This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe Ferris
Nonfiction. 160 Pages. 5 Stars
Synopsis:
The teen years have been hijacked by fashion, music, movies, and games; by the pressures of school, peers, and society; and by superficial expectations set by the world. But there is something more glorious than all these influences that has the power to change the life of a teenager: the gospel. Written by a teenager for teenagers, This Changes Everything is a deeply theological yet practical and accessible book on how the gospel radically transforms every aspect of the teen years, including pursuing relationships, managing time, combating personal sin, and cultivating healthy habits. In a culture awash with low expectations for young people, this book exhorts teenagers to embrace a gospel-centered perspective on their lives and pursue wholehearted devotion to Christ now.”
My Review:
I’ve had this one on my shelf for the last year and finally picked it up this week. Jaquelle is one of the sweetest women I’ve ever known and I loved this glimpse of her teenage heart. She has only grown and matured since then and it’s been an honor to be a small part of her world.
I loved so many things about this book. It’s a quick, easy read. I choose to read a chapter a day to really dwell on each chapter and think through each topic. It’s very well-organized and structurally very clear. Each point logically follows the next. It was easy to digest with relatable examples and each chapter had a few brief discussion/reflection questions to help readers dig in a little deeper.
Jaquelle’s tone is a fierce call to live on purpose–something my heart resonates deeply with–and yet in a very humble and human way. She masters the balance between calling us out (including herself) in ways to grow and be diligent with encouraging us in grace and love. She doesn’t shy away from calling out behaviors and mindsets our culture have deemed “better” than other behaviors and mindsets that are more “obviously” wrong. She shines a light on the trap of mediocrity and settle for less than what God has called us to–again, something that deeply resonates with me personally. Her enthusiasm for the topic bleeds through the pages infectiously.
The book is founded on solid, grounded truth. Each section examines what the truth is and explains how the truth should affect and change our lives. I loved her focus on the life-long pursuit and how this is a journey of Christ-reflection. Everything filters through that one goal: becoming more like Christ. And tangibly connecting not just the knowledge of truth, but the application of it in our lives. That’s what the Christian walk should be about! Not merely hearing the word, but doing what it says. Going beyond understanding into being living sacrifices that impact the world around us. The gospel should so change us that we bear fruit in the people and places we touch every day of our lives.
I know the book was written by a teen for teens, but I myself found conviction in these pages. It was a refreshing reminder of who my God is, who I am, and who I was made to be. A beautiful breath of truth, wisdom, and grace. And a fiery call to go above and beyond, to bring that truth out into practical everyday moments that together build a lifetime.
I’d recommend this to anyone who is seeks to stoke the flame of their faith, especially those who need a sisterly reminder to keep pressing into the hard things we’re called to do, even in the everyday. I’m likely going to see if I can bribe my brothers into reading this. Maybe Jaquelle’s vibrant little book can shake them out of the stupor of our culture and plant seeds that will change their lives.