Missional Motherhood: The Everyday Ministry of Motherhood in the Grand Plan of God (The Gospel Coalition) Kindle Edition

I benefited so much from this book, and I found the big-picture perspective that the author presented to be refreshing. In hindsight, I'm SO glad I overlooked the negative reviews; it is utterly baffling that some women didn't get over themselves enough to realize this book was never about them. They must have been looking for a bullet-point list in every chapter-- just something to tell them what to do. This book, however, conveys the greatness of the Lord, His faithfulness, and the privilege we have to participate in His plans. Its main focus is the gospel of Christ, and it's the most uplifting and helpful message to those who have ears to hear.For the record, I think there were several times when the author touched on practical subjects, like the need to avoid consumerism and extending grace for our failings. She pointed out, in great detail, the absolute necessity of prayer; she reminded me that God's Word was as crucial to my life as eating and drinking. These are all highly practical and applicable, but they do require discipline, and moms seem to find ways to opt out of that whenever they can.For those of you who want a feel-good book of how-tos, you might need to look elsewhere. For those of you who want a feel-good book that challenges and convicts you to be a better version of yourself, I can't recommend this enough.

I have been reading Missional Motherhood the last week or so. While reading it, my heart has swelled and shouted "yes!" on many occasions. Gloria's writing style, her deep and comprehensive understanding of the OT narrative, and the insight into mothering... It has drawn me in and has been just what I needed, an answer to silent and worried prayers of my heart. I had been feeling lost in understanding how being a mom mattered for eternity... I know it does in theory, but not in a deep and abiding way, not in a way that made me get up in the morning, ready to pour Cheerios with joy or see past the monotony.The book has two big sections: 1. A grand sweeping narrative of the Old Testament (which was surprisingly meaningful! I was tempted to skim, but then found myself hanging on every word) and 2. A theology of motherhood within God's mission in the world (in light of the OT narrative and the work of Christ.)I'm not finished with the book yet, but I know God is using it to change my heart and lift my eyes. I'm so thankful and definitely recommend. It is a great personal read or could be used in a book club!

Two, small children know me as "mama". That said, I don't have an abundance of time to sit down, which leads me to be snobbishly choosey in my selection of reading material. Over the past 4 months I've read about 20 books (over half of which are Christian lit, almost all of which have been good), but "Missional Motherhood" was (by far) the most impactful and enjoyable read. The book is intended to reach women in all seasons of life -- not just biological or adoptive mamas because, "... every Christian woman is called to make disciples of all nations."I read snippets aloud to my husband, stifled laughs (so as not to wake my sleeping babe), and suffered from hand cramps because I underlined on every single page. THIS was my FAVORITE part of all:"Do we, with glad hearts, glorify God for designing this cruciform pattern for our work in nurturing others? I mean, it's wonderful that Jesus, "for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross" (Heb. 12:2), but me? How can I gladly lay down my comfortable schedule in order to serve someone? How can I gladly lay down my body to carry someone else inside it for nine months? How can I gladly lay down my fears and insecurities, pick up a Bible, and disciple some women? How can I gladly lay down my coffee to do anything? The answer to those how questions is found in the cross. We follow Christ, who laid down his life in order to nurture our lives. Serving others from a position of personal weakness is embarrassing for us prideful people. We like to be seen as sufficient. We enjoy admiring glances. We brush off compliments of, "Wow. How do you do it?" but we relish those words and pay them back in our minds. Distinctly Christian mothering is done from a posture of weakness and dependence. We nurture life in the face of death by grace through faith in Jesus" (p. 127).I recommend ordering a hard copy (not kindle) and to invest in a new highlighter, because you'll probably run out of ink. As you read, know that the two parts of the book build on one another. Part I is a beautiful unfolding of the "tapestry of the Gospel" that will require your undivided attention. Your study will be enriched if you have your Bible in hand and read the text alongside the book. Unlike many current, Christian lit authors, Furman handles Scripture with care and incorporates it fluidly. I greatly appreciated the intentionality with which she highlighted the thread of the Gospel throughout the entirety of the book. After establishing a solid foundation of God's promises to us as believers in the Old Testament, Part II offers practical applications regarding what it looks like for God to keep His promises through the person of His Son, Jesus.As a mom of young kiddos, chatting over coffee or going to Christian conferences or isn't a frequent occurrence. "Missional Motherhood" set my heart ablaze like I'm across the table from a kindred-hearted friend discussing the impact of the Gospel on our lives. It made me feel like I was in a room full of people singing praises to Jesus at the top of our lungs. It's impacted my perspective as I'm doing the glorious, everyday tasks of motherhood, like pushing my daughter in the swing at the park. I just finished reading and I'm scheming how and when I can squeeze like-minded ladies into my tiny living room so we can pour over the book together. I hope you'll buy it, read it, and be just as encouraged as me!

This book took all the burden the world puts on us as mums, showed me true grace, purpose and mission to live a life by. Thank you!

Having previously read Gloria Furman's 'Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full' and loving it I was eager to get my hands on 'Missional Motherhood' and was hoping to be just as inspired as I was with her previous title. Missional Motherhood was much more substantial and dove right in to the theology behind our role as mothers and how that calling is so deeply important to the Kingdom of God. When I read 'Treasuring Christ when Your Hands are Full' I couldn't put my highlighter down and finished the last page with a large handful of inspiring quotes and words to carry with me throughout my busy days. I didn't highlight quite as much in 'Missional Motherhood' but what I got from it was a much deeper understanding of the bigger picture God has for Mothers. A great read!

I'm currently reading this book. Finding it hard going. As others have said lots of OT overview and not much practical day to day help. I'm sure some people will find this book teas helpful.

excellent book!! must read fir any women in ministry!!

Excellent book! I read it as I prepared for the arrival of my first baby. I have no regrets. As I face new challenges, I am often reminded of the principles in this book. It has helped me have a Biblical outlook on Motherhood but even womanhood in general. I recommend this book to all women, not just mothers!