Beyond Bath Time: Embracing Motherhood as a Sacred Role

by Erin Davis

Where are you in the motherhood journey?

Are you a new mom struggling to redefine the boundaries of your life among a sea of diapers, feedings, and sleepless nights? Have you been a mom so long that you’ve lost yourself along the way? Are you trying to decide if you want to have children?

Erin Davis was a young Christian wife who had made the decision to not have children. She had multiple degrees, a great husband, a promising career—she had it all, according to cultural standards. But most days she felt anything but fulfilled.

In Beyond Bath Time Erin shares her journey to in responding to the call of motherhood. Women will be challenged, convicted, and wonderfully encouraged by Erin's honest and provocative look at motherhood. She unfolds the purpose and privileges of motherhood, revealing how it can be a powerful force for God’s kingdom, helping you:


Discover God’s heart on the issue of motherhood
See past the endless list of mothering responsibilities to a bigger, more eternal picture
Fight through the chaos to connect with your kids and pass on the faith
Reclaim motherhood as a high and holy calling

Beyond Bath Time is A True Woman book.

The goal of the True Woman publishing line is to encourage women to:


Discover, embrace, and delight in God's divine design and mission for their lives
Reflect the beauty and heart of Jesus Christ to their world
Intentionally pass the baton of Truth on to the next generation
Pray earnestly for an outpouring of God's Spirit in their families, churches, nation and world

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Inspirational, Adult

150 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Erin Davis is a popular speaker, author, and blogger, Erin is passionately committed to sharing God's truth with others. She is the author of several books including Graffiti: Learning to See the Art in Ourselves, True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All About Me World, Beyond Bath Time, and the One Girl Series. Erin lives on a small farm in the midwest with her husband and kids. When she's not writing, you can find her herding goats, chickens, and children.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book actually might do more harm than good. It is intended to encourage, and I love that impulse. What it actually does, in many places, is replace the Gospel of Christ with a gospel of 20th century antifeminist propaganda. In moments, the arguments are lucid and helpful: motherhood is tough, and it is beautiful, and it should not need any explanation for itself, yet sometimes it does. However, the idea that women of the privileged middle class feel "under attack" for staying at home full time rings false with me. Women who do not know where their next meal is coming from, who fear motherhood in a war zone, who are victims of abuse by the others in their lives - these women are under attack in their motherhood. And they are in good company, because most women in most places and in most of history have faced these kinds of attacks. We need to count our blessings and not react with whiny surprise when the world does not honor or cherish us for our "sacrifices" in suburban America. This book encourages too much self-righteous indignation. Motherhood, like any other Christian vocation, is fulltime whether or not your family can afford for Mom to stay home, and it is absolutely unglamorous, rewarding, and incredible. It is the way of the Cross. I think the author is trying to say this, but relies too heavily on American middle-class attitudes and norms to say it in any lasting way. This will not be one I recommend to other mothers who want to hear the message that motherhood is to "take up your cross" and also to "have life to the full," as it is too fraught with the particularities and entitlement of the "American Dream."

[Sarah Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read almost every book on mothering and parenting from a Christian perspective, so I was excited to get my hands on this book to compare it. I am a mom to three blessings, ages 6 & 10 boys, and a 2 year old girl. We prayed and waited anxiously for each of our children as we felt very called to parenting.

Beyond Bathtime is a book written to CHEER and encourage Moms in the ministry and profession of motherhood. I found it expecially suited for new moms and moms of preschoolers. It is biblically based and scripture is interspersed with the concepts presented. I appreciated that biblical integration a lot! Each chapter ends with reflection questions for personal or group reflection, another plus for exhausted moms, a help to think critically and personally about the concepts presented.

There are other books out there that celebrate and professionalize motherhood as a career and ministry, but this one was written like a girlfriend sitting with you and a good cup of coffee sharing her testimony and survival to thriving process of early years of motherhood. She shares her struggles, her joys, her regrets, and perceptions with answers from the Word of God. She finds scriptures essential to stay focused on the blessing and joy of being a mom (especially with the mundane parts) but Erin Davis encourages each mom to see the opportunity for eternity in mentoring your own children.

It is practical, easy to read, and in a nutshell presents the calling of motherhood to women and encourages moms to see the wonderful ministry mothering is.

I did struggle getting into the book with the first chapters where she talks about choosing childlessness and getting over the lies many women buy into, but I think many younger women will find those concepts very relevant and helpful. I have seen it in many friends and moms in our moms group. I appreciated chapters 5-10 the most. I also like her blog and the 30 day devotional series encouraging moms!

[Sherri Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very excited to have won this book from Goodreads!

[Michele Minor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a biblical view of motherhood. She is honest with her readers by thinking that she was childfree for a while until she decided that it was her Christian duty as a married woman to have children. She did not tell the reader who might be childfree and married who is reconsidering her decision not to have children that her husband might leave her if she changed her mind about having children since he didn’t want to have children. She also does not acknowledge that not every woman is called to be a mother and that doesn’t make her less of a woman, though she did use an example of an older woman who never married who loved her nieces and nephews. This book is written as a study guide for both working and stay at home mothers and she doesn’t say that being a stay at home mom is an ideal situation. Though one of her suggestions of joining a moms group is actually easier for a stay at home mom since quite a few of the moms groups meet during the day and is designed for stay at home moms. She does acknowledge that there are selfish reasons to have children as well as selfish reasons to be childfree as there are also unselfish reasons to remain childfree such as for health reasons. She is giving a biblical foundation for motherhood and how mothers should see motherhood. She has had no contact with the childfree community even when she was childfree since most childfree people who are vocal about it see Conservative Christians as those who want to have children that they can turn into Christians like themselves. She also does not realize that most childless women in the church do want to become mothers even turning to fertility treatment for assistance. She only mentioned the statistics that supported her point not how much is spent for fertility treatments and adoption fees in order for couples to become parents. There are also still women who get pregnant in order to become the wife and mother that they want to be in their own timing. I have seen quite a few women who get married while they were pregnant. The statistic on the back cover about 47% of women who feel that the roles of wife and mother should not be emphasized for women does not take into consideration that childless women especially single women are not made to feel as important in the church as those who do have children. She also blames feminism on the role of motherhood being downgraded though without feminism there would be more pressure on women to get married and to have sons that can support her in her old age. Feminism also made it possible for women who never married to be able to work outside the home and to support themselves instead of entering into a marriage that they did not want for security. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Angelyn Vaughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the parts on praying with/encouraging other moms and relying on God to multiply the significance of our efforts in the small things.
Otherwise, I felt like I've read all of this before and from authors I like a little better. I wish there has been less space devoted to talking about how important mothering is and more teaching of ways to be most effective in mothering. While she states that there's no formula to doing things right, my favorite part of the book was a list of some of Susanna Wesley's household rules. All moms can benefit from this kind of practical guidance from experienced, godly women.
If you haven't read a lot of books in this genre already it could be very helpful.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice little book that really makes you look at motherhood in a new light. It's so easy to get in a rut, or to view all the little things we have to do as a burden, but this has some great insight into that.

I actually did her 30 day devotional first, and found it very helpful as well.

[Sylvie · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway*

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Beyond Bath Time, Erin Davis reveals the lies regarding motherhood that are perpetuated by both American culture and many churches. She then guides the reader on a journey of introspection that asks hard questions about surrendering our plans to God and examining if our actions are truly selfless. By clearing out previous perceptions and motives, Davis then builds on a clean foundation as she uses Scriptural examples to create a Biblical view of motherhood as a sacred role. Beyond Bath Time concludes with an invitation for a mother to take thirty days to seek God's will about motherhood and to “mother with God-given confidence, joy, and eternal perspective (Davis 134).”

Reading Beyond Bath Time was enjoyable, challenging, practical, spiritual, and even convicting. The author immediately grabbed my attention by telling the story of her first pregnancy in which the doctor told her the child probably would not survive. The rest of the book was equally engrossing. I'm happy to say the book didn't leave me wondering if there was anyway I could ever live up to unattainable standards. Rather, it is about “Spirit-led parenting, not some oversimplified, assembly line definition of a Biblical woman (130).”

Motherhood is a topic near and dear to me and this book reinforced what I already knew to be true in my heart – being a mommy is the most important thing I've ever done. As far as I know, everything discussed in the book was in line with Scripture. I give this book five stars for its engaging style and timely message. I wholeheartedly recommend it to Christian women, specifically mothers. (It's not written for men or to convert a mother to Christianity, though it does encourage mothers to teach their children about the Lord and indirectly another mother could be influenced.)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Gabrielle W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My way of thinking is different than most girls my age.
I look at being a future wife and mother as a career, it's what I dream of doing someday; I love every aspect of what's involved in being a wife and mother. I spend my free time reading how to better myself so I can (one day) be a better wife a mom.
Not being a mom, my view might be different than others ("that's easy for her to say, she doesn't have any children."), I know that being a mom isn't all rainbows and butterflies. Being a mom is my career choice.
Even so, when people ask me what I want to do and I tell them, I get the wide eyed, eye roll where you can tell they're think "One of those...don't you have an ambition?"

Beyond Bath Time is written by a real mom who offers encouragement and hope as she points out how important being a mom is. It's written celebrating and professionalizing motherhood as a career and ministry.
Erin Davis talks about the lies regarding motherhood in our both our culture and even many churches.
My mom was a stay at home mom, and had to put up with people belittling her career choice; so motherhood is a topic I'm extremely sensitive about, and this book reinforces what my mom always taught me; being a mother is the most important thing you can ever do. You are raising the next generation of doctors, police officers, pastors, governors, veterinarians, teachers, etc. As a mom you are teaching them the morals and values they'll have throughout their life.
Motherhood is a sacred calling, and in Beyond Bath Time, Erin Davis encourages mothers not to give up. The biggest lesson through this book is accepting your job of being a mother as a career and ministry. Yes, being a mothers is hard, and you may not seem to see anything growing from it, but being a mom is a God given job.
This book is very well written, easy to read, with sound biblical teachings.
It's a call to all Christian mothers challenging them to take a good look at motherhood, and see it through God's eyes.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

[Mercedes Cordero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, amazing and life altering. Some will say it's radical; others will say it's extremely traditional. I'll guarantee this: you will certainly have an opinion about it. Here is this book, completely unassuming, with a little rubber duckie in the cover, and you think "Aw, how cute!", and then it hits you, and hits you hard. This book will challenge your views about motherhood, about your priorities and about your mission in life. But you have to read it with an open mind and an open heart because, you see, here's a book that doesn't treat motherhood as a choice but as a calling; it doesn't call children a burden but a blessing; it doesn't focus on the trivial, daily stuff but on the things that are eternal. It's a parenting book focused on the things that matter most: the importance God gives to motherhood, and the biblical responsibility we, as mothers, have with our children and seeing them as our mission field.

It is very well written; funny, poignant, very much to the point without making any excuses, with sound, biblical teachings. It's a call to arms to all Christian mothers and mothers-to-be. It is not perfect, but the few glitches it has are minimal. It, however, does a great job in challenging you to take a good look at motherhood, really, a good look; see what you think about it, what the world thinks about it; and now see it through God's eyes. There is a big difference.

5 out of 5 stars

*I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The back cover reads: MOTHERHOOD IS TOUGH. The understatement of the millenium. Having been a mom for twenty years now, one would think that I had my act together, knew what I was doing and such. The thing is that motherhood is one of those adventures that begins the moment that you read the results and doesn't stop stretching you mind, body, and soul until you die. Its not for the weak of heart. It can and will push you to your utter limits.

The crazy thing is that its also the single most rewarding thing that you can ever do with your life. This book written by Erin Davis is one of those great reads that helps you along on your journey. It refreshes, it puts things into perspective and it holds no punches. Our society undervalues motherhood and child-rearing as though its something you fall back on when you can't make it doing anything else. As women we fall for that line and our lives seem mundane and without purpose, but God's desire is that we find the joy in mothering.

How can it be a large career to tell other people's children about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one's own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No; a woman's function is laborious, but because it is gigantic; not because it is minute."

-G. K. Chesterton

I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having trouble finding your purpose as a mother? Do you feel discouraged and overwhelmed with all that needs to be done everyday? Not sure whether you should work or be a stay at home mom? This book is a great resource full of helpful advice as you work through the daily grind of being a Mom.

The biggest lesson of this book is learning to accept your job of being a mother as a ministry. The author stresses that yes it will be hard and may not seem to be bearing any fruit but the job of being a Mom is a God given one. The job of motherhood is rewarding no matter if you are a stay at home mom or a mom that works outside of the home.

I thought the book was written well and enjoyed the personal testimony of the author. She writes in such an open and loving manner and you will really enjoy reading her interpretation of motherhood. I gave this book 5/5 stars because I felt it had plenty of information to help every Christian mother learn how to be a better Mom.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads Program for the purpose of a fair review.

Overview: This one is pretty straight forward. Mrs. Davis wants to show the new mother how to use her job as a mother to show God’s love, and raise her children right.

Likes: It’s always good to see children being considered as God sees them. They can be, and usually are, the greatest treasure in the world. It’s no wonder that Jesus said “such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 19:14.

Dislikes: Mrs. Davis hasn’t considered why a woman might wish to wait on having children. There are many reasons why. She could be terminal, there could be no room, her husband could be preparing to move, or he could be sick. There list could go on forever, and I’ve not even counted those like Sarah.

She also focuses on the Christian mothers as a safe zone, to the exclusion of all others.

Conclusion: There’s nothing wrong with getting all sides of a situation. But make your decisions based on your status.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a mom is a tough job. It goes way beyond tough some days. So how do mother's rise about the daily chores and routine to grasp the true meaning of motherhood? How do we find our calling as mothers without getting lost in the battle for clean clothes, baths, and semi-nutritious food? The author has taken a Biblical approach to show mothers their sacred role in raising their children for Christ while finding the joys of parenting.

The author focused a lot on how being a mom is a ministry that is just as important as all of the other ministries out there. We are raising God's children. While at times the presentation was a bit dry for my tastes, the message was clear and convicting. So often the job of being a mother is considered unimportant. This book shows the job from a different perspective. It was encouraging and uplifting.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts with a look at the feminist movement. Some people might think that doesn't make sense but the feminist movement began the conversation of whether motherhood is worth it. Davis continues from there to talk about where we can really find happiness: our identity in Christ. Just like having the ultimate job won't satisfy, being a mom won't satisfy either if it's centered on us. I liked the different approach she took from other books in that she talked about why motherhood is difficult. We are selfish! But she gives just the right dose of help and biblical advice. Her chapter on blessing or burden was especially convicting. I read this in an afternoon while my sick kids rested. It's an easy book to read and not long, just what a busy mom needs! I would recommend to any mom frustrated or wondering if this life is worth it. Spoiler: it is. :)

[Sadie VanderKodde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm surprised by how much I liked this book. I've read a lot of parenting/mothering books and at first I was worried this one was going to be the same old same old. But the more I read, the more I loved. It's a short, easy read, but is filled with nuggets of truth, challenging insight, and practical applications. I especially appreciated the application questions at the end of each chapter.

My favorite chapter was probably chapter 7: Blessing or Burden? It was very convicting for me.
"Our behavior toward our children and our conversations about our children send a message in one of two directions. Either we communicate that our children are a blessing, or that they are a burden" (92.)

I love Davis's call to ministry in our homes and insistence that motherhood is a holy calling. The book left me thinking and I'm excited to check out her online resources.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It had a lot of interesting thoughts/ideas on motherhood. Even without the religious associations, the author provides items that provoke good reflection/conversation. My favorite was the idea that perhaps as parents, we don't always teacher our children rules and discipline, maybe our children are here to teach us. Teach us how to be better people, more caring, patient and understanding. I found that a very intriguing twist on parenting. Received book free from GoodReads.com.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started off thinking I was giving this book a low rating. The first couple of chapters are a little too "conservative" for this conservative. I do not vibe with her views on feminism.

That being said, if you can get past the first few chapters, (and even within the first few chapters) there is much wisdom to be found. It is a great resource and encouragement to mothers of small children who are in the throws of day to day mothering. It is a gentle reminder of our calling as Christian mothers, our ministry within our own home. It is a call to worship through motherhood, if you will.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've finally finished this book! It's taken me an age considering the small number of pages. Some good bits in it but I found it a drag to get through honestly. Some of the "familiar, I'm cool" language was unnecessary and I hate books that have quotes that you've just read in big on the next page.

I've read three or four of these short, tiny chapters mum books and this was the least good of the bunch, though similar.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book after hearing the author interviewed on the radio. From the interview I was expecting a book about why not to choose childlessness and while it touched on it, this book was more for already mothers.
It was an easy read about the world views of parenting, a biblical world view, the mission field motherhood is and encouragement for mums in their world changing roles.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a goodreads win for me. While I am not an overly religious person, I think this book had a lot of great information and presented a lot of good points to think about. Being a mom is the best job in the world, and it helps to know that others out there go through the same struggles everyday that I do. Overall--a good read:)

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Read win: Even though I don't have a child yet, I still love reading books like this. I loved the different ideas and thoughts about motherhood that I read throughout this book. Some of the points the author talks about I never really thought about them. From it all I would say it is a very good read.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a door prize drawing at my MOPS group. I started it over a year ago and set it down. I've finally picked it up and finished it and it is so worth the read. I definitely struggle with seeing my mothering as a mission field rather than a burden. Very thought provoking and informative.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin Davis tackles a tough issue that our culture has embraced--that motherhood is somehow a crutch or inconvience. Instead, she gracefully reminds us that motherhood is an important, and God given role that we should embrace heartily. I love that she uses Biblical examples, and scripture to back up her thoughts. Simple, easy to read, and perfect for mothers from all walks of life.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book as a First Reads Giveaway. It's a quick, thought-provoking look at motherhood from a spiritual perspective. It's all too easy to get caught up in the craziness of being a mom and this book encourages you to take a step back and realize that motherhood is a gift from God.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book that goes beyond how not only to survive motherhood, but how to also look at it as a religious calling. Book is partial bible study guiding you to the Bible for answers on motherhood. Won on goodreads.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome inspiring book! brought me to tears many times. helped give me a clearer view of my role and is a huge encouragement! not just a book for moms with babies, but a book for all moms a little discouraged and overwhelmed.... highly recommend!!!

[mRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

No other book on motherhood is so candid, so in your face, face the facts mr. kind of dialog. Even though in the book discussion on Revive Our Hearts the author says motherhood doesn't sanctify you - this whole book is about how it does! Love this book, it is definitely a read this again book.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a blessing to me as a mom of littles. Erins voice is refreshing and openly honest, which in the midst of the mommy war zone, is a breath of fresh air. My go to "I'm hiding in the bathroom while the babies reach under the door and I need to remember why I do this" book.

[Janelle Mueller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time reading this book. I feel it is a book for young mothers just starting out.
Some content even made me feel bad for some mothering decisions I have made. It had a few good points but overall unimpressed.