Second Calling: Finding Passion and Purpose for the Rest of Your Life

by Dale Hanson Bourke

Women over 40 long to redefine the rest of their lives. Dale Hanson Bourke and the friends she interviewed--including General Claudia Kennedy, Kay Warren, Becky Pippert, journalist Peggy Wehmeyer and Jill Briscoe--resoundingly affirm that midlife can be a time of spiritual rebirth and a chance for God to get one's attention now that others' demands on her life have diminished. Bourke offers essential principles that will help women to blaze new trails in their best years.

Genres: Self Help

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2005

Reviews

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This book looks good. I'll just put it on my to-read shelf," I decided this morning, before peeking inside. Two hours and four journal pages of notes later, I finished it, determined to make the most of my own "second calling" in life, as I find passion and purpose in my new job. Excellent book for any woman who faces or is in the midst of the second half of life.

[Siewjye Chow · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Don't be so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking."
"Now i am learning to live fully,completely, utterly in each day, asking God to make me aware of what he has for me and what am I supposed to see."

Second calling has absolutely opened my eyes and offered me plenty of relevant insights for me. It is inspiring, encouraging, motivating and uplifting. I am not yet into my midlife, yet reading Dale Bourke's story as she shares her midlife when she finds her passion and purpose has changed my perspectives into so many relevant aspects. The best is truly yet to come!

"Ask yourself, is this my problem or not?" There are 3 types of business in the world, " Mine, Yours and Gods."

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't the most exciting book ever, maybe, but I think it was an encouraging and a worthwhile read. I would probably give it 3.5 stars if I could. It might not be a "classic" but I think it could help many women as they reach a transition point in their life.

[Shawna Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! This would be a great read for all ages.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the 1st chapter of this book, and it has a few good points in it. But its a hard long slog to find them in the pages.I found her writing to be all about her, so many stories about her and how many great and wonderful things she has done. For a book trying to teach us that we are not what we do, she goes on and on about all the things she has done.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up from a remainder table in a book store this past summer because I liked the subtitle: finding passion & purpose for the rest of your life.

Bourke uses the Book of Ruth from the Bible to tell Naomi's story. The changes Naomi faces throughout her life and how she faces them are a great analogy for women today, according to Bourke. As a non-practising Christian who questions the church (because of its history of how it treats women), I am not familiar with the Book of Ruth or Naomi's story. In fact, if I had known of the Biblical foundation of this book, I wouldn't have picked it up. However, I thought I may be able to learn something, so I kept reading.

While the strong Christian story wasn't to my taste, many of the ideas Bourke offers are applicable to everyone: support through like-minded friends; women mentoring other women; and the belief that everything happens for a reason. And I do agree that women in the second half of their lives have completely different attitudes and passions than their earlier lives: and it's an exciting, wonderful time!

I would recommend this book to any woman who is looking for inspiration to form her evolving passions. In fact, I think I'm going to pass this book along to a Christian friend who might find some inspiration.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was bold of Ms Bourke to delve into the scant details of Ruth's mother-in-law. She fathomed the depth of an aging woman's bitterness by projecting her own quest for wisdom in this life. Praise God that we are united in Christ, because if it weren't for our mutual desire to honor Him, then I'd not have given this book a thorough read. Every book is a conversation with its author, and this is the same song, different verse of the American Dream Chorus. If Ms Bourke was telling me these things at a cocktail party, I'd quickly introduce her to a similar individual, and then quickly walk away.

[Staci Markwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read for a woman who has raised her kids and is wondering if God still has a purpose for her life! This is an account of a woman, who like Naomi, wonders if God has fogotten about her. Great resource...

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is directed at middle-aged (50ish) Christian women so I probably would have rated it higher if I had read it 20 or so years ago.

It does have a good section on fractured/broken relationships that everyone would benefit from.

[Peggy Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Found second half of book to be most helpful - either that or it took me that long to get into it.
There was lots of encouragement - what I need right now - as I wonder what I want to do next, now that the kids are grown. Some practical advice.

[Susan Andrews]

Very Good to read when you are trying to figuire out "the 2nd half" of your life.