Women today feel a constant pressure to improve themselves and just never feel like they’re “enough.” They live their daily lives disheartened, disillusioned, and disappointed. That’s because joy doesn’t come from a new self-improvement strategy; it comes from rooting their identity in who God says they are and what he has done on their behalf. This book calls women to look away from themselves in order to find the abundant life God offers them—contrasting the cultural emphasis on personal improvement and empowerment with what the Scriptures say about a life rooted, built up, and established in the gospel.
“Countless voices are telling women, ‘Believe in yourself . . . reach your potential . . . find your purpose . . . fulfill your destiny.’ But Enough about Me has a very different message, a message that is not only countercultural but also runs counter to today’s Christian culture: your life is not ultimately or most profoundly about you, but about the one who has made you his own. This is the kind of good news women really need.”
―Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher; author, Even Better than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible’s Story Changes Everything about Your Story
“For many years now I have benefited from Jen Oshman’s writing. I’m delighted that she has broadened her repertoire to include this book. In an age obsessed with self, its message is delightfully countercultural and desperately needed.”
―Tim Challies, blogger, Challies.com
“Lord knows that we have more than enough books about ourselves and never enough books about the God that created us. It isn’t until we see him that we can then make sense of ourselves. I believe Jen Oshman’s book accomplishes that by widening our vision and helping us fall in love with seeing God again.”
―Jackie Hill Perry, poet; author; hip-hop artist
In today’s culture, women and girls are influenced by idols that promise purpose and meaning for their lives―outward beauty and ability, sex, abortion, and gender fluidity. Christian women aren’t exempt from these temptations either, and can even elevate good things like marriage and motherhood to the status of idolatry. Women may sense that these idols are hollow and leave them feeling unsettled, but where should they turn instead?
In Cultural Counterfeits, Jen Oshman encourages women to reject the empty, destructive promises these idols offer and embrace something much more satisfying. She casts a vision for women to experience real hope and peace in Jesus, calling them to recognize their unshakable and eternal identities in him. This timely and compelling resource will help women find freedom and joy as they explore God’s good design and purpose for their lives.
“Jen Oshman is a clear and trusted voice of wisdom in our current age. She thinks deeply and biblically about the issues that bombard us―and helps us to do the same. In Cultural Counterfeits, Jen pulls back the curtain to reveal the empty promises offered by five idols of our day. Jen’s words are full of insight, compassion, and truth. Whether you are combating these lies in your own soul or coming alongside those you love, this book will expose how the idols not only fail us, but actually betray and harm us. She then reminds us that there is ultimately only one who can truly satisfy the longing in our souls―Jesus, the one in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found.”
―Courtney Doctor, Director of Women’s Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition; Bible teacher; author, From Garden to Glory; coauthor, Behold and Believe
“This book is provocative in all the right ways. Jen Oshman wants to ensure that women don’t settle for less than God’s good and glorious intention for their life. Jen takes on some of the most pressing issues of our day, boldly proclaiming biblical truth while overflowing with gospel grace that soothes the sinner’s heart and breaks the Pharisee’s pride.”
―Trevin Wax, Vice President of Research and Resource Development, North American Mission Board; author, This Is Our Time
“Women are confronted with all sorts of ideas in today’s culture. It’s hard to know what is true and what truth is to be believed. Jen Oshman unpacks the most common ideas women face with care, research, and a more beautiful vision of God’s plan for us. Jen has years of experience as a ministry worker of the gospel, as a student of the word, and as a mom of daughters. As a mom of sons and as someone who ministers to women, I’m thankful for her work! This is a book I plan to give to the women I minister to, and I hope you will do the same.”
―Courtney Reissig, author, Teach Me to Feel and The Accidental Feminist
Walking into church can be intimidating, whether for the first time or after a period of absence, whether you are a non-believer or a believer. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your church was a place where everyone received a warm welcome? A place where newcomers can quickly feel at home and where non-believers receive the welcome of God’s people alongside the welcome of Jesus?
This warm, practical book by Jen Oshman explores what the Bible says to help readers discover how to make space for others, however different they are to them, in their church and in their lives. She also gives practical advice, drawing on good practice from churches around the world in a range of situations. In a world of division, individualism, and isolation, readers will see that their church can witness to Christ by being a place of welcome, community, and connection.
"In Welcome, we are invited to fling open the doors of the church and open the doors of our lives so that all people will have the chance to hear about who Jesus is and what he has accomplished for a lost and dying world."
―J.T. English, Lead Pastor, Storyline Fellowship, Arvada, Colorado; Author, Deep Discipleship
"Welcome provides biblical encouragement to mirror the work of our kind and hospitable God. Jen Oshman encourages readers to sacrificially welcome others as Christ welcomed us. I want to give every member of my local church a copy of this compelling book!"
―Hunter Beless, Host, Journeywoman Podcast; Author, Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It!
"This wonderful book will help both church leaders and regular members build a culture in their churches that reflects the welcome of the gospel. It is filled with practical ideas, biblical and historical wisdom, and counsel that touches the heart. Highly recommended!"
―Gavin Ortlund
This beautifully illustrated book celebrates that God made girls in his image and explores all the wonderful things he designed them to be and to do.
Girls aged 3-7 will learn that they are good and necessary, how God calls different women to do different things, and how trusting in Jesus is the key to help us love and serve others wherever we are.
Follow along as a little girl learns from her mother all about real women from the Bible and later history. Together they imagine lots of different ways in which we can reflect God’s character and help those around us today, whether that’s through being a mom or a missionary, a truck driver or a teacher!
Young girls will learn that they have been carefully designed by God and that whatever they do in life, they can reflect who God is by following Jesus.
"We’re thankful to see a mother and daughter celebrate together God’s good design for women in this new children’s book. It’s Good to Be a Girl is a wonderful way to communicate to our daughters their beauty and worth in God’s sight."
―Michael and Melissa Kruger, RTS Charlotte and TGC
"This book is refreshing! Sadly, girls in our culture are bombarded with misogynistic messages, even from a young age. In seeking to combat this, many authors do so in ways that only encourage self-centeredness and pride. But Jen and Zoe Oshman have written a wonderful book that helps girls understand the true source of their dignity and value—being created in God’s image and being recreated through the gospel. I can’t wait to read this with our daughter!"
―Shai Linne, Rapper and Author
"Being a girl is one of God’s greatest gifts, and this winsome and delightful book showcases God’s good design for women throughout Scripture. Daughters and granddaughters will see with fresh eyes God’s purposeful plan to use women in vital roles in his plan of redemption, inviting each young reader to walk closely with Jesus and be used by him."
―Amy Gannett, Author, Fix Your Eyes
Book Contributions
We know that even in the Garden of Eden, God gave His people work to do, and He allows us to image Him through our work. But for women, the word work sometimes brings controversy and confusion. Do I work inside and outside the home? Am I called to homeschool? Do I serve God by loading laundry or leading a corporate team? And how do I do it well?
Trials have a way of changing us, for better or worse. They can humble us or harden us. They can make us run to God or away from him. Perhaps your trials have resulted in a closer walk with him, or maybe he seems far away. Often, God strengthens our faith through the witness of courageous Christians who’ve gone before us. Be encouraged and challenged by these 12 portraits of faithful women who steadfastly endured many trials—including physical pain, persecution, infertility, loneliness, and oppression—and who, in their various sufferings, found Christ to be an all-sufficient Lord and Savior, steadfast, faithful, and true.