The Measure of Success by Carolyn McCulley with Nora Shank

I pulled this book from the Vine Program because the title caught my attention. I have read a lot on the subject of the role of women in the church, women in the family, women in society, etc. But this caught my eye because it was the role of women in the work force. I was hoping for something new to challenge my thinking. I wasn't disappointed.

First of all I loved the collaboration of the two writers. Carolyn McCulley is a single woman in her late forties / early fifties who is not defined by her status of being single, but by her status of being a smart, savvy, business woman who knows what she wants to do and knows what God wants her to do (bring Him honor and glory in all her work). Then there is Nora Shank, a mother of two children, happily married and also working as a dietitian. She is younger than Carolyn, so she grew up in a bit of a different culture.

The two women bring different perspectives, but they have the same goal. They want to honor God with their lives and with all that they do.

I felt that Carolyn was very candid about who she is. She was raised at a time where the feminist movement was very strong. She did not become a Christian until after college and well into her career life. She is not married because she doesn't like men or because she thinks marriage is too traditional. Instead, she desires a husband and a family but she knows that God has not yet brought the right man into her life. How refreshing to have her honesty.

She also shares about how her views of women and the Bible changed after she became a Christian and started to study the Bible. She seems Paul's teachings on women with a very refreshing perspective and a well studied depth of knowledge of the culture he was writing to. As such, she sees him not has a chauvinist but she sees him as the out front thinker / changer of society that he truly was. He was progressive in his thoughts! How's that sound guys? Take time to read her thoughts and it will help you think more clearly about some perspectives.

The book goes through the history of work for women, the history of the family unit and how it has evolved over centuries. It then goes through the process the two women writing experienced in learning about work and the woman and then it delves into the Biblical Theology of Work.

The book is well written, well thought through, well laid out and guides you through the topic is a fresh and inviting way that will give you lots to stop and think about.

I now want to meet Carolyn and Nora and sit down and have some long discussions with them, I think it would be absolutely fascinating to gain from their wisdom.

I believe that all lay people and pastors would benefit from reading this book. I now look forward to going back and reading Carolyn's other two books about women. I can't wait!

Enjoy!