Jesus and Those Bodacious Women: Life Lessons from One Sister to Another

Define bodacious as ""unmistakable, remarkable, and noteworthy"" and you've a good working description of Hollies as well as the biblical women she discusses in this essay compilation. Admittedly, Hollies freely acknowledges she takes generous freedom in translating and interpreting Bible lessons: ""I take great personal liberty with Scripture! I believe it was written for me.... It's what I saw and felt was intended."" Earmarking each new chapter with a portion of scripture, Hollies tells the stories of an assortment of biblical women. With flavorful anecdotes, readers will get a new take on the woman at the well found in John 4 as Hollies admonishes ""sister-girls"" to look to God for self-respect. The story of the prodigal son becomes one about the prodigal daughter, thanks to Hollies's instant transformation. This author also colorfully tells of Eve's redemptive qualities, Mary's courage as an unwed mother, Esther's fight to overcome her fears and the plight of Hosea's unfaithful wife, Gomer. Hollies uses her own troubled background (chronicled in her book Inner Healing for Broken Vessels) as the impetus for instructing other women to take charge of their lives by making decisions that will enhance their personal growth, provide opportunities to express individual talents and encourage relationships based on mutual respect and integrity. Hollies puts gusto, real heart and vivid imagination into every tale. (Aug.)