Book Review: All My Knotted-Up Life

I've been a fan of Beth Moore since college and attended one of her conferences many years ago in its hay-day. When she finally published her memoir, I knew I needed to read it.

My current schedule, however, has reduced my time for reading. Add to that the library didn't have a hard copy available. I'm not a huge fan of audiobooks, but my current 45-minute commute (one day) most days gives me more time to listen than to read. Plus the library did have this one on audiobook.

After listening to Beth read me her memoir, I have to say it's the way to go. Certainly read the book if you have the inclination, but I highly recommend the audiobook.

My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Cons: For most of her ministry, Beth has alluded to sexual abuse in her childhood. In the memoir, she discusses it more in a very tasteful way. She tells us everything we need to know without going into graphic detail. That said, if childhood sexual abuse or depression are triggers for you, reconsider this book. Also, if you aren't prepared to hear her side of her treatment by the Southern Baptist Convention, this may not be the book for you.

Pros: Beth holds storytelling skills most of us dream about. She times her chapters so that immediately after she dives deep into her childhood trauma, she has you laughing out loud about some misadventure. Her descriptions of her childhood, both the good and the bad, are so colorful I can see it. She respectful of her people, only telling the parts of their stories they've allowed her to tell while keeping the focus squarely on the subject you've come to learn more about: Beth herself. Hearing her tell it in her own voice was icing on the cake.

My Thoughts: I've completed multiple Beth Moore studies, attended a conference, and watched her speak online so many times. She's gifted in teaching and preaching the Word of God. In my own study, I've not found red flags that indicate that her teaching isn't based on scripture. (I have, however, had to walk away from other Bible study teachers whose teaching strayed from what God's Word says.)

I came to this book to learn more about Beth, not the stage persona but the person. She shares her life candidly. Like most of us who grew up in rural areas, her first playmates were her siblings and she had the run of the area around her home. Her innocence is cut short by childhood abuse and her mother's depression.

As she discusses her ministry and marriage, we get a look behind the scenes. She has a long marriage to her husband Keith, but like most of us, they've had hills and valleys.

I've also followed her strong stance politically over the last decade or so and the fallout she's experienced because of it. I looked forward to hearing her thoughts about what has happened between her and the Southern Baptist Convention. I remain a Southern Baptist and am active in an SBC-affiliated church. The memoir only shares her part of the story. It offers a glimpse into the grief she's experienced from standing for what she believes is right.

You won't find a sermon preached between those pages, but you will see a life dedicated to living out what God called one woman to do.