If You Only Knew: My Unlikely, Unavoidable Story of Becoming Free

Written by Jamie Ivey

Narrated by Jamie Ivey

Among our greatest fears is the dread of what others would think of us “if they only knew”-the parts of our past we hope to forget, the parts of our present we work to conceal. Yet the part we actually do the best job of hiding is not the unsightly debris of our own mess, but rather the stunning beauty of God's grace. The fear that demands we protect this false image at all costs leads us to unwittingly declare a false gospel at every turn. Jamie Ivey finally grew tired of doing that, tired of being too ashamed and insecure to let others see the full extent of what God was capable of doing with our unworthiness. So she quit hiding. She let Him get praise for what she'd been pretending she didn't need. What she found as a result is how a willingness to just open up and say the stuff that most people refuse to reveal about themselves gives others permission to join us in our transparency. And how the process of becoming real ignites an ongoing passion in us for living out our ongoing redemption, enabling us to more fully embrace not only our relationship with Him but also with one another. If You Only Knew is the utterly inviting, often humorous, incredibly authentic back-story of one woman's life, told for the purpose of helping you strip away both the inner and outward hypocrisy that cripples Christian freedom, choosing instead to live with courageous confidence in God's ability to make you truly one person. His.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ChristianAudio.com
• Release date: Jan 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781683669302

Jamie Ivey

Jamie Ivey is the creator and host of the popular podcast, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, a central gathering place for talking about life and Jesus. Jamie is an author who shares gospel truths with raw, redemptive stories from her life. She loves to deliver God-empowering messages to women. Jamie and her husband Aaron live in Austin, Texas, with their four teenagers and two dogs.

Reviews for If You Only Knew

[Jess Vasas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent Read! If you are working on knowing your worth in Christ's eyes and if you are good enough, this is a great book to read. It will point you you are truth, that you are, no matter where you are with your journey. You are never too far for his love to reach you and even if you fail again and again, God is there to love you and redeem you.

[Stacy Ross · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Refreshingly honest and transparent. It made me laugh, cry, think, pray and praise!

[Rafael Braga de Lima · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Highly recommended! Real life, real transformation by God, very moving and inspiring to anyone wanting to understand their journey of being fully known and loved by God. The story of God’s transformation in Jamie Ivey’s life is so similar to mine, this book is forever dear to my heart! Thank you Jamie!

[Audrey Nielsen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was very inspiring and well written/read by Jaimie Ivey. A quick read, I would highly recommend it.

[Tisha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am in awe at the honesty and authenticity from a Christian about their shortcomings. I’m so inspired.

[kariana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a great book. Spoke to my soul and my heart! Thank you so much for being so vulnerable and open with us so that we can learn more about Jesus and have a better relationship with him.

[Kristina Jordan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is not only good for the person who needs to find forgiveness and acceptance but also for the person who needs a new perspective of how to offer true acceptance and love. A great read for everyone. Thank you Jamie Ivey for being so vulnerabl❤️

[Debi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I found myself feeling like a book was written that wrote the secrets of my heart. My shame. And my battle with it. God is good. God is so good. Thank you so much for hearing Him and sharing for His Good.

[Hilary Nelson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a beautiful book. I needed this badly. Thanks Jamie Ivey!

[Richell Marie Saavedra · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book is like a memoir of the author.

[Alexis Christenson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful reminder that we’re all sinners in need of a saviour.

[Hannah Conway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I needed this book so much...it’s honest, transparent & so encouraging!

[nrdowner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love, love, love listening to Jamie's podcast, "The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey". I love her honesty in interviewing her guests and the way she has shared pieces of her story, so I knew this book was one that I had to pick up. It didn't disappoint. She shares her story with the same candidness and openness that comes through on her podcast. Without holding back, she makes her story accessible, even if you haven't experienced what she has. In everything she seeks to point people back to Jesus as the Author and Redeemer of our stories. A lovely book that I highly recommend!

[wordswithrach · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read this book. Just read it. You will not regret it.

I love to read. I read many books and especially love books that point me to Jesus and remind me of truth. This is one of those books.

Through sharing her own story Jamie Ivey talks about the freedom that comes with sharing our stories. We all have them. She talks about the importance of vulnerability and community. Above all she shows us that Jesus is Better and points us to Him.

Beautiful, honest, encouraging, uplifting and convicting. This book is worth a read.

[joyanne-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love the way Jamie writes as though she's talking face to face with you, it's a really good book for someone who is experiencing the guilt of past sins and cannot let go. She teaches you how to see yourself as God sees you and that you are forgiven, and how to take a stand against the accusing darts of the enemy. Jesus is enough to wipe away our sins, His sacrifice on the cross removes them as far as the east from the west. If you are feeling the shame of bad choices this is the book for you. I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.