Freefall to Fly by Rebekah Lyons - Review

Women today are fading. In a female culture built on Photoshopped perfection and Pinterest fantasies, we’ve lost the ability to dream our own big dreams. So busy trying to do it all and have it all, we’ve missed the life we were really designed for. And we are paying the price. The rise of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among the female population in Western cultures is at an all-time high. Overall, women are two and a half times more likely to take antidepressants than men. What is it about our culture, the expectations, and our way of life that is breaking women down in unprecedented ways?

In this vulnerable memoir of transformation, Rebekah Lyons shares her journey from Atlanta, Georgia, to the heart of Manhattan, where she found herself blindsided by crippling depression and anxiety. Overwhelmed by the pressure to be domestically efficient, professionally astute, and physically attractive, Rebekah finally realized that freedom can come only by facing our greatest fears and fully surrendering to God’s call on our lives. This book is an invitation for all women to take that first step toward freedom. For it is only when we free-fall that we can truly fly.

Read and Excerpt of the book.

Purchase book HERE

About the Author: Rebekah Lyons

She is a mother of three, wife of one and dog walker of two living in New York City. She’s an old soul with a contemporary, honest voice who puts a new face on the struggles women face as they seek to live a life of meaning. Through emotive writing and speaking, Rebekah reveals her own battles to overcome anxiety, depression, and consumer impulses—challenging women to discover and boldly pursue the calling God has for them. As a self-confessed mess, Rebekah wears her heart on her sleeve, a benefit to friends and readers alike. She serves alongside her husband, Gabe, as co-founder of Q Ideas, an organization that helps leaders winsomely engage culture.

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/rebekahlyons

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebekah-Lyons-Author/473715386018037?ref=ts&fref=ts

My Thoughts:

I received this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my thoughts, and here they are.  I have really enjoyed this book! Maybe because I have also struggled at times with anxiety, roller coaster ups and downs, and even an occasional bout of depression. I have tried to "fix" it myself, only to discover it can only be "fixed" in the Lord. Only when I relinquish my sense of control over my life, and trust His will, easy or difficult, can I thrive rather than simply survive. Rebekah's journey is what many women today are most likely going through, or have experienced. Don't we all desire a life of meaning? I know I do! Amidst being a stay at home mom, caring for my kids, husband, teaching, or whatever I do, I want to be valued and find my place. But only, in finding my contentment in God, choosing thanks-living, and using my gifts for Him, will I every find meaning in my life. And life meaning will look different for everyone. I most likely will not find the same meaning as my peers. Most importantly it is about living in the moment, not in the past, nor in the future, but right here right now. Making my one life count! I am not downplaying the reality that some people do need anti-depressants, or medical help to get through life at times. I did not think Rebekah was insinuating that either. My understanding of the book, is that sometimes it is a season in which we just learn to trust the Lord, and He will come through for us. Obviously, each individual has to decide for themselves whether they need extended medical help. I would recommend this book.

Your Thoughts:

Have you ever struggled with depression, anxiety or feelling llike your life has no meaning?  What methods do you use to cope with these times?  Rebekah mentions Ann Voskamp's quote from One Thousand Gifts: "Where you are, be all there". So simple, yet sometimes so hard to do.