10 Women Who Were Spiritual Mothers

by Dayspring Macleod

Motherhood. Not for the faint hearted or blasé, it’s a state of being that tries one’s patience, purpose and peace.



Sequel to 10 Women Who Overcame their Past, Dayspring Macleod’s 10 Women Who were Spiritual Mothers is set to be yet another poignant read.

In tackling themes from purity to patience, each focused narrative allows the reader an insight into the lives of women whom they may have heard of but not known well. From Katherine Parr, sixth and final wife of Henry VIII, to Sharon Dickens and Lisa Harper, the ten women represent a spectrum of life delivered via the prism of motherhood.

This book isn’t only for mothers. It’s for those who are heartbroken, single, bereft or at peace in later life. Discipleship is a key theme, be it with the children who litter your hallways with Nerf Pellets or friends undergoing the ups and downs of infertility. As a woman who knows the support of women in her own life, Macleod has gracefully painted a canvas of joy in sorrows, peace and panic and Christ’s love triumphant.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2023

Reviews

[Rachel Winkler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet, short, easy read. MacLeod packs encouragement and the truth of the gospel into this short book directed not only at biological or adoptive mothers, but at all Christian women. While there were times I would have appreciated her being a little more precise in how she worded things so as not to leave them a little ambiguous theologically, MacLeod overall did a good job of encouraging women in every life stage to abide in Christ, daily repent of their sins and be conformed to His image, which will in turn make them better spiritual mothers to any children or young women in their lives. This book was an encouragement to press on in the Christian walk and to continue loving and pouring into the children and younger women in the local church as a way to serve Christ with the mothering nature He has given to women in all life stages.

[Heather Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very spiritually encouraging work!
As a busy mum, I found it really helpful to have these bitesize biographies because honestly it would take me years to get through a stand alone biography. Dayspring Maleod brilliantly distills and highlights the important and noteworthy aspects of each person's story. She unflinchingly takes on some pretty tough subject matter - be prepared with your tissues as some vignettes are quite moving!
It is lovely to see women from many different eras of history in focus here. There is good comparison and contrast with women in the Bible. It doesn't neglect good Gospel teaching as well!
I would 100% give this to someone who was 'only' a spiritual mother rather than 'also a biological mother.' I would summarize sections of it to my husband. It's for everyone.
I was personally very touched by the chapter dealing with autism, and the chapter for those who feel like a failure, which I found encouraging.
I'm a big fan of Dayspring Macleod's work, I probably own all her books, but this is definitely a jewel in the crown.

[K.C. Murdarasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's lots of thought provoking stuff in this book, especially about mentoring people and dealing with feelings of failure. However, while that is applicable to any Christian, the book as a whole is really for mothers in the wider sense, including adoptive, foster and spiritual mothers. Not all women will fit into any of those categories, and while they will certainly get many useful things out of this book, I wouldn't recommend giving it as a present to anyone who isn't a 'mother' (in whatever sense). Dayspring's earlier 10 Women Who Overcame Their Past is better for a general audience.