Book Club: Hope Unfolding ~ Chapter 1

Welcome to Book Club!

We are currently reading through Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth for the Momma's Heart by Becky Thompson. Pick up your copy today (I recommend you check out Booko to compare prices at various retailers)

In chapter 1 Becky discusses expectations and how these can differ from our realities. That, at times, life may look like what we were expecting but feels nothing like what we expected. I've mentioned previously that the reality of motherhood does not match my expectations. In some ways life looks exactly like what I'd though it would - wonderful husband, 3 adorable kids, house, career etc. All those boxes have been ticked yet some days I look around and wonder is this it. As a teenager and young adult I had thought that there were great things to accomplish, that I would make a difference and put my mark on this world or on the lives of those around me. Yet in this current season of life, I'm so consumed with daily responsibilities that any other dreams I once had are fading to the backgrounded. Throughout chapter one Becky reminds us that many mums feel this way, and I find it comforting to know that there is a community of mums out there who have similar experiences to mine. 

Becky suggests that we can reconcile our expectations with our realities by holding onto the hope that our dreams have not been overlooked and our stories are not yet complete. We need to believe that we are exactly where we are meant to be and that anything is still possible. For me, this reminder that my story is still unfolding and that anything is still possible is exciting, motivating and it offers hope.  Becky poses the question "how would you live if you believed that anything was still possible?" Personally, I'm motivated to look for and accept opportunities that may come my way: opportunities to learn new skills, to be involved with projects that excite me, and to be more present with my kids and others around me instead of worrying about the next task, busying myself, or hiding/escaping in the bathroom or pantry cupboard 😉. It may be easier said than done, I know, but if that's my goal then hopefully little by little that's the direction I'll head in.

I've enjoyed reading this first chapter and I'm looking forward to continuing this journey in the coming weeks. I'd love to hear your response to Becky's question "How would you live if you believed that anything was still possible?" Let me know in the comments below.

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Look at what just arrived in my mailbox!

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You still have time. We will be discussing Chapter One of Hope Unfolding on Friday Sept 2nd.

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Book Club: Hope Unfolding

Motherhood. It is so much more than I had imagined. So much more exciting and more rewarding. There are moments of such pride and times I'm smiling so much that my face hurts. On the flip side, however, it can be so much more daunting, more challenging, and more heartbreaking than I had anticipated.

I had a picture in my mind of the type of mother I'd be and the kids I'd raise. Then my babies arrived, and instead of instruction manuals they came with bursting personalities, strong wants and desires, and so much to learn. We all had so much to learn about each other and how to navigate life together.

I'm not the mother I thought I'd be. I think all mothers feel like that at some point. Navigating motherhood is challenging. We try our best yet often feel like we fall short. I still have many moments where I mentally give myself a high five for being exactly what my kids need in that moment, but I want more high five moments.

I have been following a couple blogs that offer encouragement to mums and one of the authors published a book earlier this year.

Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth for the Momma's Heart by Becky Thompson

I listened to the audio edition of this book a couple of months ago and loved it. I value honesty and grace in motherhood. Listening to Becky was like chatting with a good friend who completely understands the highs and lows of motherhood. Becky is refreshingly honest about her struggles and reminds me that I'm not alone in this crazy adventure. This book encourages me to accept grace and hope for the future, rather than guilt for my shortcomings.

I enjoyed Hope Unfolding so much that I recently ordered the paperback version and intend to read through it again. If you are interested in journeying with me through this book then grab a copy and join me back here at the end of each week. I'll post a summary of what I've learnt or applied from each chapter. I'd love to hear your thoughts also as we read through this book together.

Links to chapter recaps will be posted below.

Chapter One

A Day In her Shoes Recap

My feet hurt and my heart is heavy. July 30th was the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and I participated in A Day In Her Shoes to raise awareness about human trafficking and to raise funds to prevent human trafficking where it happens. I went about my day as usual, chasing kids, washing clothes and buying groceries, all while wearing my heels (note to self: next year don't do grocery shopping on the same day as A Day In Her Shoes). Throughout the day my sore feet were a reminder of the pain and trauma experienced by survivors of human trafficking. Obviously the pain caused by high heeled shoes is insignificant compared to that of slavery and abuse, but each time I thought of my sore feet I reminded myself that...

...Today we wear the same shoes but my freedom means that our day will look very different. 

...I have so many choices but not everyone has the freedom that I have to choose. 

...When my feet get sore I have the power to take these heels off. No one should be forced into sex slavery.

Being reminded of this issue constantly throughout the day weighed heavily on my heart but I'm glad that by participating in this campaign I have helped to raise awareness about human trafficking. Also, the money raised from this years’s A Day In Her Shoes Campaign will help to fund Abolishion’s prevention programs in Romania. Read more

Visit Abolishion to learn more about human trafficking and what you can do to fight it.