You long to serve God with grace and strength, to reflect Christ in every word and action. Yet you find yourself continually struggling to bring that vision to life in your daily walk. At our very core, every one of us is a “twisted sister” within whom the flesh and spirit battle constantly for control. We are afflicted with spiritual schizophrenia, the disconnect between our good-girl desire to put Jesus first and our bad-girl realities that crowd our thoughts and push him out of the way. In this life-changing audiobook, Joanna Weaver, author of the perennial bestseller, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, directs your gaze past your own shortcomings to the God who stands ready, willing, and able to make a new woman out of you. She equips you with biblical insights and practical tools to partner with Christ, inviting him into the hidden places of your soul and giving him full permission to redeem and renovate. Drawing on the stories of the biblical Marys (Mary, mother of Jesus; Mary, sister of Martha; and Mary Magdalene) and others whose experience with God transformed their lives, Joanna shows how you can find what you long for: hope, healing, wholeness, and joy. Having a Mary Spirit will launch you toward lasting personal transformation: soul-deep change that results in a complete makeover – from the inside out.
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"One of my favorite books of all time. I plan to re-read it many times and recommend it to just about every woman I know. Although it is geared more toward females, I found myself reading several passages to my husband because I loved the author's interpretations of verses and 'wake-up calls'. As my husband said, "There is a lot in there that we need to hear every day"."
— Meg (5 out of 5 stars)
“Weaver spends sixteen delightfully entertaining and spiritually hefty chapters challenging and entreating women to allow God entrance to the heart’s inner places for a “soul-surgery” of sorts. She discusses guarding one’s heart from distractions and cynicism, bringing thoughts under control, honing a fearless, courageous attitude, and learning to adopt a discerning, malleable and servant-minded spirit. Weaver’s insight is keen and far-reaching, patient and practical…Weaver has a way of approaching even the most tried subject matter with a neighborliness that both charms and enthralls.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Once again, Joanna Weaver guides us gently, lovingly, yet firmly along the life-changing path of righteousness. Her honesty about her own struggles assures us we're not alone. And her commitment to biblical truth reminds us God will be with us every step of the way. I promise you'll emerge from this reading experience a changed woman!”
— Liz Curtis Higgs, bestselling author of Bad Girls of the Bible“Reading Having a Mary Spirit is like having a cherished friend visit and speak right to my heart. As someone who loved Having a Mary Heart in Martha World, this second book focuses on intimacy with Christ, but it also takes us deeper, showing us—through personal anecdotes and touching stories—the joy found in turning ourselves over for a holy makeover. If you're ready for a transformed spirit, you'll adore this book!”
— Tricia Goyer, author of Generation NeXt Parenting“It seems the most authentic books are the ones that inch their way out of an ordinary life and quietly speak of all that is eternal. That is the case with Having a Mary Spirit. This personal and life-pondering book will strengthen and soothe the places in your spirit where your everyday life has left you parched. Drink deeply!”
— Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author" I guess this is a good book if you're into spiritual growth, but I'd rather read shorter articles. "
— Kim, 2/19/2014" We read this for the MOPS steering bible study. Today was our last meeting, and I thouroughly enjoyed the reading, discussion and relationship that developed from this book. I would gladly read it again with another group of Women. It was meaty and uplifting. I was encouraged to pursue Christ after every reading and even more after every study gathering. "
— Stacey, 2/17/2014" I was quite disappointed initially as I thought I had requested her first book and not this one. Once I had gotten over my mistake and dived in this book, I realized that this is what I needed to challenge me in my spiritual walk. Thank you, Joanna Weaver, for being transparent and relatable. I really needed this book. "
— Vivian, 1/25/2014" This is a life changing book and I highly recommend it! "
— Alison, 1/21/2014" I think the overarching theme of "striving" to do better, instead of surrender is where this book failed to strike a chord with me. The author is most definitely a Type A desperately seeking to do God's will. I think we can get so busy "doing battle" that we totally miss the big picture and the opportunity to be in the moment and at peace. The chapter on forgiveness is good. "
— Shawn, 1/17/2014" Really great book to work through during devotional time. It's all about trying to control your inner flesh woman and act through the spirit. She really made me evaluate some things in my life. Good writing. I worked through it so slowly I can't remember too many specifics. Definitely want to go back and skim through a few things. "
— Karen, 1/15/2014" This book wasn't what I thought it would be like. Only read a few chapters. "
— Desna, 1/10/2014" I think there were many of the same themes in this one as the first....but still a great study! (I'm such a Martha!) "
— Deana, 1/9/2014" I did read the first in the series. I love that it makes being human a true learning tool. "
— Stephanie, 1/6/2014" This book helped me confront "my flesh" I understand more about my own selfish motives and have learned to question why I do things. I really enjoyed how the author backed her thoughts with scripture and excerpts from her favorite authors. They really drive her point home. "
— Kat, 12/23/2013" the book had a few good points but most of it seemed like just a combination of other things i had read before. "
— Lauren, 12/3/2013" Awesome book! Speaks loudly to the married woman and really to every woman about where our faiths should lay "
— chris, 12/1/2013" what an affirming book. going back to read the prequel to this title... Having a Mary Spirit in a Martha World. "
— Loretta, 11/14/2013" A follow-up to "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World". Also highly recommended. "
— Laura, 10/24/2013" Life changing. Just read it. "
— Emarr99aol.com, 10/19/2013" A life-changing book, titled appropriately! "
— Kelli, 7/9/2013" A wonderful insite into how to pursue the direction I have been searching to open my life to God and share the blessings I have received. This is a book I want all my friends to read. "
— Sharon, 6/2/2013" This book has helped me see the changes I need to make in my life. "
— Tina, 12/15/2012" Was an easy read. Very helpful in dealing with a situation I was involved in-helped with how to handle it. "
— Lisa, 11/18/2012" Read with Bible Study group "
— Megan, 10/29/2012" Our book group did this book for June. A great discussion book for groups and everyone in our group enjoyed reading it. "
— Barbara, 10/29/2012" only on Chapter 7 but so far its been the best read for spiritual growth and stability. Helps you uncover and detect the "Twanda" in each of us who wants to take over your life and live her life and lifestyle out loud and in your face! "
— ~alyssa~, 10/22/2012" I could not get into this book mainly because of the protestant based beliefs, which aren't my own. I'm sure it'll be a good book for others of that faith. "
— Juliana, 5/9/2012" Enjoyed this book. Empowered to be at the feet of Jesus more in my daily life. "
— Carrie, 4/16/2011" Overall, a good read. Not a heavy duty book, but easy to read a chapter at a time, with a good "motif" for each section that can be practically applied. "
— Alix, 4/3/2011" I enjoyed this book, especially the part about Mary emptying her alabaster jar at the Master's feet. It was insightful into the balance between service and intimacy. "
— Naomi, 3/26/2011" I liked this book; however, I did not like her perspective on Eve and the events in the Garden of Eden. "
— Lora, 2/22/2011" Excellent read to help improve/strengthen and guide me to keep working on getting closer with the Lord!! READ IT FOR SURE!! "
— Kelly, 1/19/2011" After reading it on Kindle, ordered a hard copy so I can go back and do the study at the end. <br/>Some chapters I felt were talking directly to me. "
— Jean, 12/24/2010" Given to me by a priest of my church, as she led a women's spiritual book club on this and related topics. So far, a great guidebook for women, even if God is not a major focus in your life - you can draw great life guidance that is spiritually focused. "
— Bebedough, 11/10/2010" Great book to help you slow down and spend time with God. "
— Christy, 11/4/2010" this was good. It has a study guide at the back so great for doing with someone. I had one AHA moment while going through this book. "
— Karen, 8/21/2010Joanna Weaver is a pastor’s wife, Bible-study leader, and author whose articles have appeared in Focus on the Family, Home Life, Aspire, and the Evangel. She and her husband, John, have been in full-time ministry for twenty-four years. They live with their three children in Whitefish, Montana.