HSP >>> “Highly Sensitive Person” and has long carried a negative connotation.
But what if this is the way God designed you? What if sensitivity is part of His unique forming of our personalities and comes with a strength to navigate life in much needed ways?
Sensitive and Strong by Denise J. Hughes and Cheri Gregory is a guide for highly sensitive persons or for those who have highly sensitive persons in their life.
Denise J. Hughes was reluctant to admit she was an HSP and Cheri Gregory had no difficulty claiming the title of an HSP for herself. Both women are as different as can be with one being an introvert and one an extrovert. Both share from their hearts bringing a book that helps to explain that as as an HSP, a person is neither frail or high maintenance.
Both seek to help others navigate the journey so they are better able to grow and embrace their strengths, for which there are many.
The book is broken down into three parts:
- Looking In. Here they examine the way God designed each of us, looking at the way certain sensitivities affect interactions with others.
- Looking Up. In this section, they will look at different scenarios HSP’s face and point us to look to Jesus for our source of strength in these challenges.
- Looking Out. Lastly, they help us to understand the way the Holy Spirit can guide HSP’s to live with an outward focus, to be other minded, loving and serving others.
The book is rich with research from various sources and personal experiences making this a resource that is both informative and encouraging.
One will discover they are not defective but approach life differently; grasping an understanding of their sensitivities which lead to key strengths. With understanding will come new confidence and an assurance in handling what was once stressful situations.
We need people around us who are both sensitive and strong. Leaders who are sensitive by their human nature and yet, strong in the Lord.
“By understanding how we are wired, we can be proactive and prepare accordingly. Being sensitive to sensory overload does not mean we cannot serve others. It simply means we rely on God all the more. He is our strength. Today and always.” (page 222)
You can take the Sensitive & Strong quiz HERE .
This is a book for us all as it will help us to either understand ourselves as an HSP or those in our lives who may be an HSP. It will inspire us all to grow and serve others, as we navigate past our weaknesses and lean into our strengths.
**It was my privilege to be a part of the Sensitive & Strong Launch Team. I was provided a copy of the book and all opinions expressed are my own.
Today I am joining … Woman to Woman and Recharge Wednesday and Booknificent Thursday .
This sounds like an interesting subject. Thanks for the review. Blessings to you!
I love the way this book shows two different perspectives of the same personality types. So much of what we see about personality leaves me feeling pigeon holed into one thing, But the truth is we are complex. And while we may have tendencies toward one thing or another, we are much more intricate than that.
This is exactly what I enjoyed about the book. We are complex and this is by the very unique design of God – for purposes He alone fully knows.
Joanne, I’ve heard a little about the idea of being an HSP, but I’ve never researched it. I really like how the book divided into sections that encourage one not to focus so much on him/herself, but rather on the Lord and others as well.
Thank you for sharing your review!