For years, I have heard about Emma Mae Jenkins and occasionally stumbled across her YouTube videos. I used to think her joyful, bubbly, presence was an act, and I would feel uncomfortable with how forward and loving she seemed. It wasn’t until I read her book, however, that I finally understood the beautiful woman of God she is!
Be Loved is an incredibly well-designed book. With lots of colors and pictures, it felt like I was reading Emma’s high school diary. Her heart for the Father poured onto each page, and I thoroughly enjoyed the scriptures and the prayer section at the end of each chapter.
Taking us on her journey of self-discovery and transition, Emma’s struggles are like those of thousands of teen girls going through their school years: fear of rejection, peer pressure, body image, and searching for your identity. The confident, loving, God-fearing young woman you see on Instagram or YouTube is someone who has worked very hard to put her identity in Jesus/Yeshua rather than herself, and this book highlights where Emma had to hand her life over to the Lord.
After reading this book, I felt full of inspiration and encouragement. When people would ask me why I was so confident, I used to tell them that I was faking it until I made it; when the truth is, walking with the Lord and believing in the purpose He has for my life is the reason I am so confident. (Proverbs 3:26) I, like Emma, moved around a lot as a kid, and I had to learn rather quickly how to stop allowing what people thought of me dictate how I acted. Standing out is not a bad thing; in fact, it attracts people towards you, giving you an incredible opportunity to talk about God and His Son, Yeshua!
Be Loved is perfect for teens who are navigating their way through high school, and for all the girls who don’t already know how much their Father in heaven loves them! I’m going to be recommended this book to many people, as I know Emma’s words and approach are going to touch a lot of lives!
Thank you, Emma, for writing this inspiring book! God spoke to me through your book and reignited the fire inside me. I’m so pumped to see what the Lord is going to do in both of our lives next!
~ A special thanks to NetGalley, and the publisher, for providing me with the digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ~
[yasr_multiset setid=0] Ages: 13+
