LIVE BIG, LOVE BIGGER

The story of one woman’s laugh-out-loud journey to authenticity and freedom

LIVE BIG, LOVE BIGGER

The story of one woman’s laugh-out-loud journey to authenticity and freedom

Praise for Live Big, Love Bigger

“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.”

— Fr. Dave Dwyer, C.S.P.

Executive Director of Busted Halo Ministries

"Whitaker’s enjoyable mix of spiritual fervor and homespun humor will appeal to Christian readers and general audiences alike."

Publishers Weekly

“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)

“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

“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

Standup Comedian and Author of Your Blue Flame

“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."

— Kelli Kelley

Founder and CEO of Hand to Hold

“In Live Big, Love Bigger Kathryn Whitaker digs deep into her Texas sized heart, taking us on an adventure, encouraging us to live with intention, love with abandon, and showing us how to see the face of Christ in all we meet. Life is messy, filled with obstacles and uncertainty, but Whitaker shows that if we let go and let God in, we are able to embrace the hard things and allow them to transform and heal us. Whitaker uses her southern wit and sass to prove over and over that with BBQ, sweet tea, and a whole lot of Jesus we can do more than just survive this life — we can live bolder and love bigger than we ever thought possible."

— Mary E. Lenaburg

Catholic speaker and author of Be Brave in the Scared

Listen, on audio!

NOW AVAILABLE exclusively on Audible! The audio book is read by me with plenty of Texas twang (and the foreword is read by Fr. Dave Dwyer, CSP).

BUY THE AUDIO BOOK!

To enhance your Live Big, Love Bigger book experience:

STUDY GUIDE for groups or personal use, it's free and available to anyone

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST that highlights some of my favorite moments from the book, in music!

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

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