Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?
Breaking the Cultural Mirror
By Jocelyn Hamsher
The average fourth grader in the U.S. is on a diet. Four out of five women in the U.S. are dissatisfied with the way they look. The average woman is 5’4”, 140 pounds. Twenty-five years ago, models weighed eight percent less than the average woman. Today, models weigh twenty-three percent less. God has made various body types – only one of those is the tiny frame we have dubbed the prototype supermodel. She makes up five percent of the population, yet young women are literally dying to look like her. They are dying to be someone they can’t – somebody they weren’t made to be.
Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat? Seizes the opportunity to proclaim truth to women and girls everywhere about genuine beauty. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have been given a bigger picture – a picture that far supersedes the lies of this world and the attack on our identity in Christ! In a world where body image and the world’s standards for acceptance and beauty have been thrown in our faces continually, we can begin to believe and uphold something false. But our bodies were made for more than what the world says about them, than what we have given them credit for, than the lies we’ve embraced.
As women we have the privilege to pass on the truth of God’s Word to the next generation, to protect and nurture those who come after us, to teach, model and lead by faith and love. Even if we haven’t been pleased with our body shape or like the changes that gravity brings, we can see our bodies with a different perspective. When we see ourselves in a true light, we may see the need for healthy changes. We may realize what we need to let go of or that which we need to embrace. We may learn to appreciate our bodies, we may even like them! Imagine what we could be if we embrace who He made us to be! Oh yes, Jesus changes everything. Pass on the bigger picture!
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A Fresh Perspective on Culture and Body Image—for Women of All Ages
From Jocelyn Hamsher, Circle of Friends Ministries Author and Speaker
Uhrichsville, OH—Offering a fresh perspective on culture and body image, Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?. . . Breaking the Cultural Mirror provides biblical encouragement that will inspire a new outlook, as you begin to see yourself through the Creator’s eyes. Releasing January 2012, Jocelyn Hamsher’s new title will encourage and motivate women of all ages.
Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?. . . Breaking the Cultural Mirror is filled with short, easy-to-read chapters that offer an inspiring new perspective for women. Perfect for personal and small group use, this first in the Women Living Life...Together! series focuses on an issue close to women’s hearts— beauty—and gives them the opportunity to walk in the freedom of who God created them to be.
About the Author:
Jocelyn Hamsher lives in Sugarcreek, Ohio with her husband, Bruce and three sons. She has served in women’s ministry for the last thirteen years teaching Bible studies, speaking, and mentoring. She enjoys leading character development classes in area businesses and finds some of the most rewarding ministry to be listening to and encouraging women over a cup of coffee. Partnering with Circle of Friends Ministries, Jocelyn has authored Meet Me at the Well Bible Study and the recently released, Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat? Breaking the Cultural Mirror (Barbour Publishing). Can You Tell this is a Knock-Off? Finding Your True Identity in Christ (Barbour) written with co-author, Missy Horsfall, is due to be released this fall. Jocelyn is a contributing author for the Circle of Friends devotional series as well as a contributing writer for the Logos Women’s Blog. Jocelyn is a Registered Nurse, licensed chaplain, certified biblical counselor and is currently pursuing her masters in ministry degree.
www.netgalley.com or click on this link: http://bit.ly/pJmkP0.
Publication Information
Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?. . . Breaking the Cultural Mirror by Jocelyn Hamsher / Women Living Life...Together! Series January 2012 / $9.99 / 176 Pages * Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61626-549-6
Praise for Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?. . . Breaking the Cultural Mirror
"I love this book, and I love this gal! Jocelyn Hamsher is a new voice for women who want to run the race of faith with honesty, humor, and honor. Wish I’d had this decades ago!"
- Virelle Kidder, conference speaker and author of Meet Me at the Well and The Best Life Ain’t Easy
"Writing with warmth and humor, Jocelyn communicates God’s love, grace, and truth on an issue that is too often a source of frustration and even self-contempt for women. This book makes an important contribution for any woman who is struggling to accept and make peace with her body."
- Janice Hershberger, professional clinical counselor
“Jocelyn Hamsher has scored a hit with her new book, Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat? She speaks wisdom, encouragement, and great hope into the soul of every woman (no matter her age) who is willing to embrace her very wise words. May you read this authentic, practical work with great joy."
- Jan Silvious, author of Same Life, New Story
"Jocelyn Hamsher captures the heart of every woman in Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat? We wish we were spiritual enough to quit focusing on our body image and embrace the One who loves us just the way we are, but it’s hard to break the mold of self-criticism when our culture demands perfection. Jocelyn skillfully reminds us to see ourselves through the mirror of God’s Word. I highly recommend this book for personal and small group study."
- Carol Kent, speaker and author of Between a Rock and a Grace Place
“. . .a quick and delightful read, this book should be in the tool belt of every parent and mentor that has opportunity to invest in the lives of women, young and not so young. Jocelyn’s incredible gift of storytelling shines through.”
- Lisa Troyer, Circle of Friends Ministries
". . .a must-read for women of all ages. Jocelyn Hamsher takes a look into this serious subject with
hilarious stories and a realness that is refreshing."
- Wilma Mast, pastor and clinical counselor
Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?. . . Breaking the Cultural Mirror is part of a new series called Women Living Life...Together!
What topics or issues will this series introduce to female readers?
Topics in the Living Life Together series will include body image and genuine beauty, grace, choosing a peaceful heart in an anxious world, our identity in Christ, relationships, prayer, blessings and the sweetness of God’s Word.
It is mentioned that this book can be used for personal and small group use. Can you elaborate on that?
This book as well as each book in the series is designed for the individual or for small group study. Following each chapter are discussion questions to guide the facilitator through the material discussed in that chapter. They are meant as discussion starters so with practical, every day topics like these, very meaningful and insightful discussion can take place. Not only can women discuss what was offered in the chapter, but it serves as a powerful learning time for each individual as they listen to others share their hearts, wisdom from God’s Word and experiences of how God has taught them in the past and what He’s doing in their lives today.
What message or lesson do you want readers to take from this book?
I want women and girls to see truth and believe it. The world has so much to say about acceptance, about what’s important, about what’s beautiful. We’ve been hard wired as women with a desire to be affirmed and significant, to feel beautiful and wanted. But when we measure ourselves by how the world has defined these things or when we compare ourselves to others, we are continuing to strive for a false sense of security. We were created uniquely as God’s, not to look like everybody else, not to be like everybody else. We were created to be satisfied by Him. He has made our bodies fearfully and wonderfully and for His purposes, not the purposes of the world. Knowing who we are in Christ enables us to stand in the security of His embrace so we can take an honest look at ourselves – not only accepting and appreciating who He made us to be, but also asking for eyes to see what needs to be transformed – because we are His. Many times that calls for much needed adjustments in our hearts, our attitudes, our relationships, our self-care, our character or other areas of life. But when we know we are loved and accepted in Christ we discover a safe place and the courage to take steps toward change, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead the way. With this topic and many others, we as believing women have an opportunity and a responsibility to be vessels of God’s truth, not only embracing it ourselves but passing it on to the next generation.
What makes Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?. . . Breaking the Cultural Mirror different from other titles that discuss body image and support women’s self-esteem?
This book comes at body image from a holistic perspective – emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. From statistics to stories, from tears to laughter, addressing the present and the eternal, this book attempts to cast a bigger picture not only for the women of today but for the women of tomorrow. It is written in an easy to read, easy to understand style so that all can grasp it – the teenager to the golden ager. It’s truth to be passed on.
Do you have any future projects in the making?
My friend and accountability partner, COF author and speaker Missy Horsfall, have written a book due to be released this fall in the Living Life Together series entitled, “Can You Tell This is a Knock-Off? Finding our True Identity in Christ.” Discovering my identity in Christ changed my life, along with the gift of God’s grace. I would be utterly lost without Jesus. He truly does change everything.
CONTACT: Kelsey Keller kkeller@barbourbooks.com 740.922.6045 X 108 Author Available for Interview!
Product Description
* Are you down on yourself because you can't fit into the latest fashion fad? Hamsher says not so fast! Offering a humorous perspective on our culture's obsession with body image, she shares Bible-based encouragement and wise insights to help you see yourself the way God sees you---with love, acceptance, and appreciation. 176 pages, softcover from Barbour.
Publisher's Description
Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?. . . Breaking the Cultural Mirror offers a fresh perspective on culture and body image. Short, easy-to-read chapters—overflowing with humor and insightful Bible-based encouragement—will inspire a new outlook, as you begin to see yourself through the Creator’s eyes.
Editorial Reviews
This was such an easy and nice book to read. I totally loved it! I must admit I recognized myself on many occasions. My obsession to look good, to satisfy God knows what criteria. Well, this book did open my eyes a bit. I won't go that far in saying it will tell you something you don't already know, but the way the author puts it - it becomes too clear!
Product Reviews
100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
This review is from Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat? Breaking the Cultural Mirror.
Amelia R "Amelia" (Michigan) says:
This review is from: Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?: Breaking the Cultural Mirror (Circle of Friends) (Paperback) This book was so encouraging and uplifting. I found myself laughing and agreeing as I could relate to so many of the issues she addressed. It was as though one of my girlfriends and I were having a heart-to-heart conversation and she was reminding me how beautiful and valuable my body is, no matter what size I am. The chapters were easy to read, filled with personal and often humorous stories. Each chapter ends with 5-10 discussion questions making it perfect to do as a book study with friends.
A group of us in Michigan are going through Jocelyn Hamsher's book "Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?" With all the swimsuits out in stores now, I can't think of a better book or better topic for a spring study! If you haven't read it yet, you will enjoy the inspiring and encouraging message! - Amelia
5.0 out of 5 stars Do These Jeans..., March 26, 2012
lw6 says:
This review is from: Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?: Breaking the Cultural Mirror (Circle of Friends) (Paperback)
This book invites you to be yourself. The truths expressed within hug the reader with the love and acceptance of God. I loved the warmth, humor, and transparency this author uses to communicate a very sensitive topic. Gems of wisdom are written on every page and we are invited to live "real" before God and others. The overall message came through loud and clear: we are miraculously made and loved by God, our bodies and our lives are uniquely His, and we have divine purpose, every day, in Him.... no matter what our age.
Delightful and Encouraging, March 24, 2012
ktroyer says:
This review is from: Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?: Breaking the Cultural Mirror (Circle of Friends) (Paperback)
I couldn't wait some mornings for the kids to get off to school so I could read this book. It was like having "girl time" right in the middle of my living room, with my pajamas on! This book had me laughing out loud at some points, and at other times seeking quiet time with the Lord in prayer.
When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be solely about body image. What a surprise. It was about body image PLUS a whole lot more! It dug deeper into the focus of my body being God's dwelling place and dismissing the focus on the approval from others. This book taught me my body was "gifted to me to us to bless the Lord and others," and to love and appreciate it. It also teaches how your body is to be used to "accomplish the great purposes the Lord has called us to do."
As an R.N. I liked the information on our aging bodies and the advice on how to mentally and physically prepare for this. The information was right on! Being 41 years old, it also showed me I am not alone in fighting this battle of my aging body.
I recommend every teen/woman read this book. Us woman need to learn to value our bodies, love, and appreciate them. This book reveals that we should not compare our bodies to one another, and use our bodies in the way Christ intended them to be used. It is a MUST read!
5.0 out of 5 stars Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat - Amazon.com, March 21, 2012
Wtail says:
This review is from: Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?: Breaking the Cultural Mirror (Circle of Friends) (Paperback)
What an awesome book! I recommend this book to all women/teens who struggle with body image of any type. It's an easy read & it will help raise any woman's self esteem!
5.0 out of 5 stars So do they make me look fat?, January 26, 2012
This review is from: Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?: Breaking the Cultural Mirror (Circle of Friends) (Paperback)
Irene says:
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Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat?: Breaking the Cultural Mirror (Circle of Friends) (Paperback)
Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat? An interesting title for an interesting book. Author, Jocelyn Hamsher, is trying to get you away from depending on others opinions to find peace about your bodies and instead look to your Creator.
Using examples from her life and stories from friends she walks us through the steps to stop comparing ourselves to what the world says is a worthy woman to what the Bible says is a worthy woman. Knowing who you are in Christ and what He expects of us while we live in these earthly bodies will lead you in the right direction. Waking up and looking up instead of in the mirror can really change your outlook for the day.
Not only does this book teach you about not comparing yourself to others but it also goes to great lengths to teach you how your body changes over the years. Citing numerous statistics and surveys you will learn much about how the woman's body will change. You will better understand that getting older is not something you will do alone but is something you will have to accept! I liked the funny stories shared but also got a little discouraged by all the negative things that happen to your body. Of all the things shared there were really no solutions given except to just know the changes were coming and get mentally prepared for them.
Overall I thought the book was very educational as well as thoughtfully written. Even with taking my spirits down a bit with all the body aging information I still gave this book a 5/5 stars. I did this because the information shared is very informative and worth at least one read!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest
review based on my opinion of what I read.
Becki says:
This book hit's the nail on the head!
March 31, 2012
I felt as though Jocelyn was reading from my own journal. She was writing from the position of truly knowing and understanding the barriers that women feel about their bodies. More importantly she wrote with the Biblical truths that we tend to think don't apply to us, it's for that other woman. We are not perfect, and this book tells us that none of us are. It strongly encourages us that you don't have to be perfect to be loved by God.
I fall into the category of the men-o-pausal woman so I could certainly relate to so much of the "what we have to look forward to" portion of the book. And after reading it I still am looking forward to it. I had to laugh, because I could relate to so much of it.
We live in a world that is always full of comparisons, and this book addresses the things that most women battle.
I highly recommend this for every woman that has ever felt "less than perfect!"
Product Information
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 176
Vendor: Barbour Publishing ISBN-13: 9781616265496
Availability: In Stock
Series: Circle of Friends
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