Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh. 2008; Moody Publishers; 198 pages, softcover.
The title page of this superb book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh shortens its title to Lies Young Women Believe. The full title on the cover tells the full story better. This easy-to-read book truly is about Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free. It is written for young women (ages 13-19) regarding twenty-five lies that Satan and this world use as weapons against them. It begins and ends with the Truth—real, absolute Truth. The Truth as we know it in Christ who is “the truth and the life.”
DeMoss and Gresh write to young women in such a way that their thesis and supporting arguments are all crafted to center on God and God’s word, not centered first and foremost on young women and what young women would like. Their desire to present a God-centered approach is most evident in their respect and love for God’s word. Rather than evading difficult truths and sugar-coating unpalatable ones, DeMoss and Gresh take the Bible at face value for what it says. Satan is real and his attacks are real. A real Eve listened to a lie, considered the benefits of a lie, and acted upon that lie. Lies are abominable in God’s sight because the one real, true, living God is a holy God.
Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free is also very much Bible-centered. DeMoss and Gresh did not write a self-help book with new-fangled, hot ideas for how to be a fantastic Christian for God. In fact, the authors present precious few new insights of their own. All they do—and this is exactly what makes this book a great treasure—is carefully, patiently, and very understandingly apply the truths of Scripture to the troubles that young women face every day. Often I was impressed by how the authors were able to cut to the heart of the matter with genuine love and concern. They could step on my toes and make me thankful for stepping on them!
DeMoss and Gresh use Scripture to fight against lies such as these:
#3 God should fix my problems.
#10 It’s OK to go out with a non-Christian.
#12 I can’t handle the loneliness of staying pure.
#13 It’s OK to be one person at home and a different person with others…especially online.
#19 I can’t overcome my sin.
#24 Having a career outside the home is more valuable and fulfilling than being “just” a wife and mom.
#25 What I do now doesn’t affect the future.
When you read the book for yourself, you will appreciate Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh for what they have done. Their knowledge of the Bible, their very personal awareness of teen problems, and their patient instruction make them two of the most authentic authors I’ve read in a long time. I look forward to reading more of their books.
There is very little to object to in the book. It’s not perfect, but I bought copies for my girls, Tessa and Molly. Although it will be a while before they’re teenagers, I want to make sure that I have this book to give to them.
I give high marks to Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free. Read it and use it. Check out their website (www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com) for a preview.