In the Trenches Finding God through Parenting Littles

by Kelsey Gillespy

Being a mom can be hard. Exhausting. Lonely, even. In the trenches of motherhood, you may feel like you never get a break. But what if the daily grind of raising kids could actually help you grow closer to God and discover your truest self? Through humorous stories and poignant prayer reflections, Kelsey Gillespy, a mother of five, shares insights and tips on finding God and nurturing your spiritual life through the chaos and beauty of raising littles.

Genres: Parenting, Catholic

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2023

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the idea behind this book- showing the messy, challenging side to raising babies to toddlers etc. and how every parent goes through some form of the “in the trenches” stage. I think in my current life stage reading this brought more stress than peace?? I also was not a fan of the structure of the chapters- most chapters were very repetitive within themselves, turning a chaotic kiddie problem into a metaphor for relationship of adult with God. Again, great idea but writing was too circular for me. I still cried many times reading, so it certainly touches the heart!

[Alison Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed to not only lift my mama spirits, but also encourage me to seek Christ in the midst of the daily chaos of raising a little. Whether it be the mind-numbing daily chores, or the catastrophic meltdowns, Jesus is there through it all. We tend to lose that truth from time-to-time, and this book creatively weaves humor and raw stories to remind the reader where their source of strength, love, and security comes from- Jesus Christ. I found myself both hysterically laughing and uncontrollably sobbing as I connected with the author’s “mama moments”. This book is truly one-of-a-kind, and should be read by both moms and dads. It is an encouragement and light in dark moments. You won’t be disappointed.

[Lindsey Lauterwasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice easy read! Short little devotions that are great for if you only have a few minutes in the morning and want something to think about/meditate on throughout your day as a mom!

[Molli Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was written as a devotional when I first purchased it, but it ended up being such a sweet little companion for my very messy and inconsistent daily prayer time.

Some of it was a bit cheesy, but I cried several times reading this, and it really did jive with my spiritual life currently which has been very simple and childlike since having little kids!

I didn’t realize there were reflection questions in the back of the book til I finished, and I’m so sad! I will definitely still use them, though.

[Andrea Rolla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED how the author, in every chapter, related an example of motherhood to our relationship with Christ. When our kids are crying and wanting a popsicle but we are making them a full meal and they just need to be patient, if their patient the meal we are preparing them will fill them and nurture them. How similar are we to our children when we want our plan instead of Gods.

Wise words

[Heather King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many days this book spoke to my soul. It touched on so many areas that are difficult and joyous..ways to be grateful even in the trenches. Thankful for these words and how they shaped my life the past month.

[Nicole Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for the mom who is stuck in a rut, every day looking the same. Remembering you aren’t alone even if you feel that you are. Will keep this on my shelf to come back to when needed

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by someone, though I can't remember who anymore. I was expecting a very different flavor of book, and so I found this disappointing. I kept waiting for practical tips, but all I got were generic "carve out time to go to Reconciliation" or "take your kids to daily Mass." If I knew HOW to find the time to do those things, I wouldn't have needed to read this book. That said, there were some cute anecdotes and a few truly lovely prayers. Overall, though, I can't say I recommend this title if you're really struggling with parenting. This is for the moms who have it mostly figured out and just need a tiny extra push (or who have fully left the ages and stages that qualify as "little").

[Mikayla Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best “Mom Devotional” I’ve read so far! The connections between the visible and invisible she made in each chapter were amazing & relatable!

I did discover the questions for reflection/study questions at the end of the book when I only had 2 chapters left… but I’d give 6 stars for those reflections!

Will definitely return to this book and looking forward to praying with the further questions ~next time~

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out okay but quickly just ran in circles. You can only relate your own personal experiences to one of God’s lessons so many times before it becomes redundant. I don’t really need to know how your kid having the stomach flu made you remember your birth in God? We’re grasping for straws here.

[Lauren Hoffpauir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an easy good read for mothers who are in the thick of it. Each chapter is quick and focuses on something different. It will definitely stay out to look through when times are tough and I need a little bit of extra umph to get through.

[Monica Lafleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful look on motherhood!

[Stephanie Prokopec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Mama with little should read this book! So relatable!!

[Aren Lerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous and funny

[Alicia McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a devotional style book, which is not apparent based on the cover or description. It gives little devotions where the author compares relatable experiences parenting toddlers to the way we act towards God (in that case - we are the toddlers). There were some inspiring moments in the book that I liked, overall it was a nice read with some good reminders. It’s rare for me to find a devotional-style book I love and can rave about, though. I’d say this one is an easy and quick read and made some good comparisons that I did find helpful.