Live Free is a life and attitude changing book! When we are slapped with painful and unexpected experiences, we have all fallen into the trap of asking ourselves the questions, “what if” and “if only”.

Ms. Smiley does a beautiful job of gently showing us that these two phrases take away our peace, joy, and contentment from the present, and cause us to focus on the past. A past we can do nothing to alter or erase. We waste the beautiful opportunities and blessings of the present.

The bottom line is that we are not putting our full trust and faith in God. Instead, we are refusing to believe He loves us so much that He would only choose what is the very best for us.

The book is divided into the positive attitudes we should choose in response to difficult challenges we handle it with God’s Word and the mind of Christ. Each chapter shares unbelievable trials a woman has faced and her incredible choice respond with courage and confidence in God. These women were just like us, with families, plans, and bright futures, never expecting the storm that was about to turn their lives upside down. Being able to relate to these women really helped me apply what I learned.

The author shows how each lady decided to focus on Christ and Scripture exclusively rather than their problem. They all could have just as easily given into hopelessness, despair, and fear. Throughout the book are beautiful thought provoking quotes and scriptures that give insight and encouragement into HOW they accomplished this. I looked at them as the stepping stones these ladies used to walk with Christ through such deep valleys.

It was so helpful the way Ms. Smiley showed in detail how each woman used the scriptures to find strength and peace in such horrible circumstances. These women were not perfect and each openly revealed where they faltered and stumbled. They illustrate how instead of laying down where they fell; they turned to the Lord for strength and continued on. I liked all the scriptural references that anchored them to God in their storms. Ones that will help me too.

At the end of each chapter there is a “Choose to Reflect” section with a scripture and a closing thought. Excellent study questions are included that help you apply what you have learned to your life and circumstances.

This book is a keeper, one to read over again and share with friends. Mine is filled with highlights and personal notes! I found this book to be inspiring, encouraging, and comforting. Thank you Ms. Smiley for not only putting my trials into perspective but showing me how to find the “Light” in the darkest hours!

I received this book free from Moody Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255