Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): The following is a review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
As a mom to four special needs boys, I jumped at the chance to read and review this book, The Life We Never Expected. It’s by a Christian couple with two Autistic children.
My Review:
I was not disappointed. The book is filled with stories of despair, hope, love and grace. It’s an honest look at the grieving process, yet a hopeful nudge to remember that these children are blessings from the Giver!
I was brought to tears several times because I related so much to what was written. I believe this book should be read by every parent and parent-to-be, whether or not their children have special needs. Chances are, someone with special needs will be in your life someday, and this book is great at helping understand it, and also shares wonderful advice on how to respond with compassion.
There were too many great things I highlighted for me to share here, but I must share at least one:
For the believer, waiting is not wishful thinking, as if we’re waiting for a train or a parcel that may or may not come. Waiting for the Lord is a waiting grounded in certainty, based on his promise (“In his word I hope”), similar to the way watchmen wait for the morning…I’ve got a feeling they don’t sit there at 3:00 am thinking, My goodness, this night’s gone on a long time. Perhaps morning has been cancelled today! Maybe the earth has stopped at this particular point in orbit, and the sun is never going to rise again. Watchmen wait for the morning not because they think it’s coming but because they know it is. The night is dark, but the light always breaks. That’s how to wait for the Lord.Andrew Wilson, The Life We Never Expected
Again, I can’t recommend this book enough, though I will say that if you are not a Christian, you will probably not get as much out of it, since God is the foundation of our hope.
About the Book:
What do you do when hard or painful circumstances turn your world upside down, resulting in a life you never expected? Andrew and Rachel Wilson grappled with this question after both of their children were diagnosed with regressive autism. Refreshingly honest, this book explores the highs and lows of raising children with specials needs, reflecting on the broader question of how to cope with suffering of all kinds. Sharing personal stories from their lives and encouragement rooted in the truth of God’s Word, Andrew and Rachel highlight lessons they’ve learned related to fighting for joy and thriving in the midst of trials—ultimately pointing readers to Christ, the One who promises to make all things new.
Purchase: amazon
About the Authors:
Andrew and Rachel Wilson have two children, Zeke and Anna. Andrew is the teaching pastor at King’s Church London and a columnist for Christianity Today.
The Giveaway:
If you’d like to win a copy of this book, just enter the giveaway below!
The Life We Never Expected Book
About Jenn: I’m a Christian wife to an amazing man (since 1998) and a stay-at-home-teaching mom to four special & incredible boys (born in 2004, 2005, 2007, & 2009). I’m messy and cluttered, but working on that (really, I am!). I’m a discouraged perfectionist and a classic procrastinator who probably has both ADD & Autism, so I tend to jump from topic to topic (and activity to activity) without notice. My Love Languages are Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch. I’m an INFP who enjoys friends but loves to be alone. I love getting and giving hugs, and encouragement is a Spiritual gift of mine that can too-easily be turned into the weapon of discouragement, if I’m not careful. I enjoy writing, singing, words, drawing, photography, digital creations, and reading. Oh, and pizza, tacos, and steak. Now I’m hungry. That reminds me; I eat gluten free and try to eat organic and avoid white sugar and GMOs as much as possible. Find me on Facebook (Writer/Editor page) (Fan page), Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.
