The Spiritual Power of a Mother: Encouragement for the Home Schooling Mom

by Michael P. Farris

As one of the most noted proponents of home schooling, Michael Farris has had a number of letters written to him from home schooling moms on various issues where moms need encouragement.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Homeschool

116 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

Reviews

[Anne Dahlseng · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is maybe one of the worst books I have read. To pretend to speak about the spiritual power of a woman and then go on tangents about yourself is so ridiculous. Though I don't disagree with some of the points made in the book, the way they were written was over the top in many ways. Would not recommend.

[Tiff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I have never read a book about homeschooling for one very simple reason: I have read blogs about homeschooling, and no matter how well-worded they are, they always make me feel like I'm "less than." That I'm ruining my children for life, because my homeschool classroom doesn't resemble any number of others.

Also, I tend to shy away from "self-help" books most of the time, because of their tendency to use dogmatic language and to insist that their formula is THE formula to get it all right in the end. They seem to be filled with promises that if I just do A, B, and C, I am guaranteed to get X, Y, and Z results in 30 days or less! Or some other such nonsense.

So, when this book was recommended by one of my best friends in the whole wide universe, I was still skeptical--especially because it's written by a dude. I like dudes well enough, but some dudes need a kick in the shins when it comes to how they see women.

Anyway, when she gently insisted I pick it up, I agreed.

I am so glad that I did!

It really is exactly what it claims to be on the cover: Encouragement for the Homeschooling Mom.

That's it.

There are no formulas. Not even really much advice.

Just encouragement.

That blessed word of grace, healing, and reassurance that I really am doing a good job. For the first time ever, I really do believe that I can see this homeschooling thing to the end of high school for each of my kids. I finally do believe that, while I'm imperfect, so is any other mode of education.

Things I've known about homeschooling have finally worked their way down into my very heart, and I now believe them. While my confidence isn't perfect, it is now very real. I feel unstoppable, and I finally feel like I can integrate my mistakes into my strengths, and plow ahead. I am constantly learning, and I think this book is exactly what I needed, at exactly this time, to finally cement my convictions that what we are doing in our home is not only good, but RIGHT for our children. (To clarify: for OUR children. I'm not commenting about anyone else's.)

In short, this book made me laugh a little. It made me cry a little. Above all, it finally made me believe in my God-given ability to be--not the perfect Mom--the really good Mom I was designed to be, even if I do screw up a lot.

I plan on buying this, and reading it when I'm struggling, because I know that I will keep struggling, and have dark days. This book is like a little dancing sunbeam in a dark room.

I loved it.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this book basically said "If you aren't homeschooling your children, then you don't have any spiritual power." Or "If you aren't homeschooling, then you aren't really a good mom." Nothing like more "mom guilt" to put on mothers as if we don't have enough already. I mean there was an entire chapter about how the author took his kids to a department store to get church clothes & all he could find was a $75 sport coat for the boys & "lingerie" for the girls. Saying that the world "doesn't value church anymore." I could go into any department store in the world & find something modest for kids to wear to church. And that's how you determine the worlds value for church? I could find a lot of other ways that didn't sound so exaggerated & ridiculous.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Some of the chapters seemed more relevant to the topic then others, though all were enjoyable to read and helpful in one way or another. Some chapters in particular were truly touching and inspirational. A few of my favorites were his thoughts on praying with and for our children, and when he discussed how great sacrifice leads to great love for our children. A refreshing, inspiring read that encourages me and inspires me to do better.

[Michelle Breaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a mixed bag of good and bad. There were some parts I really loved and others where I was like well...okay. Overall if you are looking for encouragement as a homeschooling mama - this is a wonderful book.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is to encourage mothers who are homeschooling. I'm not homeschooling, but I'm not sure how encouraging the book would actually be to someone who is.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very encouraging and inspiring book for the Christian homeschool mother!