"Set-Apart Motherhood" by Leslie Ludy

I jumped into new territory for me this go-around. I am not a parent, I don't even have children in my forseeable future, but I've admired Leslie Ludy in the past. Why not give her newest book about motherhood a chance? I’ve always appreciated the insight that Leslie Ludy brings to the Christian community. Now that Leslie has entered the realm of parenthood, she brings her wisdom to other parents striving to raise their families the best they can. “Set-Apart Motherhood” encourages moms to step up and not fall for the deception that familial life has to be messy and chaotic. Leslie does well at keeping the chapters short and succinct, wrapping them up with some questions to reflect on and Scriptures to chew on. For moms with busy schedules, this could operate as an excellent devotional. The one reservation I had was that it felt as if Leslie was painting this ultra-conservative way to have the perfect family with all your ducks in a row along with the perfect house. It honestly felt a little unattainable to me; however, she mentions multiple times that it’s by the grace of God that order is achieved. As long as you hold on to the “grace of God” mantra, Leslie’s advice is very helpful and encouraging. When this title is released on July 1st, I'd welcome your feedback. What did you think? Encouraging or unrealistic?

Week 1: "Captivating"

The year is off to a great start, and so is my resolution to read one non-fictional book a week. I'll try to make sure I write a review for you each week, so that you may increase your reading list as well. Enjoy!


Title: "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul"
Author(s): John & Stasi Eldredge
Pages: 218
Rating (out of 5): 4
Reread?: Yes

Favorite quote: This time around it was found on pages 180 and 181. "To have a woman friend is to relax into another soul and be welcomed in all that you are and all that you are not...When God gives a friend, he is entrusting us with the care of another's heart. It is a chance to mother and to sister, to be a Life giver, to help someone else become the woman she was created to be, to walk alongside her and call her deep heart forth."

Thoughts: "Captivating" is an excellent book that focuses on the special role that women play in creation. For women it is a must read to remind us that we were created with a very special and unique purpose. This book also focuses on the ways that our roles have been tarnished by the fall. Men should also read it to understand the hidden battle that many women fight spiritually and emotionally. Men should also read "Captivating"'s counterpart, "Wild at Heart."

Now reading: "The Grand Weaver" by Ravi Zacharias