In Holy Ambition: Thriving as a Catholic Woman at Work and at Home, Taryn DeLong and Elise Crawford Gallagher offer a powerful guide for Catholic women navigating careers and family life. Drawing from their extensive online community, the authors address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by ambitious Catholic professionals. Through insightful reflections and inspiring stories of women saints and contemporary role models, the book explores questions of discerning God's will, balancing ambition with faith, and building a fulfilling life rooted in Christian values. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or student, Holy Ambition provides practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement to help you discover and thrive in God's plan, embracing your feminine genius and making a positive impact on the world. Including discussion questions, it's ideal for individual reflection or group study.
Review Holy Ambition
"Holy Ambition: Thriving as a Catholic Woman at Work and at Home" resonated with me on so many levels. It's not just a helpful guide for Catholic women navigating careers and family life; it's a deeply encouraging and inspiring read that affirms the unique contributions women bring to the world, both professionally and spiritually. The authors, Taryn DeLong and Elise Crawford Gallagher, have crafted a truly special book that feels less like a textbook and more like a conversation with wise, supportive friends.
What struck me most was the book's genuine understanding of the multifaceted lives of Catholic women. It acknowledges the complexities and challenges – the juggle between ambition and faith, career aspirations and family responsibilities, the desire to succeed in a secular world while remaining true to one's beliefs. Instead of offering simplistic solutions, "Holy Ambition" provides a framework for thoughtful reflection and discernment, encouraging readers to discover their unique vocation and live it fully.
The integration of stories from the lives of saints and contemporary women is brilliantly done. These aren't just historical anecdotes; they serve as powerful examples of faith in action, showing how women throughout history have navigated similar struggles and triumphs. Reading about St. Teresa of Calcutta's perseverance, St. Jane Frances de Chantal's shrewd use of wealth for good, or St. Gianna Molla's unwavering faith in her medical practice, felt both inspiring and incredibly relatable. These women, both historical and contemporary, become mentors and friends, guiding readers on their own journeys.
The book doesn't shy away from the difficult questions. It tackles the internal struggles many women face: questioning God's will, balancing ambition with humility, and navigating challenging relationships in the workplace. The thoughtful chapter questions at the end of each section are a wonderful addition, prompting self-reflection and encouraging deeper engagement with the material. This makes it ideal not only for individual reading but also for book clubs or small group discussions, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Beyond its practical advice, "Holy Ambition" offers something even more profound: a sense of empowerment. It reminds us that our faith is not separate from our work but rather integral to it. It encourages us to embrace our "feminine genius," recognizing that our unique gifts and talents are valuable contributions to the world. It champions the integration of faith and career, showing how we can live fully authentic lives, honoring both our professional aspirations and our spiritual calling. This book is a treasure, one I’ll likely revisit often, finding new insights and renewed inspiration with each reading. It's a must-read for any Catholic woman seeking to live a life of purpose, faith, and ambition. And honestly, I think many men would benefit from reading it as well, to better understand the journeys and challenges faced by the women in their lives.
Information
- Dimensions: 6.07 x 0.53 x 8.97 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 192
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Ave Maria Press
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