This book was one that I knew I would love and resonate with. A book where I would feel seen.

What I didn't know is that this book would be read during a time where I needed the reminders. So I wouldn't give into the shame like I did the first time around.

As a full time working mama, I often feel that voice, that taunt of shame. The "you aren't really a true Christian woman because, if you were, your husband and daughter would be enough for you. You're being a selfish woman for wanting more than dishes and diapers."

Yeah that taunt.

Or the feeling like I'm thirty-three with only one child. Content if that's all I am given. Someone that only wants one more if I do get pregnant again. But what Christian woman who grew up in fundamentalist circles....how dare I say that....or so my shame says. When I was on birth control from 2015 to 2020, I was convinced I would get cancer OR I'd never have a child. Some way of God shaming me because I was "playing God" by taking dominion over the Earth.

So, upon deciding to get back on birth control again, the shame and taunts came coming back. Jasmine's book reminded me that while we all have different triggers to our shame, it is something we struggle with. We all have our lies that we listen to. And it's time to put them to rest.

Jasmine and I came from very similar backgrounds (homeschooled, purity culture, etc.). So I knew I would immediately be on board with Never Cast Out. But what I didn't expect (and I should have known better) were all of the highlights, and the few tear stained pages, this slim volume contains for me now. Jasmine does what many people I listened to back then did NOT. Gives the Scripture straight up. No opinions, no "that doesn't apply anymore" or "this is what God really meant." I felt taken to Church; I was made to put my eyes on where they should be: that of my Savior.

I'm always going to have a struggle with shame and people's opinions of me, or my opinions of myself, this side of Heaven. BUT I'm resolved to try better this year. To know that my sin and shame has been paid already. To know what is truth and that truth will set me free. That I'm not less of a mother for loving my librarian career. That I'm not going to receive punitive action for taking a birth control pill. The Gospel is what reigns supreme.

Bravo, Jasmine, on writing such a vulnerable book. ( )