Editor’s Note: The Power of Moms is a website for mothers of all religious preferences. Our Spiritual Sundays section is a place where our authors can write about thoughts that are more spiritual in nature, and our goal is to gather a wide variety of perspectives. If you (or someone you know) has something to add to this section to help us reach a wider audience of mothers, please send the submission to [email protected]. Thank you!
Title: Miracles and Moments of Grace
Author: Nancy B. Kennedy
Basic Overview:
Miracles and Moments of Grace is a compilation of stories from women of all walks of life who all have something in common: they are all mothers. The author, Nancy Kennedy, has done a beautiful job at recording and collecting stories of hope, love, hardship, joy, worry, or as we could simply say, motherhood. The stories are written or told by each mother herself. As I read it I could imagine myself sitting in a discussion circle at a retreat asking, “So, what has been one of your defining moments of motherhood?” and getting some really beautiful responses. It is a book that is designed to be easy to read a story here and a story there, but they are all so wonderfully inspiring you will not want to put it down.
Parts I liked best:
I loved the introduction by Nancy and the story of her “perfect moment.” After giving birth to her son at age 41, she says she really had wondered if she had it in her to be a mother. While traveling abroad she and her husband took their son, then 4, to a local theme park. She tells how she does not like theme parks and on top of that it was a warm day and the park was crowded. Not expecting to have a great time they trudged on from long line to long line. One particular ride had their 4-year-old driving a mini car around a track, something he was very excited to do. They watched as he rode, quite impressed with his skills. Then, as he exited the ride he ran to her smiling and jumped up into her arms. She says, “This was it. My perfect moment. It was an electrifying moment of pure joy. In that moment, I suddenly and unexpectedly experienced that miraculous connection, that primal, not-to-be-denied clutch of love that claims a child as your own.” (pg. 16)
I loved the variety of stories throughout the book. I felt that there was a story for every mother, or one they could relate to. There were touching stories of infertility, premature babies, and adoption. Others talked about big life changes like going to school while raising a family, living a more health lifestyle, and moving out of state. Some spoke of the small day-to-day moments with their children, like watching them squish a bug, get into mischief, and the ode to the baby swing. There truly is something for everyone.
How this book made an impact in my life, especially as a mother (or why I just really liked it):
This book really inspired me as a mother. One thing that helped me as a mother was seeing I’m not alone! We have all been there. We all have the great joyous moments in motherhood and then we all have the moments where the child is sticking our car keys in the dryer. We can share our joys and our struggles and through that process we inspire and uplift other mothers.
There were so many themes interwoven through each mother’s story, but they all can be summed in one word: love. Even through the hard times, the messes, the tantrums, the struggles, all of these mothers are sharing their stories of love. Love for their families, love for other mothers, and most of all, love for their children.
I think Nancy summed up this wonderful journey of motherhood best when she said, “We know what a mom’s life is like—hectic, chaotic, challenging and sometimes, yes, mind-numbing. Yet somehow, in the end, all the inconveniences, the anxieties, the struggles, the uncertainties fade, until what we have left in our memories are those fleeting moments that leave us in awe of our children and of the job of motherhood.”(page 12)
The Power of Moms is an Amazon Affiliate. If you link to and purchase a book we recommend on Amazon’s website, we will receive a small commission. However, we only make honest endorsements on products we know and use ourselves. Thanks for your support!
Jill Friary says
I’m a mother of 4 daughters. My oldest is getting ready to go into her senior year of high school and my youngest is getting ready to go to kindergarten. I feel like my role as mom is changing. I would love to sit and read this book when I get some time in the fall 😉
Jessica says
I’m a mom of 4 and would love this! I never win anything..i hope i win :). It looks so useful just like the deliberate motherhood book!!
jen says
Sounds fantastic! Would love to win a copy.
lamusicgal says
Would love to have a copy of this book!! I have a 5 year old and 3 year old. My 5 year old will be starting kindergarten in the fall and my 3 year old will be going to preschool. I know this book would be a great encouragement to me!!
Kanien says
Sounds like a great book. I hope I win.
Janelle says
Oh that looks like a fabulous book. Would love to win a copy 🙂
Mary Jenkins says
Janelle, you were one of randomly selected winners but we haven’t been able to reach you by email. Please send me an email at [email protected] Thanks!
heather bell says
This looks like something that would be so helpful to me!
[email protected] says
I need some more Mommy power reading, Thanks for the chance to win!
joyfullifeeveryday says
Looking forward to reading this.
Cara says
Sounds like an encouraging read! Looking forward to reading it even if I don’t win the free copy. 😉
Stephanie Larsen says
They sound like great books. Thanks for the summary. 🙂
Ashley Young says
I would love to have this book. I am always looking for anything that will help me throught my motherhood journey. and I love to read!!!
Susan M. says
Sounds like a lovely, inspiring book! Would love to win! 😀
Kirstan says
Being a mom is hard work. I have 4 children ages 4 months to 10 years. I just became a stay at home mom a year ago and it’s like starting a new job. There is no manual. I am still learning what grace is and love what this role entails. I would love to read this book for encouragement and to know as a mom I’m not alone. Thanks for the review of good books 🙂
Karen says
Looks like a great book! Would love a copy!
Jennifer says
I love these book summaries from a source that I trust. Would love to win this book!
spencnmelis says
I’m so excited to read this. It sounds like so many thoughts I’ve had recently on how to balance our family.
[email protected] says
Reading stories from other women as they journey through motherhood is so uplifting to me. Thanks for sharing this book!
Deborah Bugden says
Sounds enlightening,
Stacy Burkman says
I really enjoy listening to and learning from stories of other women. Sounds great!
Cheryl Cardall says
I always love a great Motherhood read! This would be great for our family road trip this summer.
Katie says
Looks like a great book!
CS Kauffman says
Wow, it looks wonderful. Stories of hope…that’s just what every mom needs!
Stephanie Hull says
I would love a copy!
HW says
I’d love to read this book!
Diane says
I can’t wait to read this book! So, even if I don’t win it I’m picking up a copy. Looks like a wonderful read!
Rachel says
This seems like a very inspiring book. I would love to win a copy. 🙂
isa says
I have 4 fantastic kids – and I would love to win a copy <3 !!
Gretchen says
This sounds like a wonderful book to read – very inspiring. I would love to win a copy!!
maileinchina says
I would love to win a copy!
[email protected] says
Thank you for offering giveaways!
Shannon says
Sounds like an encouraging book for moms – I’d love to read it!
Melanie says
Can’t wait o read it.
Shelli says
I so need this book! I have 4 kids who could benefit from having their mom read this book….:0)
Thank you-
Alicia Q. says
Would love to win!
Mary Jenkins says
Thank you all for participating in our giveaway! The winners have been randomly selected and contacted by email. Thanks!