Open Hands, Willing Heart

Praise

“It’s easy to fall into a rhythm of control, clutching tightly to the desire to blaze our own trails. Vivian Mabuni brilliantly calls us to break the rhythm, relinquish control, and live in a relationship with God above all else, allowing Him to lead, guide, and provide.”
—Rebekah Lyons, author of You Are Free

“Through story and the study of Scripture, Vivian Mabuni reminds us of the power in trusting God and the peace that comes with surrender. Open Hands, Willing Heart helps us confront the barriers we encounter on our journey to trusting God fully and reminds us that God can indeed be trusted with everything that concerns us. Vivian’s voice is at once bold and gentle, vulnerable and full of grace. Reading this book left my heart ringing with a powerful question: What beautiful things will happen when we open our hands?”
—Amena Brown, spoken word poet and author

“Open Hands, Willing Heart calls us to let go of our fear in the midst of uncertain or difficult times and instead take hold of God’s glorious plan for our lives. Vivian’s relational, thoughtful, compassionate voice gently walks us further down the path of deepening trust in God, who always works His will for our good.”
—Jamie Ivey, host of the podcast The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey and author of the best-selling book If You Only Knew

“Vivian Mabuni is a kind and trustworthy guide through one of adulthood’s secrets: life doesn’t go like you thought it would. Open Hands, Willing Heart helps us lay down what we expected and pick up what God is actually doing, because even when we face uncertainty and fear, He is good, He is near, and He will lead us.”
—Jen Hatmaker, New York Times best-selling author of For the Love and Of Mess and Moxie

“In this tender yet compelling book, Vivian recognizes that our hearts are often beset by distractions and agendas, clinging to faith on our terms. Through Scripture and personal story, she invites us to discover the freedom of another way: hearts fully surrendered to a God who carries us through the highs and lows of life. Open Hands, Willing Heart brings a powerful message for a busy, overwhelmed world. Take it in slowly; take it in fully. Take it to heart.”
—Jo Saxton, speaker, author, founder of the Ezer Collective, and cohost of the podcast Lead Stories

“When my wife said yes to my marriage proposal, little did she know that the man she was marrying would disappoint her. I love her dearly, but on my worst days I can be cranky, selfish, fickle, and definitely not a knight in shining armor. But the yes Vivian points us toward in this book is different because it’s a yes to a God who will never disappoint us and will always allow us to flourish—even when He replaces our plan A with His plan B. I pray Vivian’s words will bring as much grace to you as they did to me.”
—Scott Sauls, pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church and author of Irresistible Faith

“Vivian Mabuni’s writing style perfectly captures her beautiful self—warm, encouraging, honest, and wise. From the first page of Open Hands, Willing Heart, you’ll feel challenged but never judged as she walks through the many reasons we hold back instead of trusting God completely. Combining her poignant personal stories with those of other women and with biblical characters, Vivian helps us understand why saying yes to God is not only the right thing to do but also the best thing to do.”
—Liz Curtis Higgs, best-selling author of Bad Girls of the Bible

“While it’s true that Jesus spoke occasionally to large crowds of people, He spent much of His time with individuals and small groups—praying, teaching, walking, talking, eating, and simply modeling the ways of the kingdom. I’ve seen Vivian Mabuni speak in front of thousands of people, but I’ve been most moved by her commitment to disciple individuals through mountaintops, valleys, and life in between. This is the essence and power of Open Hands, Willing Heart. Readers will be encouraged and challenged as Mabuni shepherds and disciples them not just to a solitary decision but to a life of surrender to God.”
—Rev. Eugene Cho, pastor, humanitarian, and author of Overrated

“Letting go of the desire to determine our own path in life can be challenging. But surrendering to God’s will is well worth the risk because it leads us to a more purposeful and fulfilling life. With honesty, wisdom, and contagious enthusiasm, Vivian Mabuni encourages us from the very beginning of this book to open our hearts to God, trusting in His plan and His love in the midst of all circumstances.”
—Tasha Morrison, speaker, author, and founder of Be the Bridge

“Vivian Mabuni has written a beautiful piece of work—a series of inspiring stories combined with deeply insightful questions for reflection. Read this book and feel yourself truly say yes—to God, to the open doors that scare you, to your truest self.”
—Jessica Honegger, founder and co-CEO of Noonday Collection