A summary of this book can be found here. I found reading this book a great sense of relief, because I felt understood. It was like a "Gosh, finally!!" kind of moment. I, for one, never thought that my strong will is a gift from God. Thought of it more as a curse upon my life because like what I said in my main blog, it is not nice being misunderstood all the time. Okay, maybe not all the time, but at least MOST of the time. I kid you not, it is true.
So I felt liberalised reading this, knowing that it is not a disease. Then again, I live in an Asian country where being out-spoken with a will of steel and a lady at that is frowned upon. Some of you may disagree, but think again. How often do you stand by strong willed women? Aren't we always expected to be quiet and conform just like any other woman out there?
Being strong willed and outspoken at the same time is not fun even in your own family, like my own. So most often I ended up standing alone, and hating myself for being such an ass/stiff neck. I resorted to withdraw my opinions and thoughts and kept them to myself. Honestly, I didn't feel safe to express my thoughts even in church. Only in certain settings I saw myself speaking up a little more, BUT only when there were no other ways out.
I know I always screw up, but it didn't mean I stopped trying. It does make me feel alone very often, when fingers start pointing again. Thank God for those few people whom I know stand with me and push me to move on forward, because that is the way to go. Hiding is not suppose to be in my dictionary, right? It is almost as if I have a thick face. More often than not, it is the will of steel that is puching me onward, the hope that I see in Christ.
I would recommend everyone to read this book, because it will help you to understand people like me a little bit more, and in the process, learn more about yourself too. A good read and for myself, a mind and life changing book. Free indeed! =)
same yet different,
gracey
