Author Sally Clarkson, co-founder of Whole Heart Ministries, and husband Clay work side by side with evangelicals across the country and throughout the world, speaking, teaching and encouraging Christians to aspire toward godly parenthood.
Clarkson, whose previous titles include THE MISSION OF MOTHERHOOD and THE MINISTRY OF MOTHERHOOD, writes with candor-laced humor, yet her message is resoundingly bold with biblical mandates. A mother of four who homeschools her children, Clarkson lives out her message. Readers will appreciate her brief narratives and insider looks into her own family, where grace isn't always so visible --- where irritability, tiredness and exhaustion sometimes reign supreme...but only temporarily.
Clarkson's desire is to share honestly with other women about the long, often wearying journey of motherhood as she transparently displays her own struggles with discouragement and depression. She likewise provides the biblical larger-than-life picture from which every mother can draw strength. As a member of a family who has devoted their entire lives to ministry and offering hospitality, Clarkson recounts moments, even seasons, when her family questioned their sacrifice in the face of not-so-gracious guests, specifically Christians. Understanding her youngsters' feelings, Clarkson admits that it's difficult to give and give and give. But still, the fallback is always understanding and focusing upon Christ and His call upon their lives.
The author inspires and energizes readers with her soulful retellings of humorous events that plague every growing family: illness, financial troubles, housing problems, career moves, extended caregiving responsibilities. And in every scenario, she skillfully brings the life lesson back into proper eternal perspective with a winsome grace that will leave her readers warmed and comforted.
Throughout this four-part text, Clarkson invites moms to view mothering as a PATH: walking with purpose, walking with assurance, walking with trust and walking with heart. She discusses such pertinent topics as living with integrity; understanding how restful times are spiritually productive and physically rejuvenate the body; developing a quiet heart that sets aside time to invest in seeking God, His wisdom, His understanding and His purpose; embracing grace for the unknown issues of today and for tomorrow; realizing that forgiveness from past mistakes is total, complete and worth celebrating; and pairing the power of God's truth and love with the motivation never to give up, no matter what the circumstances. Also, there are introspective questions to ponder for further self-examination and as thoughtful send-offs.
Clarkson's methodology is conservative, concrete and uncompromising. Even those moms who don't necessarily agree with all her tenets will find the heart of her message delightfully palatable and nourishing.
--- Reviewed by Michele Howe
