Dare to Be: God Is Able. Are You Willing?

Gambill (Turnaround God) and Grant (Finding Your Voice), cofounders of the recurring women’s conference Dare to Be, chronicle their friendship and share stories of the organization in this empowering work. The authors challenge Christian readers to recall the first time they heard the phrase “I dare you” and to use that spirit to embrace adventures with God. While little specific advice is offered, a recurrent message of letting go of doubt and seeking new experiences in the knowledge that God has a plan drives the book. Asking readers to trust in God and open themselves to new friendships, the authors look back to when they met and describe initial awkward moments (such as summoning the courage to befriend one another at a women’s conference in 2005) before they both stepped out of their comfort zones. Gambill examines the daring responses of Bible characters David, Mary, Elijah, Elisha, Mordecai, and Gideon—such as how a prolonged awkward moment when prophet Elijah anoints Elisha represents “a gap that allowed Elisha to be honest so that he could join this journey unencumbered.” The authors advise: “God wants us to add such pauses to our lives too.” Grant, in chapter-ending “Notes from Natalie,” provides summaries that often include lyrics from her inspirational songs. Gambill and Grant’s uplifting exploration of their friendship will appeal to Christian women looking to solidify spiritual and personal bonds with others. (Oct.)