A Review of "Not Of This World" by Lisa Chan from this 48-Year-Old-Grey-Haired-Hott-Mama-of-Four

Lisa Chan, wife of Frances Chan (author of one of my favorite books, Crazy Love), returns for the third installment of her True Beauty Films, "Not of This World".  

Following "Be Still" and "Deny Yourself", this final video "invites women into an authentic conversation about God's Word."  Lisa weaves her teaching with scripture intertwined with the real life story of another woman's hardships and struggles.

Here is what I liked about "Not of This World":
* Practical Scripture - Lisa beautifully backs up every point she makes with Biblical scripture.  She offers key points from His word to encourage us to live a life in Christ.

*  Personal Reflection Guide - "Not of This World" offers a unique booklet with scripture and thought provoking questions.  It is eye catching and artistic in its' presention; leaving room for personal input and reflection.

*  Personal Story - An incarcerated husband, a mom reveals her path from the depths of sin to salvation.  Lisa melts the story of a young mother with a toddler and, while nine months pregnant, encounters loud knocks as the police take away her husband.  Be sure to watch the "Back Story," which puts it all together.

"Not of This World" is beautiful.  It is eloquent, artistic, and clever; filled with warmth and emotion, providing a direct connection to the love of Jesus.  The answers are all there.  So, why have I been edgy all day after viewing Lisa's final "True Beauty" film?

Here's what I think happened.  You see, when you watch "Not of This World" as well as Lisa Chan's other films, you will see beautiful people in lovely surroundings.  The moms, no matter what struggles they encountered, are dressed to the hilt in perfect hair and make-up, in neat organized surroundings or striking outdoor settings.

Since I am human, what do I do?  Well.... I start comparing.  What.am.I?  Like in the title, I am a barely five feet tall, freckled-faced, five pounds heavier, chaotic household, Parkinson's blogging, 48-year-old-grey-haired-(not-so)-hott-mama-of-four!  I haven't experienced incarceration, abuse, or poverty.  I am stuck in this world with school shopping, sports activities, piano lessons, grocery shopping.  Where, exactly, can I relate to Lisa's "True Beauty" series?  Tell me.

Then it struck me.  God thinks I am beautiful.

Interested?  Just let me know and I will include you in a drawing for a free copy of "Not of This World" from David C. Cook or click here to purchase your copy.

New Video Giveaway - Lisa Chan's "Deny Yourself"

Compelling, Gripping, Eye Opening!
Deny Yourself

New film helps women navigate an “all about me” society selflessly

Colorado Springs, Co., April 23, 2013—"Everywhere they turn, women are fed the message that self-indulgence and having-it-all is the end goal. Each season brings a new style, a must-have bag and a better-than-ever face cream that will turn other women green with envy. Sacrifice isn't applauded, but rising up in the ranks is but, as they climb, they realize that this way of life isn’t shiny and happy—it’s empty."

David C. Cook publishers are releasing the second of Lisa Chan (wife of evangelist, Francis Chan,  author of Crazy Love) called "Deny Yourself".  I had a blessed opportunity to preview this film and experience it's beauty as Lisa calmly and passionately portrays God's desires for women to deny yourself.  Lisa begins, and closes with the scripture from Luke 9:23-24.

"And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

Lisa introduces us to a mom faced with the challenge of raising 10 adoptive children, each with special needs and her struggle after an abusive marriage.  You know, I seem to always seek out another mom's struggle and find ways to relate to her pain.  This mom is amazing as she shares her testimony and introduces these beautiful children of God that He has placed in her care.

Personally, I comprehend the concept of "deny yourself" and am eager to anticipate the rewards of having my life saved!  Aren't  you?  (I think I heard an 'amen'!)  Frankly, as a mom, we deny ourselves everything from fashion, sleep, exercise, to even a simple daily shower at times!  Lisa mentions her "fears" but never really tells us what they are.  Although I know that she has spent time abroad in missions, I came away from the video wanting to know more of Lisa's personal story, sacrifice, and journey.  What is the wife of Frances Chan really afraid of?  Because there sure is a few things that scare the begibbies out of me and I was waiting for her to tell me how to remain truly beautiful while denying myself. 

Maybe I missed it somewhere.  Nonetheless, I still found the experience of listening to the video to be compelling, gripping, and even eye opening.  If you are interested, send me a message or just click like/share on this post to be eligible to receive a complimentary copy of "Deny Youself" from David C. Cook and Flannel Publications.  

Don't "deny" yourself an opportunity to carry that cross.  I kinda think maybe what Lisa is trying to say is that those fears we "carry" as moms are exactly what bring us closer to God, don't you?  Her lesson is that by giving up extravagances allows God to fill us in those spaces.

"God fills me up!" says Lisa.  

I think that's cool.

A Review of Lisa Chan's New Video - Be Still

Earlier this summer, Lisa Chan's marketing folks asked me to preview her new film series called "Be Still" here on my blog.  Inspired by her husband's book Crazy Love, I was thinking this was pretty cool to get to preview a film before it was released.  A first for me as a faith based blogger, all I needed to do was watch the video, include a link to the series, and blog about it.

Easy as pie, right?  Wrong!  Attempting to watch a video called "Be Still" on our intermittent internet service was like trying to have my 7 and 8 year old boys read War and Peace!  I would see about 45 seconds of film, wait... and then another 45 seconds!  This 23 minute film took me 2.5 hours to watch one day when all the kids were finally in school.  Be Still?  Are you kidding me?

As I am engaging in her story, I was also finding myself resentful.  Seriously!  Early on, I watch Lisa as she unloads groceries from her car to her home.  In one trip, she manages to bring in all her bags.  I don't know about you other moms, but I never am able to complete a shopping trip in one load!  Then, we follow Lisa inside her home and, immediately, I am feeling uncomfortable.

Seeing her modest environment neat and orderly, I begin to glance around my own home.  Kitchen piled high with dishes, mountains of kid shoes and dirty socks by the door, toys scattered around the living room, how can I begin to "Be Still" and watch this video?  I don't have time to Be Still!  There is way too much to do around here.  Be Still?  Who is she kidding?

But I continued to watch.  I continued to listen.  Forgetting for a moment all the tasks around me, Lisa talks about Mary and Martha.  Immediately, I am reminded to make myself sit and, not just listen to what this other mom (not so unlike me) has to say, but to just be.

This is what Lisa is sharing with us in her new series "Be Still" -- to just be in God's presence.  Once we allow ourselves to "be" at His feet, then we can discover the overwhelming peace Lisa describes.  And you know what?  God doesn't care at all about my messy house or chaos, He just wants to fill me with His peace in the midst of it all.

And it works!  I recently found myself in the middle of a serious situation.  Close to a panic, my breathing became irregular and, rather than "be still" at all, my hands began to shake.  The notion to be still seemed impossible.  Where was God in this situation?  How could He be present in the mess I was faced with?  Could God really be a part of other's evil pressed on my faith based life as a mom?

Want to know what happened?  In the midst of the turmoil, I heard God whisper to me "Excuse me, can I tell you something?".... just "be still... and know that I am God."

Lisa Chan's series "Be Still" is available here:  https://flannel.org/products/true-beauty-be-still
If you would like more info, let me know and I can forward you Lisa's bio and press info on "True Beauty:  Finding Your Identity in Jesus"
I hope you will explore her teachings.  The marketing folks said that they will provide a free copy for me to distribute to a reader.  So, let me know if you are interested in a comment and I will pass your request along.  It looks like such a cool series and may be a rewarding opportunity for moms, a group of friends, or your study group.