For thousands of years, women have struggled with what it means to be beautiful. Even in Old Testament times, women adorned themselves with expensive jewelry, elaborate hairstyles, and intricate clothing—all in an attempt to be beautiful. But as Heidi Goehmann discovered, true beauty isn’t found in a bottle, or a great pair of jeans, or the perfect lipstick color. In the Song of Songs, Goehmann discovered that God calls us beautiful:

“You are altogether beautiful, my love;

there is no flaw in you.” (Song of Songs 4:7)

But not just physically beautiful: redeemed, holy, cherished, loved, and worthy in Christ. This is the truth that matters. Christ died for us. His death and resurrection have redeemed us. We are altogether beautiful in Christ.

This truth forms the basis for Goehmann’s new Bible study, Altogether Beautiful: A Study of the Song of Songs. “While [the Song of Songs] isn’t all about personal beauty,” writes Goehmann, “this is a message I believe, He doesn’t want us to miss. I pray you can hear the following truth as one of the many important truths we will discover in the Song of Songs, in God’s Word. And that truth is this: you are beautiful, even when it’s a challenge to believe it.”

In this eight-week, video-based Bible study, participants will dig deep into the Song of Songs, exploring the Gospel truth found within the text. Each week, readers will complete five days of readings and questions in the workbook, with weekly group meetings in which Heidi will lead the study via online videos, always coming back to the incredible truth that Christ loves us, redeems us, and makes us beautiful in Him.

For more information on Altogether Beautiful or to order the book, please visit cph.org/altogetherbeautiful or contact Lindsey Martie, Public Relations, by phone at 314-268-1303 or by email at Lindsey.Martie@cph.org.

Praise for Altogether Beautiful

“Heidi has long written in such a way that she takes Scripture and sends it directly to the reader’s heart.Altogether Beautiful is no exception. Not only does she delve into the many layers of this beautiful but sometimes intimidating book of God’s Word, but she also points us to the most beautiful truth of God’s love for His people.”

—Sarah Baughman, author of the Regency Silhouettes series

“Altogether Beautiful invites connection on a personal level from the very beginning, and the life applications are deep, probing, and significantly relevant. Perhaps most important, the study conversation not only prompts self-examination but also inspires outward concern and consideration for others. Whether you are a forever-believer, a new Christian, a skeptic, or a seeker, you will find this book inviting and easy as Heidi comes alongside as a friend to make you want to dig into the Word; understand, apply, and learn it by heart; and discover new directions for prayer. You’ll talk about beauty, vocations, relationships . . . and what happens when foxes get into vineyards!”

—Pat Maier, pastor’s wife and cofounder of Visual Faith Ministry

“Altogether Beautiful is a rare combination of rigorous biblical study and relatable discussion questions; it takes a rather enigmatic book of the Bible and makes it clear and comprehensible. Goehmann paints a beautiful picture of Christ’s love for us throughout this well-designed study. This will certainly bless and encourage individuals and Bible study groups.”

—Rev. A. Trevor Sutton, author of Authentic Christianity (CPH, 2017), Why Should I Trust the Bible? (CPH, 2016), and Being Lutheran (CPH, 2016)

“Gazing at his ravishing bride, Solomon deems her ‘altogether beautiful.’ That acclaim befits this elegant Bible study by Deaconess Goehmann, who delves into true beauty—not as seen by the world, but as God sees us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The heavenly Bridegroom claims His Church as His Bride. He washes us in Holy Baptism, dresses us in His own righteousness, and invites us to dine at His eternal wedding feast. Instead of trying to make ourselves more attractive, we simply believe the Word of Christ: “You are altogether beautiful, My love” (Song of Songs 4:7, emphasis added).”

—Rev. Dr. Christopher W. Mitchell, author of The Song of Songs in the Concordia Commentary series (CPH, 2003)

“This study is an amazing, creative application of the Song of Songs to the personal life of the Christian woman. The author poignantly shows the chasm that sin brings in this beautiful relationship, causing endless struggles in the Christian woman about her attractiveness and desirability. The study is a refreshing call to reclaim the delight that God has in her so that she can embody this wonderful vulnerability and intimacy in her life.”

—Dr. David Ludwig, licensed therapist, professor, and author of Christian Concepts for Care (CPH, 2014)

“Heidi Goehmann wants us to see ourselves the way that God sees us. She quiets the lies that we tell ourselves and that the devil whispers in our ears by clearly showing the depth and breadth of God’s love for us. Heidi’s study is approachable and engaging, and reading it feels like she’s in the room with us having a conversation about who we really are: His beloved.”

—Pastor Matt and Liz Schuler, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Oxford, Michigan

About Heidi Goehmann

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann is a licensed independent social worker and mental health care provider, a writer, speaker, wife, mom, forgiven and loved child of God. Her passions include her husband and kids, as well as red wine, dark chocolate, Jesus, Star Trek, Star Wars, and new ideas. . . . not necessarily in that order. Visit Heidi online at ilovemyshepherd.com.