Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today by Kathi Macias--Book Review

If I could only recommend one book for mothers, it would be Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today by Kathi Macias.

In this uplifting study of some of the most well-known and some not-as-well-known mothers of the Bible, Kathi Macias provides an in-depth look into what we can learn from Eve, Sarah, Hannah, The Proverbs 31 Woman, Jesus's mother, Mary and others.

While I strive to make my reviews objective and not overly personal, there are some books that touch my heart in such a way that it's impossible for me not to speak of my personal feelings. Such is the case with Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today.

In my own reading of the Bible and as a Sunday school teacher I have had the chance to study some of these Biblical mothers, but Macias's books always manage to teach me something or provide me a perspective that I had never thought of before. From the author's chapter on how Eve was a mother without a role model to how Eunice and Lois--like all mothers and grandmothers--train up a child in the way he should go and then make the hard decision to pass the torch onto the next generation, Macias discusses the traits these women of the Bible exhibited and how they worked into God's plan.

As a mother of a full-grown son, one strong-willed daughter, and a youngest daughter who I can easily relate to because I am a former youngest child, there have been many moments in my journey of motherhood where I have stumbled, lost my way, and felt like a failure. Reading this book has allowed me to feel better about my role as a mother, has enouraged me along my Christian journey and given me hope for the future.

One of the chapters is dedicated to the virtuous woman from Proverbs 31. Macias wrote an entire book on her journey to become like the virtuous woman--you'll find our review of that book here--and what she learned along the way. Some of that is featured in Chapter 14 of Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today. It is wise that she includes the virtuous woman in this book as well because as Macias says on Page 231, "Understanding that this 'perfect woman' is more of a composite of many women, rather than a portrait of one, makes looking in the mirror and searching for her reflection a lot less discouraging...Even the most devoted wife, woman, mother, and/or businesswoman can't do it all--and certainly not all at once!"

Each chapter is preceded by a quotation from a variety of people, and each chapter ends with more quotations that fit the chapter's theme, questions to "think about and enter in your journal" and "A Mother's Prayer".

Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today by Kathi Macias will inspire you, lift you up, and encourage you along your journey as a Christian mother. A perfect Mother's Day or birthday gift, no mother will be left untouched by this book!


Title: Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today
Author: Kathi Macias
Publisher: New Hope Publishers
ISBN: 978-1-59669-215-2
SRP: $19.99 (U.S.)

Life is Tough - I Doubt I'll Make It Out Alive by Stacy Gooch-Anderson--Book Review

Life lessons learned through one mother's journey is what readers will discover when they open the pages of Life is Tough - I Doubt I'll Make It Out Alive by Stacy Gooch- Anderson.

Already a fan of Stacy Gooch-Anderson and her book The Santa Letters--which we reviewed here--I was thrilled to be asked to review Life is Tough. Gooch-Anderson has a way of touching the heart like few authors can; and here, her skills shine through in a funny and often tender way, as she shares with readers twenty-eight lessons she has learned from her own parents and her journey through motherhood.

From embarrassing home movies, to the challenges of learning to ski; from Daddy's little girl, to married woman; from a first-time mother, to the ruler over four unique and challenging boys, and from her role as daughter to her role as family matriarch, Stacy Gooch-Anderson's lessons will leave you laughing so hard that you cry, and crying along with her as she deals with the loss of a child and the loss of both parents to cancer.

Perhaps, having lost my mother to cancer when I was just a girl helped me relate to the emotions the author shares as she watches her father struggle with the disease, but still maintain his positive outlook on life. And perhaps I cried a few extra tears as Gooch-Anderson tells of her mother asking her to become the "mother bird" who would watch over her siblings "like a hawk".

Overall, though there sad moments like these in every mother's life, the majority of the book shares the joys of motherhood: watching your children grow, looking back to laugh upon the challenges they have brought to your life, the pride you feel in them, and the days you threatened to sell them to the Indians (at least that's what my parents always said they would do).

Life is Tough - I Doubt I'll Make It Out Alive is the perfect gift for mothers, grandmothers, step-mothers, sisters, and aunts who have traveled and who are traveling along the wonderful, and sometimes difficult, journey of motherhood.

It is my hope, that Stacy Gooch-Anderson comes out with another title soon. I'll be the first in line to buy a copy.


Title: Life is Tough - I Doubt I'll Make It Out Alive
Author: Stacy Gooch-Anderson
Publisher: CFI, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-59955-176-0
SRP: $14.99 (U.S.)

Check out a Life Saver from Stacy Gooch-Anderson here.

Behold Your Mother by Heidi Hess Saxton--Book Review

Full of stories that reach the heart of motherhood and the relationship all people can have with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Behold Your Mother: Mary Stories and Reflections from a Catholic Convert by Heidi Hess Saxton will draw you closer to Mary, and therefore, her Son, Jesus.

As a former Catholic, I know the significant role that Mary plays in the Church. It is a part of that faith that used to mystify me; and my husband, who was brought up Greek Orthodox, after nearly 10 years of marriage still asks me what's up with the whole "Mary" thing.

But as I grew into adulthood and became a mother, I gave Mary more thought and realized what an inspiration and source of strength Mary can be to every one of God's children. This is exactly what Saxton has captured with Behold Your Mother.

In the first story, Saxton discusses her own hesitation in praying to Jesus' mother after converting to Catholicism. There are also two other stories that show how Saxton draws strength and receives protection from Mary. The remainder of the book serves as a devotional. Snippets of Scripture are brought together with thought-provoking meditations about Mary and the role she plays in all our lives. Each meditation ends with a short prayer.

After reading Behold Your Mother, I am more convinced than ever that people can reach out to Mary and gain a closer relationship with their Savior, Jesus Christ. In a world of uncertainty, Mary can give us the strength to move forward and she protects us as we reach out to her and seek her intercession.

Behold Your Mother by Heidi Hess Saxton is certain to bring people of all faiths closer to Mary and God. It will also make an excellent Mother's Day gift or alternative to a Mother's Day Card.

You'll find this book at Amazon.com. If you order the book through Heidi's website you can receive an autographed copy of Behold Your Mother along with a sample of Heidi's favorite tea (Higgins & Burke Blackcurrant Cassis) in a rose-kissed envelope.

Title: Behold Your Mother: Mary Stories and Reflections from a Catholic Convert
Author: Heidi Hess Saxton
Publisher: Bezalel Books
ISBN: 978-0-9800483-0-8
U.S. Price: $9.99