First sentence: My finger was literally on the button. Everything in me wanted to click Like and Share. Why am I not doing it? I thought. The author of the meme was a Christian, the quote sounded positive and life-affirming, and it would surely encourage and uplift my social media friends. I still can't do it. But why?

Live Your Truth and Other Lies is a book that challenges so-called "truths" of society and culture. Childers is encouraging her readers to logically, reasonably, thoughtfully examine their world views and beliefs, the truths by which they live. To do so in light of Scripture I might add. This whole book is essentially be discerning at all times, don't just soak up any and every "truth" that you hear--especially if it comes in a bite-size quote shared on social media. Not that lies can only be found on social media. Lies, half-truths, barely-truths can be found anywhere and everywhere in our lives, our cultures, our circles. Childers encourages--promotes--study of God's Word and reliance on it.

This book is not unique. There are probably a few each year along these same lines. Books that are calling out the LIES and half-truths of our culture and society. Books that encourage living in the Word and by the Word. Books that promote living counterculturally, not compromising with the world but holding to Scripture. This one is in some ways basic. But here's the thing, there doesn't have to be one and only one book on this subject. Just because it's been said before doesn't mean it's less important if said another time. There are people who will pick this one up and be blessed by it.

I liked the conversational tone of this one. I do love her YouTube channel and podcast. This was a pleasant, enjoyable read for me. I did like some of the charts within the chapters. I do wish it was easier to see which "lie" was being addressed in each chapter. The chapter titles could be more helpful. It isn't that they were horrible the first time through--when reading cover to cover. But if I wanted to use this as a reference, to come back to specific chapters to find something again, or to try to find a specific quote to share with someone, the chapter titles are not going to be helpful. ( )

The statements we often hear now such as “live your truth” and “you do you” are ones I have heard and know are unbiblical, but Alisa Childers’ new book deeply unpacks the nuances behind them and the problems with these lies in a helpful way.

She does not hold back in sharing the truth, as well as underlining again and again the importance of the Bible as the foundation of truth and the standard of measure for our lives.

Some key understandings the book shares are the consequences of basing whether something is true on if it feels good and comfortable versus negative, harmful or uncomfortable. The author writes:

“The truth is that some biblical teachings are difficult. They make us uncomfortable. They call us to deny ourselves and prefer Jesus even over our family and friends. They get all up in our sex lives, our relationships, and our identities. . . . it’s not brave or revolutionary to deny *the* truth in order to speak *your* truth. . . . It might feel good for a while, but in the end it will simply bring anxiety, pain, depression, and exhaustion.”

The charts used in most chapters are a goldmine. One question I had never thought of before was especially key for discerning if something isn’t THE truth: “Is truth in this situation dependent on how it makes you or someone else feel?” or “Is truth in this situation dependent on what the Word of God says?”

This book truly hits the target, addressing the lying “truths” of our current society and the actual truth of God’s Word and ways. With such truths, this book is a must read for believers and unbelievers alike.

Lastly, I was unexpectedly touched by how she shared her own challenges and story in various chapters.

I received a review copy of this book for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own. ( )

Live Your Truth and Other Lies is a book that is very applicable for the times we are living in. We are bombarded daily through social media and self-help books with people trying to convince us that we can all live out our own truth and we should follow our heart. I appreciated the author not holding back when tackling hard truths all Christians need to be reminded of. I would highly recommend reading this book.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ( )