About the Book

Book: Figs in Bloom

Author: Bobi Gentry Goodwin

Genre: Bible Study Curriculum for Girls Small Group Leaders/Parents

Release Date: June, 2023

The Bible is rich with families, communities, songs, poems, principles, and power. It allows the reader to learn of God and His ultimate plan for His people through the coming of Jesus Christ. Stories of heroism, courage, perseverance, and pain fill its pages and are often displayed through the lives of Biblical characters.

The FIGS in Bloom Bible Study and Group Curriculum seeks to foster independence, growth, and spirituality in God’s precious girls by highlighting Bible personalities. FIGS is comprised of twelve lessons complete with Bible study, teacher tactics, scripture memorization, group games, journal writing prompts, and more. Biblical stories of hope, uniqueness, sacrifice, and love seek to encourage each student to blossom and take God with them as they learn to navigate the twists and turns of life.

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About the Author

Bobi Gentry Goodwin is a native San Franciscan. The Bay Area was where she first discovered her love for people and their stories. She has held a passion for writing since early childhood and as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, her mission field has been working with women and children. Bobi is a spiritual growth enthusiast that writes inspirational fiction, Bible Studies, and blog articles. She has been a contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the Soul and her story “Gentrified” was featured in the anthology Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis. She is a wife, mother of two, licensed minister, and an avid member of her local church. She hosts the Finding Forever Podcast and in her free time enjoys dancing, walking, and spending time with her fur baby.

More from Bobi

Parenting a teenager is hard work! Finding ways to communicate with a teen can feel like finding a safe place to step into a field of landmines. One wrong word, one wrong look, and one wrong directive can lead to a literal explosion. With so much on their minds as they navigate hormones, social groupings, social media, and academics. How can parents find the space to sit them down and share the Word of God?

As a parent of two teenage daughters, many times I felt stumped. I couldn’t even get my words to move them, let alone God’s. But I knew His Word was exactly what they needed. What He says about them is much more valuable than anything I could offer, and that is how FIGS was birthed. FIGS in BLOOM is a Bible study guide centered around a social group approach to learning God’s Word in a non-threatening way. It is centered on a socialization approach that invites kids into a community grounded in food, fun, and fellowship.

FIGS served as a template to pull my teenage girls close while so many things sought to pull them apart. Hosting meetings in my home surrounded by my teenage girl and her friends allowed deep seeds to be planted in me and them. I learned, they learned. I laughed, and they laughed. I prayed, and they prayed. And I am certain that in the end, God got all the Glory!

Author Interview

1. Can you share 5 random facts about you that we will not find in your bio?

I love this question.

Random facts are the best.

I married my high school sweetheart.

I have a five-inch scar in the middle of my back.

I have lived with 10 names including nicknames.

I sucked my thumb for years

I have four siblings and I am the youngest.

2. What drew you to your chosen genre? 

Passion drew me to my chosen genre. I write fiction for women and Bible studies for women and children.

I have always had a heart for people and their stories, especially women and children. My love for both groups frequently comes up in my writing, my professional life, and my personal-communal activities. Jesus fed the five thousand and it specifically mentioned that He included women and children. Women and children deserve to be seen and thought about. They are specific groups that I try never to forget.

3. Are you a planner or a pantser?

I am a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants mostly, but especially when I write fiction. I love the joy of free-flowing inspiration. I often find myself lost in the story and surprised by the outcome. There is a downside, in my experience as a pantser. I have to re-write, edit, and kill my darlings more than I’d care to admit.

I also have very clear moments of inspiration. These moments are priceless. When God downloads something into my mind, I have no other choice than to be a pantser. In this case, I think of myself as a scribe.

I also use outlines now and then if I get stuck, need clarity, or am charting a very clear path for my written work.

4. What was the most challenging part of bringing this story to life? 

The most challenging part of bringing this story to life was my confidence. Anytime I author a book, a blog, a sermon, or a Bible study, I struggle with sharing it with the world. My writing is very personal and over the years it has become a part of me.

Presenting my personal and private thought life and creativity to a larger audience for their review is always daunting, especially in this season of life when people display less sensitivity. The pockets of hypercriticism can also be very disheartening. Sometimes I feel like a turtle and want to crawl safely back into my shell.

5. What do you hope readers will take away from the book?

I hope readers will enjoy this book, but take away something much more substantial. Spending time with those you care about in the presence of God while working through the material in this Bible study provides an opportunity to nurture the soul. Time and intention are invaluable. I designed this book to promote soul care and connection. I hope that at the end of the journey, all who dived into this work will close the last page feeling more connected. Connected to each other and God is the goal.

6. Where can readers follow along to see what’s coming next? 

Readers can find coming attractions through my website or podcast.

Newsletter: bobigentrygoodwin.com

Podcast: Finding Forever Ministries