A Note from Abigail
ABOUT HER BOOK CLUB
I can’t wait to read this month’s book with you! Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser brilliantly address common questions women ask when caring for other women walking through difficult seasons. You are sure to walk away with practical tools for encouraging the worried woman, the weary woman, the wayward women, the weeping woman, and more.
At the end of each chapter, you will find helpful questions for further reflection. I encourage you to take advantage of these questions. Consider using them as journaling prompts or discuss a question or two with a friend.
To join in on this month’s About Her Book Club discussion forum, click here. Don’t be shy!
Happy Reading!
Abigail O’Neel
Book Summary
When a friend or family member is struggling spiritually, do you ever feel uncertain about what to say?
You may sense your loved ones need to hear biblical encouragement or advice but, feeling inadequate for the task, you might simply commiserate or say nothing. God calls you to something more.
In When Words Matter Most, Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser help you discern spiritual needs and give biblical, heartfelt guidance. Through real-life stories and carefully chosen Scripture passages, they model what to say to those who are worried, weary, wayward, or weeping. You’ll learn how to speak truth to others in your sphere of influence and strengthen the body of Christ as a whole.
About the Authors
Cheryl Marshall (MM, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is a wife, mom, counselor, and Bible teacher. She has over twenty-five years of experience teaching and discipling women, and she currently serves as director of women’s ministries at Founders Baptist Church in Spring, Texas. You can connect with her at cherylmarshall.com.
Caroline Newheiser (MACC, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte) is an ACBC-certified counselor. She has been a pastor’s wife for over thirty years and is currently the assistant coordinator of women’s counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte. Caroline’s ministries include counseling, blogging, and speaking to women’s groups. You can connect with her at carolinenewheiser.com.
*Summary & author bios taken from book blurb.
Weekly Reading Plan
A(TYPICAL) WOMAN
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November 7 - November 13
Read chapters 1 & 2 (p. 17-47)
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November 14 - November 20
Read chapters 3 & 4 (p. 49-84)
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November 21 - November 27
Read chapters 5 & 6 (p. 85-111)
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November 28 - December 4
Read chapters 7 & 8 (p. 113-149)
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December 5 - December 11
Read Chapters 9 & 10 (p. 151 - 185)
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December 12 - December 18
Read Chapter 11 (p. 187-198)
Book Club Menu
AUGUST
inspiration
Elisabeth’s Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a go-to dessert in the O’Neel household every November. Who wouldn’t love orange cream cheese frosting sandwiched between two soft, melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin cookies? They are sure to be a crowd favorite!
I also encourage you to follow Elisabeth over on her blog and Instagram. She is a fellow believer, and every recipe she makes is easy to follow and delicious.
Happy baking!
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
by Elisabeth & Butter
Are you interested in hosting an in-person book club discussion in your home? Here are five helpful tips for hosting meaningful book club discussion.
Hosting a Discussion
HELPFUL TIPS FOR
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Preparation is key, especially before your first meeting. Your guests may not open up if they are unfamiliar with the group, but intentionally prepared questions can help minimize excessive silence. Spend time carefully crafting 8-10 intentional questions before each meeting. Even if you don’t get to every question, having these questions on hand will help direct conversation when lulls in the conversation arise.
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Open ended questions are an invitation to your guests to talk about whatever was most meaningful to them. Closed-ended questions will quickly limit the depth of your conversation. The discussion questions provided at the end of each chapter in (A)typical Woman are a great place to begin meaningful conversation.
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Effective leaders know when to speak and when to listen. I am certain you have much to offer the group as a host, but your guests have much to offer too. Be quick to listen to the insights of those in the group and make it your goal to draw these insights out of your guests.
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As a host, it’s your job to ensure all guests feel welcome and heard. No two group members are the same and it’s essential that you are attentive to the unique needs of every member. Invite a quiet guest into the conversation by asking them a question directly, or utilize a talkative guest’s enthusiasm for discussion by privately inviting them to help you draw out interactions from others.
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As you facilitate discussion, don’t fear silence. Silence enables group members to process and craft their response. Extended pauses may also compel quieter group members to speak up when they otherwise may not.
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It is a humbling thing to pray. Plan time to pray together and for one another as some topics may be sensitive for some women.