Review: A Woman’s Guide to Fasting
Lisa E. Nelson
Bethany House Publishers
2011
I have read a couple of other guides to fasting, but this one is the best. At least, I think so. Lisa Nelson covers all the bases in this short work. Most important, is the repeated admonition that fasting is not a means to get something from God but that it has much to do with humility before God. That is worth taking the time to read this book in itself. The how-to part is necessary, but the why-to even more so.
Nelson’s style is so relaxed and readable. Her encouragement and personal insights make me want to reconsider the idea of fasting. Yes, I had tried it a couple of times and failed miserably. She offers several approaches to fasting as to length of a fast and timing, like, don’t try to fast over the holidays, unless you are specifically called to do so. I like this lady! She’s also very honest about some of the effects that fasting can have on the body. Good to know stuff even if it does rock your sensibilities a little. Happily, she includes fasts that are not food fasts. Some of those include electronic media fasts. Some of us could really use some help there. What makes it for women? Not much in the facts of fasting, but the tone and examples are more feminine than some men could tolerate.
The only part I did not like and it is true of any of the books I’ve read on the subject is the mandatory medical disclaimers offered. I know you have to include that sort of thing in this day and age, but in the end it dumbs down the whole idea. Whatever became of common sense?
I do recommend this book highly; so if you are considering a fast please take the time to read this one first.
This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishing for review.
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