Live Big, Love Bigger: Getting Real with BBQ, Sweet Tea, and a Whole Lotta Jesus

by Kathryn Whitaker, Dave Dwyer C.S.P. (Foreword by)

Overview

Winner of a 2020 Catholic Press Association book award (third place, first-time author).


Popular blogger Kathryn Whitaker is a Dr Pepper super fan, Aggie-loving, type A mom of six with a personality the size of her native Texas. The stressful premature birth of her fifth child threw her orderly world into chaos and ultimately led her to rethink her priorities. In Live Big, Love Bigger, Whitaker shares her journey and challenges readers to understand that they, too, can live a life of authenticity with joy-filled purpose, love, and faith. Along the way, she’ll help readers see that choosing to say no is the only way they’ll be able to say yes to what matters most—Jesus.

It’s not every family who would plan a week-long Texas barbecue pilgrimage for a family of eight, much less expand the idea to a multi-month quest to experience the state, eat amazing food, and visit some awesome religious sites along the way. But Whitaker did it—when she decided imperfect family road trips trumped a vacation at a luxury resort. “Barbecue encouraged us to hit the road, while Jesus met us at every single stop along the way—proof that he loves brisket as much as we do, right?”

Ditching the fancy vacation was one way Whitaker learned to give up control and say no to perfectionism and over-achievement in order to live a new, more intentional life and discover what God truly has in store for her family.

Whitaker’s sassy authenticity will make readers laugh—and cry—while encouraging them to be honest about mistakes in every area of their life, embrace them, and find a way to let God redeem it all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594719141
Publisher:	Ave Maria Press
Publication date:	08/30/2019
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	616,400
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Kathryn Whitaker is the author of the award-winning book Live Big, Love Bigger. She's a sixth-generation Texan who was raised as an evangelical Protestant and then converted to Catholicism on the eve of her wedding.

On social media, Whitaker shares her honest take on family life, prematurity and living the Gospel, all while drinking Dr Pepper and cheering on the Texas Aggies. She has appeared in USA Today and Publishers Weekly, and on NBC, EWTN, Ave Maria Radio, and Catholic TV. She and Rachel Bulman are the co-hosts of Strong Voices, a weekly show on The Catholic Channel on SiriusXM.

Whitaker and her husband, Scott, live with their six children in Austin, Texas.

Fr. Dave Dwyer, C.S.P., is executive director of Busted Halo ministries, host of the Busted Halo Show on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel, and cohosts Conversations with Cardinal Dolan, which also airs on The Catholic Channel and on multiple television stations.

Table of Contents

Foreword Fr. Dave Dwyer, C.S.P xi

Introduction: Sucker Punched by God xv

Chapter 1 Tall Drink of Water 1

Chapter 2 Surprised by the Collar 15

Chapter 3 #Freakout 29

Chapter 4 Chicken Wings, Beer, and College Football 41

Chapter 5 Check Your Heart 55

Chapter 6 Magic Solution 67

Chapter 7 BBQ, Sweet Tea, and a Whole Lotta Jesus 79

Chapter 8 The Hustle is Sold Separately 95

Chapter 9 And Other Lies We Tell Durselves 109

Chapter 10 The Miracle Business 123

Acknowledgments 135

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“You may think your own family is far from perfect, and perhaps have never considered them ‘holy.’ If so, then this book is for you.” —From the foreword by Fr. Dave Dwyer, C.S.P., Executive Director of Busted Halo Ministries

“If you believe that pursuing a faithful life is intimidating or overwhelming, I highly encourage you read this book. Kathryn’s story, laden with numerous examples of God’s ability to work miracles in our present day lives, is a raw, down-to-earth account of a woman seeking to follow God the best way she knows how.” —Jenna Guizar, Founder of Blessed is She

“Like its author, Live Big, Love Bigger is warm, witty, and served with a side of southern sass." —Haley Stewart, Catholic blogger, podcaster, and author of The Grace of Enough

“With the tone of a friend sitting down with you for some BBQ and real talk, Kathryn Whitaker shows us how to dream big and keep our sanity in the process.” —Jennifer Fulwiler, SiriusXM radio host and author of One Beautiful Dream

“Real, transparent, and inspiring.” —Brandon Vogt, Content Director of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and author of Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too)

“This book is a gorgeous read, a shot in the arm, and a balm for the weary soul! Kathryn Whitaker’s writing is truly a gift. With honesty and hilarity, she shares own struggles and leads to deep insights that will touch your heart and inspire you to be a better wife, mom, and daughter of God. We are in this struggle together, and Kathryn Whitaker is our beloved Texan cheerleader, encouraging us with uncommon humility, wisdom, and grace." —Danielle Bean, Catholic author and brand manager of CatholicMom.com

“Kathryn Whitaker writes just likes she loves—with conviction! With sweet Southern style she shares openly about her faith and fears, triumphs and trials of raising her Texas-size family. Live Big, Love Bigger will leave you empowered to live a more authentic life by making space for a little more Jesus and a lot more love. BBQ sauce not included.&rdquo —Kelli Kelley, Founder and CEO of Hand to Hold

“In Live Big, Love Bigger, Kathryn Whitaker invites us into the sacred story of her life with God, family, and friends. The birth of the Whitaker’s son Luke called her to suffering, a more intimate relationship with God, and ultimately to a whole new life. Her story is one of dying to self in order to live for Christ and her husband, children, and friends. People of faith have influenced Whitaker; by her life and these reflections, she influences others and calls them to value family and grow in faith. Whitaker’s story enables us to get in touch with our own sacred story and discover anew God’s incredible love often shown by the other people he places in our lives.” —Most Rev. Gregory Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans

Editorial Reviews

07/15/2019

Catholic blogger and speaker Whitaker invites readers to take her “hell yes” approach to life, faith, and family in this effervescent debut, a blend of memoir, devotional, and pep talk. With wit and more irreverence than is usually found in standard Christian living fare, Whitaker, a former Protestant and mother of six, candidly shares her struggles with postpartum depression, marital miscommunication, scoliosis, and perfectionism. However, it’s the premature birth of her fifth child (resulting in life-threatening medical issues for her infant son, Luke) that’s the catalyst for this book. Whitaker wants readers to say “no” to what’s insignificant, so they can love God, others, and themselves more wholeheartedly. Though each of the 10 chapters takes on a different topic that distracts from one’s faith and family (including technology, self-image, and the fear of death) they all relate back to Luke, who was “God’s invitation to detachment.” While themes are weighty, Whitaker throws in humorous asides, such as when she decides to recite Hail Marys to resist putting her “handmade artisan kids up for sale on Etsy.” Parents, especially those who have children with health challenges, will find much of the advice to be helpful and insightful. Whitaker’s enjoyable mix of spiritual fervor and homespun humor will appeal to Christian readers and general audiences alike. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly