Becky Harling - Freedom from Performing: Grace in an Applause-Driven World

If you long to be freed from the burden of living for the applause of others, read this book. In Freedom from Performing, Becky Harling reveals her own journey moving from perfectionism and comparison to the place of grace. She will equip you to embrace your purpose and passion while releasing the pressure of living to please others. The study guide will equip you to internalize Scripture and make choices based on transformational truth.

CAROL KENT , speaker; author of When I Lay My Isaac Down and A New Kind of Normal

From the opening pages of Freedom from Performing, author Becky Harling's words start to operate on those of us suffering with performance-driven-itis. The more we read, the more personal and intricate the surgery becomes as layers of shame and overblown self-worth are removed by the delicate scalpel of grace. Somehow Becky joins the opposites of work and rest so we performers can get things done in God's time, not ours.

SHARON NORRIS ELLIOTT, CEO, life That Matters Ministries; author of Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame

Freedom from Performing was written for all of us who are running as fast as we can and just not getting there. The race is fixed, and there's only one way to win. Author Becky Harling has nailed that truth and presents it in a clear, compelling way, inviting us to relax and rest in the fact that grace has already won and will carry us across the finish line if we'll just allow it to do so. I highly encourage every Christian who has ever entertained the thought that she is not good enough, isn't competent enough, or will never succeed to immediately stop that futile self-torture and get a copy of this book. It's the best resource on practical grace that I've seen in a very long time.

KATHI MACIAS, award-winning author and speaker

In a world that applauds perfection and performance, women often get lost in trying to be someone significant. This book is a treat. Tender yet firm, it helps women to a place of security in a world that breeds insecurity. I would highly recommend this as a personal and group resource for women today who eho are looking to understand of God's grace and how that grace makes a real difference.

DEBBIE ALSDORF, author of The Faith Dare and The DESIGN4LIVING bible studys

We all struggle with pressures that hold us back. Becky guides us on a powerful healing journey to flourish in a transformed, grace-filled life. Discover how God takes great pleasure and delight in you. Become free to be your most authentic, beautiful real self!

CATHERINE HART WEBER, PhD, Christian therapist, life coach, and spiritual director

Becky's message is vitally important to all of us followers of Christ. We face a subtle yet powerfully seductive temptation to earn acceptance through performance, and we in the Christian world can fall for it hook, line, and sinker. Freedom from Performing pulls the reader into Scriptures and reflections to give a balanced perspective on being set free from the tyranny of performance. How we need Becky's book! I am so grateful for her scripturally based message of grace, and I recommend it highly to churches and individuals as a valuable tool in helping grow disciples.

NANCIE CARMICHAEL, author of Surviving One Bad Year and Selah

Pressure to perform is so ingrained in our culture that we can easily fall into its clutches. Becky Harling reveals the insidious lie that we are somehow defective if we do not perform well and exposes the unconscious root causes that so often fuel our drive to succeed. Writing with incredible insight and compassion, she offers hope.The guided scriptural reflections and exercises at the end of each chapter offer biblically sound, realistic, and practical resources for victoriously growing in freedom.

HEATHER DAVEDIUK GINGRICH, PhD, associate professor of counseling, Denver Seminary

This book is lovingly dedicated to my wonderful in-laws, Don and Ginny Harling. Thanks, Dad and Mom, for loving me, showing me grace, and being so supportive of the ministry God has given me. And thank you for leaving such a godly legacy for my children and grandchildren. I love you both!

And to You, Lord Jesus, thanks for Your incredible grace in my life.

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

S pecial thanks to:

My husband, SteveThanks, babe, for being patient as I finished writing and for supporting me throughout this journey. I love the way you don't color in the lines. Thanks for challenging this rule follower to think outside the box and go for the next challenge. I love you!

My kids: BethanyYou are an amazing and gracious woman and a wonderful mom. I love watching all God is doing through you. Thanks for bringing Tyler into the world. And thank you for letting me process so many ideas from this book with you. I love you, Bethany!

JosiahWow! You have become such a remarkable leader. I am so proud of the way God is using you in the lives of so many. Thank you for challenging me to think and grow deeper in my walk with God. I love you, J. J.!

StefanieHow incredible to watch you become a mother. You have such delightful gifts of perception and insight. I love your passion! Thanks for bringing Charlie into this world. I love you, Stef!

Keri JoyYour joy is contagious, and your sweet spirit has been such an encouragement to me. I love listening to the songs you write. Never stop singing, Bear; you have such an anointing for leading people into the presence of God. I love you, Bear!

My son-in-law ChrisHow I thank God for you! You are such a godly leader and gentle husband to Bethany and an amazing father to Tyler. I love your heart for God and your passion for mercy. I love you, Chris!

My son-in-law DaveHow I thank God for you and your gracious spirit. You consistently have a heart for the broken and bruised. Thank you for the way you love and lead Stef and Charlie. I love you, Dave!

My daughter-in-law ShainaHow I thank God for bringing you into our family! Your gentle, affirming spirit is a rare treasure. I love your heart for those who are hurting. Thank you for the way you always build up J. J. I love you, Shaina!

My precious grandsons, Charlie David and Tyler JosiahYou guys make my Mimi's heart sing. I love you both beyond what you can imagine!

The precious women in Courtney's small group (Courtney Waters, Jill Bartish, Erika Morris, Katherine Elder, Valerie Near) who field-tested this bookYour insights were amazing.

The wonderful women of Foothills Community ChurchThanks for your acceptance and love. I love each of you!

My incredible editor, Liz HeaneyYou deserve some type of huge honor! Thank you for your patience as I wrestled through the concepts of this book. There were times I thought I'd never finish, but you cheered me on. Thank you for all the times you let me process. Your wisdom and encouragement are remarkable. I could never do this without you!

The wonderful men and women at NavPressThank you for your commitment to seeing life transformation in the lives of God's people. What a privilege to be published by you. Special thanks to Kris Wallen for all your encouragement!

NOTE TO SMALL-GROUP LEADERS

S mall-group leaders are some of the most influential people to assist with life transformation in the kingdom of God. I will be praying for you as you guide the women in your small group during this twelve-week study on internalizing grace. You have the opportunity to be a living model of God's grace to the women in your group.

The Bible study included in this book, A Daily Dose of Grace, is designed to encourage women in a daily walk with God. Some of the women in your group might not be able to complete every question, and that's okay. Don't discourage them from attending your group even if they have not done the daily study. Offer grace.