About the book:
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: HarperOne (April 24, 2012)
ISBN-10: 006206892X
ISBN-13: 978-0062068927
Available: Amazon/$16.04
My Thoughts: After being approached by Trish Collins with TLC Tours about possible book review opportunities, Debbie Ford’s Courage: Overcoming Fear and Igniting Self-Confidence stood out to me because of my personal battle with fear. Growing up as a shy introvert, fear has been a constant companion it seems. And I have longed for the days that I could be more courageous. From the opening lines of the introduction, I found myself nodding in agreement or answering yes many times to the questions she posed about feeling small, saying I can’t, silencing my own voice or making choices out of fear.
Ford invites readers on a journey to rediscover the “courageous warrior” within as they unlock seven codes which include: divine guidance, surrender, emotional freedom, heartfelt compassion, a loving heart, inspired vision and supreme beauty. After the discussion of each code, the chapter concludes with questions for reflections, courage activator, confidence builder, and courage and confidence bonus activities. For example, one question at the end of the code of silence chapter is, “ What are you not accepting? Make a list of any areas of your life where you’re experiencing some conflict or inner resistance-where you’re refusing to accept things as they actually are.” One courage activator activity asks you to communicate a truth you have been afraid to express to someone without any attachment to whether or not they like it.
As I read through Courage, I jotted down several quotes that spoke to me such as the following quote from pg. 144
When you are not complete with the past, you drag it around with you whenever you go, using it as a reference point for who you are, for what you think, for what you believe, and for the choices you make.
and this from pg. 176
It’s not our job to assess the merit of our vision or judge its importance. It is our job to receive the vision and act upon it.
Throughout the book she shares stories from her own life struggles and that of others she has mentored. While I could relate to much of the book and enjoyed the author’s writing style, the overall undertone of the book seemed a bit new age to me. Perhaps it was the way she referenced “the divine” or spoke of “the universe”. I can’t really pinpoint it but it seemed to rely too much on my own abilities. Much of what is written in these codes can easily correspond to spiritual principles found in the Bible.
About Debbie Ford:
Debbie Ford has been helping people break free from the emotional baggage that holds them hostage and discover self-confidence and authentic self expression. She is the
national bestselling author of Dark Side of the Light Chasers, Secret of the Shadow, Spiritual Divorce, The Right Questions, The Best Year of Your Life, Why Good People Do Bad Things, and The 21-Day Consciousness Cleanse, and the coauthor of The Shadow Effect. She conducts workshops and trainings around the world supporting lifelong personal, spiritual, and emotional education and transformation. She lives in San Diego with her son. More at www.debbieford.com.
Disclosure: Thanks to Trish with TLC Tours for the opportunity to review this book. I was provided a complimentary copy of Courage in exchange for honest review. Find out what others are saying about the book at TLC Tour Hosts.
Have you read Courage or any of Debbie Ford’s other books? If so I’d love to know what you think?
“Inner resistance”… I’m not sure that there is any fear worse than being trapped by inner resistance. It is very difficult when it is our own self that is keeping us from accepting so we can arise and advance. It is why I so love the teaching of Paul, because of his constant urging to keep pressing forward. May we break through every inner resistance as we pursue and press forward, with the knowledge that we we are totally supported by God: “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah.” – Psalm 68:19
Amen LaVonne, often times we are our own biggest hindrances.
Thank you Wanda! I remember this author…I love the concept of the book! I suffer from fear…so many people in my life have tried talking me out of what I want to do. I love the breakdown and maybe I could use this gem! I hope we and others can find the strength to cope with our fear! Thank you~ 😀
This was my first encounter with any of her books. I definitely know the impact fear has on our mobility.
I need to remember this….do not judge the importance of the vision…I do that sometimes
Oh Kim, I do too
I certainly can gain insight in these words of wisdom. Thank you Wanda for the review. Blessings.
Hi JBR many of things discussed in the book were insightful. I suppose finding courage is something many deal with it.
Thanks for sharing and for the birthday wishes. My theme on my blog this week is about being strong and courageous, key verse Joshua 1:9. Thanks again for posting this. I hope you are having a blessed week so far. 🙂
You’re quite welcome Toia. I will have to stop by to ready your post.
Being brave enough to share a secret truth with someone without worrying about their reaction is truly a difficult thing to do!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
I appreciate the opportunity to read/review Debbie’s book. Much of it resonated with me.