Of Mess and Moxie

Somewhere along the way I got the idea that Jen Hatmaker was mainstream and orthodox. I had seen her books around and had the idea that she wasn't really anything radical...just another nice women's teacher. But then last year I heard of her response to the Nashville Statement and I have to say I was absolutely floored.

So then this book came out and hit the bestseller lists and was very present in the bookstore. I love the cover and I loved the premise, so I cracked the cover to see what she is like. Right away, she was outgoing, personality plus, and very sure of her own opinion. So far so good. Witty. But then little things popped up, then bigger things. Hang on and I'll mention the reasons I left the book at the bookstore. I read the beginning section and then various other sections through the book to see if it got any better.

-She is actually quite snobby. While preaching about love she refers to people who don't agree with her in terms like “The pointy-finger old church lady” and describes how she and her pals made fun of her. She speaks from an area of affluence and talks about all the little things that get on her nerves...really, in the end, I know she has struggled with the idea of affluence before because she wrote 7, but her complaints are mainly very very first-world complaints. It sets a tone that, although humorous, is irksome to someone like me who is working three jobs to make ends meet as a single woman. And I feel like she'd laugh at me and find a name to call me if she heard me disagree with her opinion.

-Drinking. This one was a big one for me. I don't think it's wrong to drink as long as it isn't to the point of drunkenness, but alcoholism is a huge problem in society, and for a spiritual leader to have it so present can lead others into thinking it's okay to drink all the time until it's too late and they are addicted. Seriously, every chapter had mention of wine or drinks or something of the sort. If a recovering alcoholic got their hands on this book I'd hate to see the consequences, because it's portrayed as a normal and enjoyable and expected part of relaxation and friendship.

-“White lies.” I didn't see her use the term, but throughout the book are multiple instances of her using deception and/or manipulation to gain the end she wants. It seems harmless to do one's child's schoolwork for them when they run out of time, right? Seems necessary to grab a hammer and pretend to be ready to fix something around the house in order to get one's husband off the couch and ready to fix something? But it's clear from her humorous commentary that she does these things for the purpose of getting the job done by someone other than herself (then why pretend to do it?) and so that her kid can get a passing grade (it's not the kid that just passed the grade, it's you who did. Woo hoo, graduated adult....) By having us laugh at cute/funny/whimsical bits like this, it cheapens the effects of truth and deception and makes deceptive behavior acceptable. Yes, the famous lists are laughable and relatable. But to say that she actually does some of those things lends a stamp of approval to that type of behavior. Other people will hush the voice of conscience because Jen does it too and they laughed over it with Jen.

-Cussing. Taking the Lord's name in vain and using forceful vulgarities.

-Put-down of Jesus. “Hey, pray straight to God when you have marriage troubles. Jesus wouldn't get it because he wasn't married.” UHHHHHH. 1) Jesus understands everything 2) When was God married?

So that was where I put it aside. Evidently not for me.

I'd give this more of a 3 1/2 stars. I don't agree with everything Jen Hatmaker says and does, but nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book. There were a few things theologically that I disagreed strongly with. It was a bit disorganized and honestly there were times I felt like the book went off in a totally random direction. I did really love Jen's outlook on her family and her faith, though. Life is messy and imperfect. This book is a great reminder that between a hard week (or year, or season), an extra glass of wine and a total emotional breakdown - there is a whole lot of grace and truth to get us back up and living again. It's a good read if you aren't looking for a “Christian book” but more a fun book by a Christian author. It won't teach you anything about faith that will change your world but it might help you get through Tuesday with a little more optimism.

Wonderful book and fully worth the read. I've been quoting this nonstop all week

Of Mess and Moxie is Jen Hatmaker's love letter to the girls - the young ones, the old ones, the ones in the middle - who are walking this journey of life in all it's joy and sadness. The girls who are nailing it and the girls who feel like they just don't measure up. The girls who have it all together and the girls who feel like they only ever fall short. The girls who feel “just medium”, who are afraid they are messing it all up and can't see how brightly they actually shine. So, really, for all of us.

This book is funny, poignant, smart, kind, honest ,affirming, and full of joy. It's like a 4-hour talk with your best friend. It is the embrace of sisterhood that all women need. Jen Hatmaker says she is forever our fangirl - well, I'm forever hers. Highly recommended.

(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.)