Stronger Than You Think

December 11, 2006
This is not a self-help manual with the obligatory seven steps for
\t\t growth or spiritual renewal. This is a book about women's brokenness. Eckert,
\t\t an assistant professor of psychology and counseling at Tennessee's Lee
\t\t University, says that failed relationships, body issues, sexual wounds, low
\t\t self-esteem and dormant anger conspire to keep women from the wholeness they
\t\t desire. In the first half, Eckert draws on the work of Mary Pipher and Kathleen
\t\t Fischer to highlight the damaging messages women internalize, and the "negative
\t\t self-talk" that can cripple them. These chapters are well done, with Eckert
\t\t bringing the message home through various "tools for the journey"—practical
\t\t suggestions of things that women can do to enjoy greater authenticity and
\t\t wholeness. The book's second half really sings as Eckert tackles specific
\t\t issues like anger, depression, self-image and—in the book's most poignant
\t\t chapters—beauty and women's sexuality. Drawing on her own stories and those
\t\t of women she has counseled (and mixing in song lyrics from Dar Williams and
\t\t Natalie Merchant), Eckert asserts that women are stronger than they think they
\t\t are: emboldened by Christ, they can find spiritual healing and emotional
\t\t wholeness.