Book Review: Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

My Personal review ~ 5 stars

Feminine Appeal is a refreshing, little Christian Living book that I feel is overlooked! In a world where true femininity is fading, and being a homemaker, wife, and mother is scoffed at, Carolyn Mahaney encourages us to take another look at our unique design as women. What did God create us specially for, and how can this impact the world? Are we embracing this gift … the gift of feminine appeal?

Consider the loveliness of a woman who passionately adores her husband, who tenderly cherishes her children, who creates a warm and peaceful home, who exemplifies purity, self-control, and kindness in her character and who gladly submits to her husband’s leadership – for all the days God grants her life. I dare say there are few things that display the gospel jewel with greater elegance. This is true feminine appeal. ~ Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

Truly, reading this book reinforced my passion for Christ-like marriages and godly homes. My heart was swelling with such excitement and joy at the thought of being a homemaker someday and creating a warm home where Christ is exalted. Of being a wife and helpmeet to one of God’s adopted sons – to support him and encourage him in whatever God is calling him … us … to do. Of raising children together to know the love of their Creator and serve Him all their days.

Both husbands and wives will become more Christ-like by having to deal with each other’s sins and deficiencies. We must settle this issue in our hearts. We married a sinner, and so did they. But this is the hope for our marriage: God forgives sinners and helps us grow to be like Him. ~ Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

Remember that we vowed in our wedding ceremony “to love and to cherish till death do us part”? Do we even understand what we promised to do? To cherish means to hold dear, to care for tenderly or to nurture, to cling fondly to, or treat as precious. ~ Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

This world is lacking homes. True, beautiful homes where Jesus Christ is adored and family is cherished and strangers loved on. I honestly believe that the breakdown of the family and godly home is what is leading to so much destruction in America. Think of the impact that we, as women, could have on society – on people’s souls – if we took our femininity and its roles more seriously. We have the unique ability and responsibility to be homemakers and wives and mothers. For the sake of the Gospel. For the glory of God.

Dawson Trotman, founder of the group called the Navigators, once said: “I believe with all my heart that one of the greatest soul saving stations in the world is the home.” And I love what one person observed about Dr. Francis Schaeffer’s wife, Edith: “As many people were brought to the Lord through Mrs. Schaeffer’s cinnamon buns as through Dr. Schaeffer’s sermons!” ~ Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

What an extraordinary thought – that we can create a home where it is “impossible to keep from thinking of God”. ~ Feminine Appeal  by Carolyn Mahaney

Feminine Appeal is based on the teachings in Titus 2, and addresses loving one’s husband and children, self-control, purity, intimacy, homemaking, kindness, submission, and more. This might sound like an old-fashioned, outdated book to you, but I think you’d be surprised. God’s design never goes out of style … In fact, it is forever good and even delightful! What do you have to lose by giving this book a try? We can see that the culture’s way of womanhood doesn’t seem to be garnering that great of results.

Some points of this book might really challenge you … even feel revolting to you. But should women’s ministry be all about feel-good chats, inspirational quotes, and never feeling guilty? Since when have Christian women become the ones who can never be rebuked or corrected? We are in the wrong sometimes – many times(!) – and we need to repent and seek God’s face. Lord, teach me how to be a woman!

The specific instruction in Titus 2 is for wives to be “submissive to their own husbands.” This word submission in the Greek means to “voluntarily place oneself under.” ~ Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

The definition of the Greek word for “respect” means “to be in awe of, to revere, or to treat as someone special.” Is that how we act toward our husbands? Do we respect them with our words, tone of voice, countenance, and body language? ~ Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

This book is easy to follow, and definitely worth the read! As I mentioned above, it ignited my passion and desire anew for homemaking, marriage, and motherhood. After finishing it, I wanted to get a copy for my mom and other dear wives & mothers who I know! It’s also a great resource for unmarried women such as myself. May we cherish our femininity. May we esteem marriage, motherhood, and keeping a home, and pray for God to teach us even now how to do these things well should He call us to them.

Overall, I highly recommend. We don’t have enough books like this!

 

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