If we were to sit down and talk about motherhood, I would probably begin by saying, "A hurricane made me a mother and it's been a whirlwind ever since."
We were well prepared for that hurricane, after all we'd had a practice run just a couple of weeks before. The idea that two hurricanes could crash into the same seaside town, one after the other, never crossed my mind. And for it to happen when I was nine months pregnant—inconceivable!
Though we were prepared for the hurricane with our water, food, and emergency supplies, we were not prepared for parenthood. Oh, I had read all the books. Multiple times. In my mind I was prepared but nothing smacks your pride in the face like motherhood. Those first months on into a year was hard. Postpartum depression made it even harder.
That's why when I started reading Engaging Motherhood: Heart Preparation for a Holy Calling, I emailed one of the writer's to tell her how much I appreciated the book. If only I had read it twelve years ago!
Most books for moms are teeming with how-to's and practical tips. "Here's what worked for me, it is certain to work for you." While such advice has its use, one thing that is often lacking in these works is Christ. Many resources point readers everywhere else but the only source of hope, Jesus Christ.
That's what makes Engaging Motherhood an important books for moms. Especially new moms and those with littles gathered around their ankles. Moms covered in spit up and whose life revolves around diaper changes and nap schedules. This book points moms to their Savior.
"But what if I told you there was a great High Priest who has gone before you and knows all your fears? What if I told you that Christ has taken the lion's share of your pain in delivery? By leaving his throne in heaven and taking on the very nature of a man—a servant—Jesus embraced the most astronomical role change you could ever imagine. God became man with flesh and bones and bruises. And his earthly body was torn open to deliver you. And because of this, God exalted him to the highest place, so that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow. If you have confessed Christ as Lord, you can have unwavering hope that God will deliver you into this revolution with joy and confidence." (p.13)
Engaging Motherhood is written by a group of moms who have been there and know the challenges of caring for young children. Designed to be read and discussed in a small group setting and ideally with a mentor/leader, Engaging Motherhood is divided into eight themed weeks. Each of those weeks contains five days of devotional length chapters. Some of the themes include topics such as loneliness, control, perfectionism, and spiritual life. Each day's reading includes a Scripture passage, a devotional, and questions to answer.
For new moms, every moment of the day is consumed with taking care of a child. This book, with its manageable readings, reminds moms of the truth of who they are in Christ and wherein lies their joy and strength.
"From the beginning, one of Scripture's refrains is God is with you. He entered the darkness at the beginning of the world, he entered the darkness of our sin, he walks with us through streams of righteousness and waves that seem to overcome us. God even called his Son Immanuel—God with us—as a way to remind us that he will never (never!) leave us. Take heart! You are known. You are understood. You are His." (p.58)
Engaging Motherhood would be an excellent resource for a group of new moms to do together. It would be a great tool for an older woman to use to disciple younger women. It would be a blessing to any mom with young children. To find out more about Engaging Motherhood, click here.
I have a copy of Engaging Motherhood to give away. US residents only. Enter below.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free for this review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
