I was so excited to interview Nicole Unice at the launch of her first traditionally published book, She’s Got Issues: Seriously Good News for the Stressed-out, Secretly Scared Control Freaks Like Us. I wanted to read and post a book review right away, but I also took three classes this summer. Reality has set in and I have read 19 school books (and they are not small) since I posted Nicole’s interview in June. So I publicly apologize to Nicole and Tyndale for my delay in reviewing.
In the book, Nicole uses her counseling, ministry, and personal experiences to address the top five issues that affect women—control, insecurity, comparisons, fear, and anger (which also includes unforgiveness). In her writing, Nicole draws on the truths of scripture without brow beating or being preachy. She breaks down these very serious topics and puts them in the face of scripture in a manner that is digestible for the reader.
The one thing Nicole desires is that we confront our issues. But to confront our issues, anyone who has ever attended an AA meeting with tell you, “You have to first admit you have a problem.” We all have a sin problem and that problem hurts us individually and it hurts the people around us. If you are wondering whether or not you have issues, take a hard look at the health of your relationships. In the Bible, James writes, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you can’t have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (James 4:1-3).”
So there you have it. Our sin distorts our motives, our relationship with God, and our relationship with others. Nicole challenges the reader to confront our issues (or sins) by seeking God and developing spiritual disciplines. In addition to providing practical strategies, the book contains guided prayers, journal exercises, and group discussion questions.
Which leads to my DVD review: It is my opinion that practical helps are most successful when affirmed in the context of a community. It is much easier to change your eating habits, lose weight, workout, stick to a diet, or accomplish any practical life goals once you have 1.) publicly confessed your desires and plans and 2.) asked someone to encourage you and help you work that plan. This is the importance of trusted small groups and friends.
Nicole has outlined the DVD in such away that friends, small groups, or book clubs can gather for 1 ½ hours of intimacy. The group sessions begin with Nicole’s one-on-one session with a woman who is bold enough to publicly acknowledge and confront her issue. Then there is a [break] or pause segment to allow time for personal reflection and journaling. Nicole then closes and a teaching session on the topic. This format makes things easy for a group facilitator.
The DVD and book together make a perfect pair. I smiled while reading the “She’s Got Issues Creed” at the end of the book. We all need to hold our issues loosely and hold this creed close to our hearts. If you want to know what it is, you have to pick up the book. Are you ready to confront your issues?
© Natasha Sistrunk Robinson 2012
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 