In Disciplines of a Godly Woman, Hughes recommends disciplines (of the soul, character, relationships, and ministry) that godly woman should understand, value, and pursue. With a warm and humble tone, she clearly expresses solid theology and wisdom as she describes disciplines such as prayer, worship, perseverance, contentment, nurturing, witness, and giving. She conveys truths so scriptural and universal that every woman can benefit from the book. Yet it will bear most fruit if each reader will prayerfully apply its principles to the particulars of her own life. She who reads the book only for information will be no different at the end than at the beginning. But those who work slowly through it, inviting the Holy Spirit to operate on them as they read, will find it to be a helpful tool in their sanctification.

Like many good books, this one presents few new ideas. But since for most Christians there is a wide gap between what we “know” and how we live, the value of this book lies in its winsome, compelling, and biblical reminders to strive toward godly living by the grace of God in Christ. Hughes closes, “The gospel woman’s greatest wisdom and impetus comes from her understanding of grace. Everything in this life comes from God’s grace—grace alone!…Begin today to cultivate the disciplines of godly womanhood, and remember it is a matter of God’s grace from beginning to end…There is no contradiction between grace and hard work. In fact, grace encourages us to keep at it….as we attempt to do God’s will, He always gives more grace.”

Reading the book individually or in a very small group will be more conducive to meditation and application than using it in a large group setting. Allow adequate time between the chapters to absorb the material, pray, and begin to practice the truths they contain.

- Amy Veerman, CEP Staff