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The average woman has 500 periods in her lifetime. And whether yours are mildly annoying, utterly debilitating or emotionally complicated, most of us have at one time or another asked: Why?!
This warm, light-hearted, real, honest and at times surprising book gives a biblical perspective on menstruation, as well as a whole lot more. Beginning with periods, Rachel Jones takes readers on an adventure in theology, weaving together wide-ranging reflections on the nature of our bodies, the passing of time, the purpose of pain, and the meaning of life.
One thing is for sure: you’ve never read a Christian book quite like this one.
Whether you’re in need of hope and help, or are just downright curious, you’ll be refreshed and encouraged by this book. As Rachel puts it, “Whoever you are, my aim is that you reach the end of this book celebrating who God has made you, how God has saved you, and the fact that he speaks liberating and positive truth into all of life’s experiences (even periods)”.
A free 'host guide' containing Bible studies and discussion guides is available as a downloadable PDF for those who want to discuss this subject more widely in small groups.
| Author | Rachel Jones |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781784986216 |
| Format | Paperback |
| First published | May 2021 |
| Dimensions | 5.1" x 7.8" x 0.5" |
| Case quantity | 96 |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 128 |
| Publisher | The Good Book Company |
One of my favorite scenes in the Gospels is when Jesus explains salvation to Nicodemus. Without a hint of awkwardness or hesitation, he employs the metaphor of female reproduction: womb, water, and blood. Yet, in the church today, the female reproductive cycle is still regarded as taboo to speak of, let alone to ponder in relation to our faith. I’m deeply grateful that Rachel Jones has endeavored to dignify what God has architected and to help us consider what we might learn from that design. As the prevailing culture dismantles the categories of male and female before our eyes, Rachel shows us how precious the gift of our female biology is, and all the more for the theology it illustrates.
Most Christians throughout history—regardless of time or culture—have had one oft-neglected thing in common: periods. In this energetic and helpful book, Rachel Jones thinks theologically about the
quiet drumbeat of female experience and orients us toward God in the midst of things that might feel painful, shameful, or emotionally charged. Whether periods play a big part in your life or no part at
all, you will find biblical wisdom in this book that will help you navigate your own experiences or support those you love in theirs.
I cried in my office when I read the opening pages of Rachel’s book. She described a narrative that had dominated my life, though I had stuffed it down deep in my psyche in the file of things you endure without thought. From huddling in misery at a youth sleepover because my cramps were so bad I couldn’t unfurl to my last multi-week periods in my forties that only stopped with a hysterectomy, my cycle dominated my days for thirty years. Rachel reminds us that our periods are not separate from our spiritual life. Our cycles cannot be separated from our person or the Spirit who indwells us. She offers a theology of a woman’s body from Scripture that is thought-provoking and practical. Our bodies matter!
Two questions which you may be asking. Number one: Why write a Christian book about periods? Number two: Why are you, a man, reviewing a book about periods? I’ll let Jones answer for herself: ‘The incredible thing about God’s word is that it truly speaks to all of life.’ I’ll take number two: because I have a wife. And she has periods. Even if I didn’t, as a man, I have a lot to learn.... continue reading
You should know that this isn’t a women’s health book. Yes, there’s some biology here and there; but it’s primarily a work of theology, which means it’s a book about God, how God made women, how Jesus is present in suffering, how Jesus makes us clean and takes our shame, what it looks like for Christ to be our life day-by-day and month-by-month, and what aging (think menopause) means about this life and the life to come.... continue reading
I bought this out of curiosity, and with low expectations but found it to be an excellent book and a much-needed voice at a time when 'period pride' and 'period power' are increasingly mainstream. This book helps the reader consider all the impacts of periods: the time they take up, the pain, the mess, the cost, the emotions and the purpose of them. Rachel Jones points us to comfort and assurance, reminding us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" without ever telling us to grin and bear it or - heaven forbid! - man up. She challenges our attitudes to weakness, shame, and pain without coming down too hard on the side of either resignation or celebration and I appreciated her examination of periods in the Bible and what we can learn from that. The final chapter addresses the perimenopause and ageing what these can mean for identity and sense of self. I would love to see a book on this! I particularly recommend this book for anyone who hates having periods and anyone who has never considered just what most women go through every month but really there is something for everyone - male and female - in here.
I have to admit that I bought this book out of pure curiosity. It is an easy and enjoyable read, although there are many parts that could impact individuals deeply, depending on their own particular life circumstances. It has been written sensitively to cover all possibilities, as well as with a good sprinkling of humour. This is a book that I would love to share with many of my friends - and I hope to encourage our ministry team to read it too.
This book is encouraging and lighthearted whilst exploring a wide range of really difficult topics that so many of us women struggle with throughout our lives. There are many relatable little moments, but each one spurs us on to look at God's big plan and how wonderful it is to clearly be part of it. It's a book I'm going to be sharing with all my girlfriends, and even encouraging the guys to read! And as each month brings a new reminder, it's not a book I'm likely to forget any time soon!
