|
A woman's experience as a mother is influenced by the mothering she received as a child. If neglect was a part of that upbringing, the woman who holds a newborn and faces the responsibility of parenting needs a healthy vision of motherhood. You will learn how to put shattered legacies back together, the path to restoring the broken image of motherhood, and ways to let go and embrace a new story.
A woman’s experience as a mother is influenced by the mothering she received as a child. If neglect was a part of that upbringing, the woman who holds a newborn and faces the responsibility of parenting needs a healthy vision of motherhood. T. Suzanne Eller compassionately discusses how a woman can turn from a painful past and embrace a godly example of motherhood. She shares - how shattered legacies can be put back together
- the path to restoring the broken image of motherhood
- ways to let go and embrace a new story
This is a celebration of God’s healing power and how all women can become the mom they want to be.
The title for T. Suzanne Eller’s newest release emphasizes two red-letter words: The Mom I Want to Be. This indicates Eller’s desire to step confidently into her role as a mom despite her dismal childhood. Like piecing together a shredded photograph, Eller invites her mother to join her in showing readers how to bring wholeness out of shattered fragments.
Sent to grade school with an “I’m a Stupid Girl” placard, Eller describes her mom as “a stained-glass portrait with cracks running deep.” She urges the reader who has a broken past to confront it. Then, with renewed strength from God, it is possible to break down the old barriers and move ahead. Not only is Suzanne involved in the lives of her three young adult children, but she ministers to teens and young adults, weaving in her story of God’s power to triumph over tragedy. To engage the reader in the healing process, Eller includes personal inventory questions at the end of each chapter.
Throughout the book, the author emphasizes that each person is much more than his or her past. “I’m not just a woman who had a chaotic family,” Eller writes. “I’m…a woman of faith.” It’s also difficult, she admits, to forgive; yet, instead of wedging herself into a dungeon of bitterness, Eller holds out for discovering new opportunities to constructively shape her children’s lives. Eller’s mother admonishes the reader as well: “Don’t waste one more day living in the past.”
With the intention of helping moms avoid pitfalls of their pasts, Suzanne Eller keeps a watchful eye on dealing with her pain while choosing to go forward. “The passion you once devoted to nurturing resentment…will be released for better things.” If you are in the midst of changing diapers, or any other stage of parenting, yet you’ve put off dealing with the defeat of a dismal past, I recommend that you add this book to your next shopping list. – Cheryl A. Cecil, Christian Book Previews.com
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
2 of 2 Reviews Showing: 5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Julie Dearyan (Wauconda, IL), February 19, 2007 This book would be absolutely GREAT for a Bible study with Moms. The suggestions in the back and the Bible Study guide is one of the best I've seen and I plan to use this book for that purpose in the future. Although I grew up in a loving Christian home, I related to Eller's extreme honesty and joy for the Lord. Great book! 4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Brenda Nixon (Ohio), August 27, 2006 Ohmygoodness, can I relate to this book! It pulled on my heartstrings.
Like many readers, I want to be a good mom; to parent better than I received. Of course my parents had loving intentions, but like the author, I "experienced dysfunction and know how it feels to want to get on with life but still feel trapped." Christian counseling helped me identify conscious or less-than-conscious parenting patterns that could be injurious to my children.
I truly believe all parents WANT to be good parents, some lack the skills or are themselves weighed down and stagnated by an injured inner child.
This amazing book offers thoughts and direction to overcome hurtful memories and improve your parenting skills. It is positive and liberating. Page 62 says, "Your memories can be obstacles, or they can be lifelines to others seeking answers. Your memories can be chains, or they can be keys to changing your response to your own children." I submit that painful memories can even affect you on a less-than-conscious level.
I appreciate that the author writes with tenderness toward her family; she doesn't "bad mouth" or disrespect her parents and even includes her mother's reflections, which gives the reader a different perspective.
I recommend this book for personal or group study. Be the mom you want to be...read this book for your kids' sake. Give them healthy, happy memories as you lean on God - the only "Perfect Parent" - to help you.
Write a review of The Mom I Want to Be: Rising Above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future
Availability: Only 3 in stock - order soon! Additional quantities may be backordered.
Start A New Christianbook.com Search
|
Catalog Shopping
Membership
