We have had a men’s group at our office for the last 2 years. This group serves as a fostering of community of men who may be taking Regeneration, or who have just finished it, or are simply going through something that is causing them to search for Godly community. This month we started a women’s group that operates in a similar purpose and it made me think of the book by John and Staci Eldredge entitled "Captvating" and wanted to revisit the power and purpose behind the book so you can dive into it on your own. We highly recommend the book.
Captivating is a powerful exploration of the unique desires, struggles, and beauty inherent in a woman’s soul. The book has resonated deeply with women around the world, not only as a personal journey of faith and self-discovery but as a call to embrace one’s truest self, in all its vulnerabilities and strengths. Here’s are a few topics touched on:
1. The Essence of a Woman’s Heart
At the core of Captivating is the belief that every woman is created with unique desires that reflect God’s own nature. Stasi Eldredge writes that a woman’s soul longs for three essential things: to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a grand adventure, and to display beauty. Rather than being superficial or self-centered, these desires reflect deeper spiritual longings for connection, purpose, and value. Eldredge suggests that these longings are woven into a woman’s heart by God Himself, creating a rich tapestry of emotions, dreams, and relational depth.
2. The Power of Healing from Wounds
They dive into the many ways that a woman’s heart can be wounded. Childhood experiences, broken relationships, and the pressures of society can lead many women to develop protective walls or to lose touch with their own identities. These wounds may foster feelings of shame, inadequacy, or fear. Eldredge’s gentle yet profound approach offers hope, as she believes that healing is possible through a relationship with God and an honest look at one’s past and present. By inviting God into their most painful places, women can find healing and freedom to embrace who they truly are.
3. Reclaiming Beauty as a Source of Strength
One of Captivating’s most compelling messages is the encouragement for women to embrace their beauty—not in the shallow, outward sense, but as a reflection of their inner essence. Eldredge speaks to a beauty that is expressed in compassion, kindness, creativity, and strength, all of which mirror God’s own nature. This view of beauty is not about meeting a certain standard but is about embracing a deep sense of worth, rooted in God’s love. In reclaiming their unique beauty, women can live fully alive, knowing they are loved deeply by God.
4. The Adventure and Purpose of a Woman’s Life
Eldredge describes life as an adventure and encourages women to find their irreplaceable role in God’s plan. For many, this adventure might involve stepping out of comfort zones, seeking out their passions, or trusting God to lead them into new possibilities. Eldredge’s message here is both challenging and inspiring: a life lived in alignment with God’s desires is full of purpose, excitement, and meaning. She reminds women that they are co-creators with God, able to bring love, beauty, and healing into the world in powerful ways.
5. Living as a Daughter of God
Perhaps the most transformative message of Captivating is the idea of understanding oneself as a daughter of God. Eldredge paints a beautiful picture of a God who adores His daughters, who longs to show them love and to see them live freely as the women He created them to be. This identity, rooted in divine love, offers freedom from comparison, fear, and self-doubt. It is an invitation to embrace a relationship with God that is deeply personal, knowing that His love is unconditional and steadfast.
Discussion Questions:
1: How does understanding your identity as a “daughter of God” change the way you view your worth and purpose?
2: What are some steps you might take to bring healing to past wounds that may be affecting your self-view today?
3: In what ways can you embrace beauty in your life—not just physically, but in spirit and character? How can other women help you in this journey?