It's Not in Vain - Warner Press

Have you ever felt like you’re just playing a part in everyone else’s story rather than being the main character of your own? That feeling can seem so real, but that’s not how God sees it.

Through the many courageous, unpredictable, and surprising stories of women in the Bible, God shows us that not only was each uniquely equipped to star in her own story, but she was also just as equipped to augment the stories of those around her. This isn’t only true for women who lived thousands of years ago; it’s also true for us today.

God has a plan and a purpose for your life, and he has included you in it. No one is more perfectly suited to take the lead role in your God-ordained adventure than you, so get ready to take your place as the supernaturally appointed heroine of your own story!

It was on a beautiful afternoon while I was walking outdoors in the sun that I answered the phone to what would turn out to be one of the most beautiful souls with whom I had ever talked. That beautiful soul was Rev. Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey. She began to share her life story with me, and I felt comfortable sharing my life story with her. Our shared passion for Jesus, the Church of God, the empowerment of women, growing leaders, and the desire to help the marginalized in our world formed an immediate kindred bond. What struck me the most was Dr. Arnetta’s seldom-found combination of confidence and humility. One of those traits did not cancel out the other one, but a beautiful woven combination of these two traits compelled me to learn more about who she was. Dr. Arnetta has served Christian Women Connection since 2002. She has also served the church extensively as a board member of Children of Promise, the Executive Leadership Strategic Planning Committee, the Reconciliation Task Force, and the Circle of Missions Committee. She is the founder and executive director of Priscilla’s Lost and Found as well as other ministries.

Being a woman in ministry myself and having the opportunity to minister worldwide, Dr. Arnetta quickly became a valued colleague and co-laborer in the work of the gospel. In this terrific book, It’s Not in Vain, Dr. Arnetta exquisitely shows how women from the very beginning of time have been at the heart of God. She also helps us understand the value he has placed on women and how women are essential to his purposes and plans for humanity. It’s Not in Vain looks at twelve women from scripture, showing us how our lives can be a part of a larger and magnificent tapestry of divine design. Dr. Arnetta has an authenticity that is not only refreshing but empowering. Her capacity to tell a story, both personal and biblical, is captivating and riveting.

Dr. Arnetta shows through women’s lives in both the old and new testament that a surrendered life is a choice and that the surrendered life is also sacred. Nothing is haphazard to God. He will not waste a single experience, a single tear, a single hurt, a single loss, or a single failure in our lives. He will use it all to help us live up to and beyond our potential. One of the most significant points that It’s Not in Vain makes is that our future is greater than our sin. “Now take off the veil and be known,” Dr. Arnetta writes, and “live beyond the labels and expect the remarkable.”

If you are a woman who has limiting beliefs that are holding you back, read It’s Not in Vain and find the freedom that is yours in Christ. If you are a woman held back by fear and inadequacies, read It’s Not in Vain and experience God’s presence as you live your life at the “Red Sea” moments of miracles. If you are a woman desiring a voice that is vibrant, strong, and victorious, read It’s Not in Vain and find the power and freedom of your voice. If you are a woman who longs for a larger footprint of ministry influence for the kingdom, read It’s Not in Vain and find the “sky’s the limit” possibilities. Or if you are a woman who wants to be closer to Jesus, read It’s Not in Vainand find an intimacy with Christ that never disappoints.

When I read the book, I saw Jesus more clearly, sensed a closeness with the women of scripture, and even with you, the reader. Dr. Arnetta reminds us that we are of immense value to God and his purposes and plan for the world. As a sisterhood, we will go forward arm-in-arm with an uncommon unity, with each other and with our sisters in scripture, to live our lives free, vibrant, and with power. I passionately encourage you to read It’s Not in Vain.

Lori Salierno Maldonado, D.Min.

Rev. Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey is an inspired preacher, an advocate for reconciliation, and a servant leader. One of her greatest passions is to walk with individuals on their journey from struggle to strength and from surviving to thriving. She has traveled extensively as a keynote speaker and teacher for conferences and conventions around the world. Arnetta holds a degree in African American Religious Studies, a Master of Theological Studies, and a Doctor of Divinity.

Rev. Arnetta loves to read and spend time with her family, including her three children, Merlelynn, Markus, and Jamal, and two beautiful grandchildren.

Find her at www.RevArnetta.com.

One of the things I love most about this book is that Elaine invites you along for the journey every step of the way. She isn’t afraid to share the most intimate details of what God has done in her life, and she encourages you to tell yours as well.

If you are brand new to Bible journaling or have been marking up your Bible with notes and highlighters for many years, I promise you that Elaine has something JUST for you in this book, and it will be one that you bookmark and go back to time and time again!

Beverly Cieply

Founder of Illustrated Faith and Bible journaling pioneer

With biblical veracity and personal transparency It’s Not In Vain weaves a compelling tapestry of beautiful layers. In one layer the reader is given an opportunity to view the trials, triumphs, and teachings of the many women of the Bible through Dr. Bailey’s eyes. Overlaying these holy stories, the tapestry takes on a contemporary flair as the author intimately interacts with the biblical characters sharing truths lived out in life and leadership during times of victory and moments of great struggle. The third layer of this tapestry is your invitation, dear reader, to weave these biblical stories and insights into your own life.

Rev. Dr. Esther Cottrell

State Pastor, Church of God Ohio

Someone has said that life has two great moments, the first is the moment we are born, the second is the moment we discover why. Whatever truth there is in that statement and observation it must be understood in light of the ways we make that discovery. For many of us who follow Christ as Lord, the best way to make that discovery is from engaging the word of God. My Sister, Rev. Dr. Arnetta Bailey McNeese has done a wonderful job of introducing us to bible characters and in turn she also allows us to see and meet ourselves in their lives, all while inviting us into her life and journey as well. In so many ways this book becomes like the Bible, a mirror that allows us to see ourselves, and that is a blessing. This book is an eye opener, a page-turner, and a life changer. Be blessed by it

Bishop Timothy J. Clarke

My soul longs to hear from authentic, godly people who aren't perfect, but who are constantly aligning their hearts, lives, and minds with Christ and His Word. There are so many voices, so many options, so many demands and expectations. What a joy to sit with a sister at the table of fellowship and hear from her heart how God is blessing, healing, and calling her into the next season of life and ministry. Thank you Arnetta for your faithfulness and for sharing your journey with other hungry souls!

Jeannette Flynn

It is Not In Vain brings to life the stories of twelve women in the Bible, connecting their challenges with Dr. Arnetta Bailey's own testimony of trauma and triumph. The result is a treasure trove of lessons in personal formation for vocation in ministry. Her legacy of devoted discipleship and courageous leadership as CEO of a global Christian women's organization shines through on every page!

Cheryl J. Sanders

Author of Ministry at the Margins, Saints in Exile, and Empowerment Ethics for a Liberated People

It is Not in Vain is a compelling read for anyone seeking to follow the call of God. The author convincingly reminds us that our past choices may inform our future but do not define it. With great vulnerability Dr. Bailey allows past and future friends a glimpse into her personal and professional life to discover how strengths and weaknesses can be used to the glory of God. As a master teacher, she allows the echo of female voices in the Old and New Testaments to reverberate with a new generation. While the book is written with her sisters of the faith in mind, it would be a mistake for Reverend Bailey’s spiritual brotherhood to miss these important alpha and omega truths of a life of faithful service. I recommend, It is Not in Vain for individuals and groups desiring to better understand the call of God on ordinary people.

David Sebastian

Dean Emeritus, Minister at Large, Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana

I’ve had the wonderful privilege of knowing my sweet sister and dear friend Dr. Arnetta Bailey for nearly two decades, and I have watched her live out the message on the pages of her book. So I was humbled and honored when she asked if I would give her new book, It’s Not in Vain, my endorsement. I have been in ministry for over four decades and there have been times when I have felt depleted, defeated, discouraged, and disillusioned, and I needed a good word to encourage my soul! The timeless truths expressed in the pages of this book served as a beautiful reminder that I was destined by God to win and that in every detail of my life, God was at work to bring about good, and that my work was not in vain. This book will reignite your spiritual fire and God-given passions, and you will be encouraged to be the fearless woman of God that God has predestined you to be, living out your truth as authentically you! It’s Not in Vain is a great book for the times in which we are living.

Lynda Randle

Singer, Song-Writer, and Author