Growing up, Friday nights meant Full House, and I was a huge fan.
Mom would make whole wheat pizzas and serve Sunkist orange soda. That was a big treat, with a health-nut-Mom. And we’d finish off the night with a big bowl of popcorn and T-G-I-F.
So I was thrilled a few years ago, to find out that DJ Tanner–I mean Candace Cameron Bure–loves Jesus, and had published a couple of books. Now I’ve been given the opportunity to review her 3rd book, which released in August, 2015.
Dancing Through Life: Steps of Courage and Conviction is Candace’s personal reflection of her recent opportunity to compete on the hit show, Dancing With the Stars. I watched DWTS for the first time that season. Candace inspired me, week after week, with her grace and authenticity, both on and off the stage.
Throughout the show, Candace continually pointed fans to Jesus. It was obvious that her faith informed her decisions and actions. In Dancing Through Life, she gives us insight into her decision-making process as well as the input of wise people who surround her.
“Jesus has changed me from the inside out. I can’t help but to point others to Him.” ~Candace Cameron Bure
Maybe the most prominent theme of Dancing Through Life was Candace’s realization that she cares too much what people think of her. To put it biblically, she struggles with fear of man.
Don’t we all? My struggle looks a little different from hers, and yours will look different from mine. But to some extent, I think we all struggle with caring too much about other people’s opinions of us.
“Fear of man is the worry that we won’t measure up, that we will be criticized, that someone won’t approve of the choices we are making. The Bible calls this a trap. Why? Because fear of man works like a chain that binds us to public opinion.” (Candace Cameron Bure, Page 83)
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25
Candace speaks about criticism from experience. If you follow her on social media, you know exactly what I mean. It’s heartbreaking sometimes, and the attacks come from all sides.
I admire her for continuing to step into the roles God gives her, even seeing her platform as part of God’s purpose for her life. I also appreciate her honesty and openness with readers, even though admitting these struggles invites additional attacks.
In the end, Candace connects her own story to that of her readers’. Our stories look different from hers, but she leaves us with this encouragement: Whatever our assignment in life, we have the opportunity to do it for the Lord.
“He wants your story to point to a bigger story of His great love for each of us.” ~Candace Cameron Bure
I highly recommend Dancing Through Life. Joy and encouragement jumped off the pages, and I walked away from the book, having grown along with the author. Grab a copy, and enjoy!
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