Glennon Doyle Melton is one of the most popular bloggers on the internet. She reaches millions of readers, and has started a movement of giving, of compassion, and acceptance. And not just acceptance of others’ differences, but acceptance of our imperfect selves. Love Warrior is her second book, a memoir of her childhood, her marriage, and her struggle with bulimia, alcohol and drug abuse. It’s ultimately a story of healing, of acceptance, and of carrying on, and that’s exactly what her blog is all about. It’s also what makes her such a compelling voice. There is such power in this vulnerability that she exposes and shares openly.
I’m normally not even a fan of memoirs, and I can’t honestly remember the last time I read one and actually liked it. This one I could’ve finished in one sitting. She’s very critical of herself – and openly shares her faults. That’s something that is so familiar to me, and made me kept turning the pages. I’ve never experienced drug abuse or an eating disorder, but I could relate to the judgement and criticism she places on herself.
Parenting was not the perfect role for her, but just like all parents, having a child changed her life. It brought her and her husband together – 3 kids later, they struggled daily for balance. Between the crazy schedule of parenting 3 busy kids, and constantly reparing what seemed to be a fractured relationship, they struggled. This made her role as mother even harder. She found grace, though. And in that grace there is hope.
I loved the relatability of all of her stories. Most of the stories she has written about on her blog, so followers of the blog won’t find much new material. But in the stories readers will find the same kind of compassion and raw emotion she is known for. Readers connect with her message, and it resonates so many women who think themselves imperfect. We all may be battling demons, but that’s ok. She shows us that we don’t have to be perfect to be loved, and that’s perhaps her most important message.