“Biblical, Nuanced, and Helpful”
In this book, Stacy Reaoch explores tough topics about body image, food, and exercise through a biblical lens. In the first part of the book, Reaoch gives examples of common struggles that women have, and she writes about how a biblical perspective on beauty and our true purpose can flip the script. In the second part of the book, she explores biblical approaches to exercise, food restrictions, overindulgence, spiritual practices of fasting, and aging. There is also an appendix that includes more information about eating disorders, along with recommended next steps for getting help.
This book covers multiple topics in a helpful, holistic way. I appreciate how the author shares examples from her own life and women she knows, representing a variety of different viewpoints and struggles. This book doesn't make harsh or oversimplified judgments, and acknowledges some of the varying motivations and reasons behind people's different approaches to food and exercise. Reaoch encourages people to pursue the eating and exercise habits that are right for their body and circumstances, as long as they are submitting all of this to God and not looking to their health habits to provide them with their identity, their meaning in life, or a form of salvation. Even though some readers will disagree with the author on various things, she is deliberately nuanced and makes space for people's different health needs and personal convictions.
"Beautiful Freedom" is a great primer and conversation-starter about an important topic, and because the author includes reflection and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, this will be great for people to read individually, in study groups, or in partnership with a friend or mentor. I would recommend this to people who recognize a need for growth in this area, or who want to better understand and support loved ones in their struggles.
Note: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.