aha moments, Exhale delivers clarity and assurance. Breathe deeply of Gods love and walk confidently, with purpose, as you interact with this gold mine of goodness.
Katie M. Reid, Bible teacher; author, Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done
Amy and Cheri are the friends I wish I had in my real lifethe kind who love you enough not to leave you in the pit and who offer a hug as they help you navigate your way forward with practical tools, simple swaps, and honest encouragement.
Crystal Stine, speaker and blogger; author, Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work- Hard, Rest- Well Life
Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory use their personal experiences to expose the common potholes that trip too many of us on our journey to becoming and appreciating who we are. Their understanding and helpful guidance will add chuckles and insights to improve your trek and keep you on track.
Debbie W. Wilson, cofounder, Lighthouse Ministries; author, Little Women, Big God
Exhale authors Cheri Gregory and Amy Carroll offer women a respite, giving them permission to take the packs off their backs, sit for a spell, and breathe deep with God. An excellent resource written by two gifted communicators.
Ginny L. Yttrup, author, Words and Invisible
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
2019 by Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory
Published by Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.bethanyhouse.com
Bethany House Publishers is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2019
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-1877-0
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.