Beauty In The Beast: Breaking The Spell Of The Mirror

By Sally Klein O'Connor

Book Overview

For those who look into mirrors and see only what they are not.Finding your true identity in Christ.When she was eight years old, Sally was bitten by a dog on her face. The encounter left a semicircular scar from the corner of her eye to the edge of her mouth. But it was not the mark that caused the most damage. It was the cruelty of her peers calling her Scarface. The name nurtured the teeth and claws of the beast in Sally's soul. As she grew up, she bought into the lies that she could never be really accepted by those around her--and especially by herself. But the One who made her in His image began to speak the truth into her heart. And as Sally heard and believed, a transformation started taking place. As God continues to restore her, Sally is learning to see the beauty of the One who calls her His own and that His beauty lives inside her.In 1990 Sally Klein O'Connor felt the call of the Lord to step out from behind the desk of her ministry secretarial position to share the gospel through her unique brand of music and ministry. Sally continues to share the songs and stories she and her husband Michael have written through Improbable People Ministries. They have three daughters who take turns going on the road with Mom. The O'Connors reside in Valley Glen, California.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805431373
• ISBN13: 9780805431377
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: B & H Pub Group
• Length: 191 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.5" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Not the mirror's reflection, but our reflection of Christ that matters

This autobiography of Sally Klein O'Connor, titled Beauty in the Beast, follows the emotional journey of a lonely girl with a scarred body to a daughter of Christ who radiates inner beauty. At a young age, O'Connor was attacked by a vicious dog, leaving her with prominent scars on her face. The nicknames she received thereafter left her with an insecure nature and empty soul. Her purpose in writing her life story is to help others who feel worthless to see the value they hold in their Creator's eyes, and how they can live a life of value and merit. The book follows a series of revelations and life transformations experienced by O'Connor, though not always in chronological order. She writes candidly about her feelings and agonies, allowing readers to scrutinize every aspect of her life. This is the same message she shares across America, speaking in churches and at women's retreats. O'Connor also writes and performs songs that explain her story of redemption. Often, after a concert or speech, she is approached by women with tears of appreciation in their eyes. Written primarily for women between ages 17 and 55, the primary function of Beauty in the Beast is to convince readers that their identity-including beauty, self-worth, and goals-rests in Christ. The world will feed women lies about the need to be a "perfect 10," but O'Connor says it is better to rest in the promise of Psalm 34:4-5, which says, "I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their face will never be ashamed." Bible verses are referenced throughout this book, as well as stanzas from O'Connor's songs, and snippets of prose that relate to the topic of a particular chapter. This book would be excellent for teenage girls and women who are insecure about their image. Overall, the book is well written, although at times it belabors already established points, or offers too many examples and becomes tedious. The strongest aspect of the story is O'Connor's complete honesty and openness, which leads the reader to trust her advice. She is right when she insists that there is far too great an emphasis on exterior beauty in today's world. It is not one's reflection in a mirror that is as important as one's reflection of Christ in his or her life. This book would make a good gift as a college graduation present, and it should be found in church libraries. -- Molly Schnepel, Christian Book Previews.com

Wonderful

This is a wonderful, touching book that uses a real life experience to gently paint truth that impacts all our lives, male as well as female. It is also a wonderful read. Well worth reading.

Honest and Transparent

If read with an open heart, this book with change your life. The author is extreamly vulnerable about the emotional trauma that came into her life after being bitten on the face by a dog when she was 8 years old. She talks about how she allowed a name given to her in childhood to define and determine her identity and worth in adulthood. She also talks very openly about her intense struggle to overcome the labels and the lies and to move into the truth of her identity in Christ. As I read, I was deeply touched because I could identify with so many of Sally's struggles. Especially her feelings of self-hatred and worthlessnes. This book doesn't offer any quick fixes. In fact, the author admits that there are still things that she struggles with. She also shares several songs that she and her husband have written. This book gave me hope that I could overcome the past and that things can change for me. It also helped me to realize that I'm not the only one who struggles with these types of issues. If you are woman (especially a Christian women) who is struggling with feelings of low self-worth, despair, helplessness, being stuck in the past and self-hatred, do yourself a favor. Get this book and read it cover to cover. In fact, read it more than once. I also highly recommend "Beauty by the Book" by Nancy Stafford.