Encouraging Words

I recently was on Amazon.com and came across some of the comments that have been posted about our current read, Created to be His Help Meet. After reading some of them, I was a little discuraged; though I knew of a handful of trusted friends that have read the book and highly reccommend it. Since I had not read it personally (yet) I went to those trusted friends and asked for their opinions. Once I heard back from them, it was clear that this book was something I wanted to read and gleen from.

Here are some of what my dear friends offered to me.
"Yes, the book has been rather controversial in the Christian community. Some Pastors have told the women in their congregation that they are not to read the book!!! I, personally, agreed with most of the book and I think we both know women who have claimed that it was a life-changing, marriage-saving book.

In the same way that To Train Up a Child has infuriated some people, well this book has had the same result. I would say, however, that both the child training book and this Help Meet book have helped so many families (I am quite certain that for every negative review there are probably 10 positive reviews... if not more.)"

Another gal wrote,
"Wow. I am shocked, saddened, and angry by some of the comments that were posted about the book. You know me, Jan. I wouldn't promote a book that demeaned women, held that men can sin and women have to just take it, or said that most marriage problems are the woman's fault. It is true that I don't agree with some things that the Pearls hold to be true (King James version only, die-hard homeschooling, vaccinations, etc.). But their view of men, women, children, and the home is 'right on' in my opinion! Further, you know a lot about my marriage and the views I held before I married and after I was married for 8 years. You have seen the change that was wrought by God's work in my heart after reading Help Meet. If there are women in this world who think that ultimate submission to their husbands isn't God's path to blessing, then they are also wrong in their estimation about their level of submission to Christ Himself. Complete submission and service to your husband is submission and service to Christ; what your husband is doing with his leadership and walk with the Lord is not your (my) responsibility. Anyway, I have a lot more I could say about it all, but we'll save that discussion for another day or email.

If it's any consolation, the more correct John MacArthur is on any one subject, the more negative feedback and criticism he receives. He almost would rather have that kind of response than none at all b/c it gives him an accurate gauge on what people are really believing and how they are living out their theology."

There are many other encouraging notes/letters that were mailed in to Debi Pearl (author of Help Meet). They are posted in their newsletters and on their website.

Here are just three of the many testimonials which they've received (these were printed in their most recent newsletter):

Dear Mrs. Pearl,
I am a daughter who would like to thank you for writing Created To Be His Help Meet. When I read the letters from people who had read the book, I prayed that my mom would somehow get to read it. I was very surprised when someone gave her your book. Our lives have changed. Mom and Dad are acting so different, and I respect them both much more now. It’s like they love each other! I don’t know what’s in that book, but it must be good. – Thank you again, A reader’s daughter

I recommended your Created book to a dear friend in Ireland, and here is a portion of an email she sent to me: “Once again I must tell you - the Pearl book is still doing its rounds. One lady [said] that it has revolutionised her marriage and she has ordered her own copy. [One sister] has developed the saying, ‘a Pearl moment’ for times when she needs to submit! What a blessing it has been - there’d be nothing like it available here in Ireland!” – God bless, Jenn

Dear Debi,
Thank you for sharing your life and heart in Created To Be His Help Meet. Who would have guessed that a trip to the library could totally transform and ignite your marriage. I couldn’t wait to read your book. Instantly I started following your advice. My husband and I have been married for 12 years and had a great relationship, but now it is absolutely incredible. – Sincerely, H.C.