Call of A Coward: The God of Moses and the Middle-Class Housewife

by Marcia Moston

Moses never wanted to be a leader. Jonah ran away from his missions call. And when Marcia Moston's husband came home with a call to foreign missions, she was sure God had the wrong number. His call conflicted with her own dreams, demanded credentials she didn't have, and required courage she couldn't seem to find. She promised to follow where God led, but she never thought the road would lead to a Mayan village on a Guatemalan mountainside. From the trecherous road trip to their new village home, to learning to navigate a new culture, to a stateside mission field in Vermont, Moston's journey reveals that God leads just as clearly today as he did in biblical times. Her candid account tells a story of learning to trust and obey when faithfulness seems foolish. Written with humor and insight, Call of a Coward is an engaging reminder that with our very real God in control, cowards become courageous and ordinary people find great purpose.

Genres: Christian, Memoir, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2011

Reviews

[Lori Roeleveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story well-written about a life well-lived. This is a must-read for any woman wondering how she's going to stay faithful to God while following a husband who seems to have some crazy ideas. Marcia's style is engaging, transparent, and always genuine. The truth she tells is Biblical, accessible, and easily applicable to women's lives around the world.

[Jenee Antoniu]

The author of this book recounts personal experiences of listening and following the Lord's call in her life through humorous stories and honest confessions. She recounts her daughter writing: "We arrived in Guatemala. Mom cried a lot." This book is about being obedient to God even when you don't understand and about seeing His Hand working as you look back on life and realize the things that once made no sense make complete sense in light of His plan.


A few of my favorite quotes:

"...either God was or he wasn't both supreme and personal. I was certain he was supreme, and the despair of imagining a life devoid of a personal God far surpassed any fear I had for our safety. And so, standing there in our kitchen with an obstinate conviction that this was what we were called to do, I surrendered to the fact that the One who revealed himself to Moses as I AM was substantially greater than all my "what-ifs."

"I used to think everything depended on me. What a relief to know God is in control of my life. His plans and purposes are far more marvelous than ones I could ever conjure up myself."

"Following faith through disappointments, doubts, and delays of life requires latching on to things unseen, believing that even when the path takes a seeming detour, the One you've pinned your hope on is faithful and true. And he's going to be right there, reminding you as he did the fretting Martha, "Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)"

"His ways are mysterious and marvelous. And they are often altogether more uncomfortable than my own. But because I believe he is who he says he is, and that he cares for me, I have committed to trust him, to see the "evidence of things unseen," even in the darkness when there is no response to my "Why?"

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Marcia Moston worked on laying slate stones for a patio outside her comfortable New Jersey home, a sudden thought came to mind. Her husband, Bob, was on a mission trip to Guatemala. What if he returned home saying their entire family should go back? Marcia brushed the thought off as absurd.

But two days later, that’s exactly what happened. The mission Bob had helped needed a couple to oversee a home for widows and orphans, and he felt God was calling his family to the job.

Marcia tells of her family’s experiences following God’s call in Call of a Coward: The God of Moses and the Middle-Class Housewife.

Marcia didn’t eagerly jump at the chance to go to a Central American country.

Years earlier we had pledged to follow the Lord wherever he led, but after ten years of marriage, my fervor had settled around me like a cozy comforter on a winter’s night. Zealous promises made on a beach under a starry sky lay buried under the security of paychecks and health insurance. Bob’s return from his mission trip with the conviction that we go to Guatemala unleashed a torrent of fears that shattered my tidily defined world (p. 17).

They were already heavily involved in Christian work. Guatemala was dangerous with rebel activity. What about their ten-year-old daughter, Lily?

Adamant as I was about not going, a glaring contradiction in my theology nagged me. I wondered how I could so easily believe in Someone who created the universe, parted the Red Sea, and rose from the dead, but not trust him to take care of my daughter (p. 18).

God kept working on Marcia’s heart until she finally surrendered. Then the family prepared to drive all the way from New Jersey to a Mayan village in Guatemala. Marcia tells the story of their journey, time in Guatemala, call to a small pastorate in Vermont, and the joy of leading several mission trips back to Guatemala. She writes with with both humor and conviction that God calls and works in and through His people today.

Marcia’s writing first came to my attention in columns for The Write Conversation. I enjoyed what she had to say and her style, and I loved the title of her book. So I bought it and finally read it.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

Those kicking and screaming death-throes moments when you realize you aren’t and you can’t are God’s opportunities to show you he is and he can (p. 34).

Saying grace before eating took on a whole new importance for me. A blithely spoken, “Lord, bless this food” came to mean a seriously earnest, “Kill it, purify it, and give me the grace to eat it” (p. 36).

It’s a noble thing to say you would lay down your life for a loved one. It’s quite another if you are called upon unexpectedly to share your last bit of chocolate (p. 90).

The hepatitis had left us with about as much energy as a sloth on sedatives (p. 121).

Later, I found out that my sister in New York, who had no idea where we were at the time, had woken up that same night we were in the town of the sorcerers, with an urgency to pray for us (p. 133).

The downside of a miracle is the predicament required to precipitate it. That’s also the very place where faith grows (p. 155).

Reflecting on the biblical admonition that any works not built on Christ would be burned, I imagined the glow filling the eastern horizon of heaven as my works went up in a bonfire if I didn’t stop throwing myself pity parties (p. 162).

I looked at the engrossed, saucer-eyed faces and breathed a silent prayer of thanks for being witness to this “first” in someone’s life, for the privilege of bearing words of life (p. 181).

I’ve always identified with Moses’s list of excuses why he couldn’t possibly answer God’s call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. And I identified with Marcia’s trepidation as well, and was encouraged by how God answered and enabled her.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her life didn’t look like what God wanted for her. This “coward” stepped out in courage and chose to walk Gods life. And then, He redirected. And it took courage to follow His less dramatic call. Where was the meaning in the detour of Guatemala? God even sweetly showed her His intersection of her two lives. Courage doesn’t always look like taking a bold step but rather the right step to follow the Lord no matter where He leads.

[JeNom Makama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This appropriately titled and easy-to-read book, is an unashamedly honest story of a woman's struggle with faith in God, and finding meaning and significance in life.

It's indeed a good read. Thank you, Marcia.

[Tim Wester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok story

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Missionary biographies inspire me so much. A contemporary missionary who follows a call to live in Guatemala. I love seeing the twists and turns of her life and how God is in the midst of it.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book amazed me! Those are really the best words I can say to describe the impression this book left upon me. Not only is this memoir so well written that you will feel as if you are on the journey with Marcia, but you will feel closer to God. I laughed aloud, I was speechless, and I was just downright impressed. This is one Christian memoir that I won't soon be forgetting. It's so easy for us to follow the road we have planned, but what if you followed the road God planned? Just throw caution to the wind, and follow wherever he leads you no matter what. Marcia, as a pastor's wife, did just that and went along with her family to several different places God led them. They took themselves out of the comfort zone that we are so used to, and by reading this book they will challenge you to do the same! This book is completely honest, and very unpredictable. This is one brave family, but one that I can't help but to admire.
Sometimes, as Christians, we can do all we can to help our church, loved ones, those in need, etc. But what if one day suddenly all that your doing as a Christian just isn't good enough and you find yourself being called to do more? That's exactly what happens to Marcia the housewife who finds herself ripped away from all that she's known and called to carry out God's missions.
During her journey she only becomes closer to God, and finds a deeper love with Him than ever she thought possible. By trusting Him through all the rough and tumble times she finally found her true calling. Through the hard and easy times God was there, and she never gave up on Him.
Now I will forewarn you that this novel is not all about Guatemala, as the family is also led on other various missions, but just the same it is never dull.
Call of a Coward is the perfect title for this book. We are all afraid to take ourselves out of our comfort zones, lay our entire lives in God's hands, and just follow wherever he leads us. But this is one family that courageously followed His journey for them.
Marcia writes in such depth that once you start reading, there is no going back. I recommend this to anyone who loves memoirs, or even Christian novels. You will fall in love with this family and find yourself admiring Marcia with all the admiration you have. You may also find yourself more deeply rooted in your faith after reading this novel. I sure did, and I have to admit that I have never read such a memoir quite as this. Definitely one of my new favorites.


Want to read more on this review or others? Visit my blog, Mommy's Musings , to find more.


DISCLAIMER: I was provided this book for free through Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read fiction, but for my Booksneeze book, I didn't have any fiction options. I chose Call of a Coward because it sounded interesting. Boy, was I right! I read Call of a Coward over the weekend and I was so blown away! I really didn't want to put it down. This book was interesting, engaging, and heartfelt. The best part was that it was a fun read! Moston share's her (and her family's) story of following God's calling even when it goes against all that is acceptable and sensible.

After Moston's husband went on a short-term mission trip to Guatemala he fell in love with "The Project" at which he worked and it just so happened that a couple was needed to oversee the home for women and children. As a family they decide to make a year long commitment to fill this need. They set off on the multi-day drive from New Jersey to Guatemala and what follows is an intriguing tale of adventure and what it means to follow God into a third world country. Moston also explains life after missions. This was a very interesting part of the story and showed how God works, if we give Him the time.

This book was such a challenge to me. I struggle to understand sometimes how God is working in my life. I don't understand the different seasons and challenges that He takes me through. I get nervous, I doubt. It was so refreshing to hear that Moston struggled with these same fears, even while in the midst of a jungle. Part of serving God is allowing Him to use us for his purpose. We have to be willing to give up comfort in order to let Him accomplish this. I know that I struggle with doing this. I was glad to know I'm not the only one.

I would have liked to hear more about Moston's backstory. She alluded to a fantastic salvation story, but it did not get told. Perhaps she will write another book. If she does, you can believe I will read it!

I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful story and will really encourage you in your Christian walk. It will help you to realize that there is such a bigger plan than we can see or understand. It will help you think about the way that you approach Christianity in regards to everyday life and in regards to the rest of the world. Next time you are looking for a great book, pick this one up!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

[Alycia Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people ooze a sweet, sweet spirit. You can sense the presence of God when you're in their midst. They appear to be surrounded by a peace that passes any human understanding. I met Marcia Moston at a writers' conference in May of 2010. She is one of these people.

When she won the Women of Faith writing contest and asked if I'd be willing to review her book, I gladly accepted the opportunity. Expecting to find myself immersed in the busy ordeals of a missionary and her work, I was rather surprised to read about a woman and her fears. As I read on, I kept wondering what was going on in the home for the widows and orphans, all the while reading about the happenings in Marcia's heart, home and travels. This intrigued me.

God doesn't always work in ways we expect Him to. He has His own ways, which are higher than ours. We plan and put our feet in front of each other, working out our walk with Him, but He is the One who directs our steps. Which Marcia knows very well. It's through putting her trust in God and allowing Him to lead her life and the lives of her husband and daughter that she has become the woman of peace that she is today.

And that is what we read in Call of a Coward. It's a story of a woman who laid aside her hopes, dreams and fears to follow God even though where He led seemed to require credentials she lacked and courage she didn't think she had. And in doing so, she discovered just how personal and gracious He is.

"The problem with promising God you'll follow Him wherever He leads is that you just might have to go. I suspect it would be easier if you were certain of His calling--like stepping out the door and seeing the lilac bush on fire and hearing a voice command you. But when it's your husband delivering the message--well, that leaves little room for wonder. At least that's how I felt when my husband rocked my comfortable, middle-class afternoon with his belief God was calling us to pack up and move to a Mayan village in Guatemala."


Excerpted from Call of a Coward: The God of Moses and the Middle Class House-wife. Thomas Nelson (c)2012. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc. www.thomasnelson.com

I hope you'll read Call of a Coward and discover His hand in your ordinary or extra-ordinary life. Because either way, He's in the midst of it, ready to share His grace with each and every one of us.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Call of a Coward: The God of Moses and the Middle-Class Housewife by Marcia Moston was an excellent book. I read it in an evening because I enjoyed it so much! The book details Marcia, her husband Bob, and their daughter Lily's call to serve the people of a small village in Guatemala. It begins in their comfortable life in New Jersey and follows their struggle to follow the call to missions, their time there, and their return home. I lived in Central America in Honduras (right next door to Guatemala) for several years and the author's stories really struck home with me even though the timing was much different as well as the fact that they were in an extremely rural area and I lived in one of the two largest cities in HN. Despite these differences, so much made me laugh and remember experiences in my own journey. The author has an easy, humorous writing style and does an excellent job of relating her experiences and struggles. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see the world outside of our small bubble and especially to anyone considering moving to Central America as a peek at both the difficulties and the joys. Though she definitely doesn't push missions as necessary for every Christian, it made me want to think about missions in my family's future. Again, this is a great, short read that will make you laugh, be grateful for the little things, and maybe even shed a tear or two.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Bethany Kaczmarek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stirring memoir yanked me out of the security and complacency of my trite little world and plunked me down on the dusty floor of an adobe home in the mountains of Guatemala. Man, did I need to go there.

With humor and aplomb, my friend reminded me of the Lord's willingness to loosen his daughters' grip on the familiar things. Those first moments on the mission field, where a capable and dynamic woman morphs into "a thumb-sucking, bed-wetting first grader" had me wiping my eyes--tears and laughter taking turns nicely.

Thankfully, he gave Marcia (and me) something better to cling to. Himself.

She said, "Those kicking and screaming death-throes moments when you realize you aren't and you can't are God's opportunities to show you he is and he can."

Oh, and he does.

Marcia's beautiful prose details her journey from shocked anxiety to contented trust, painting colorful and poignant scenes from America to Guatemala and back again. Her heart for missions is evident, her heart for being wherever and serving however God wants her obvious.

Though Marcia said oodles of things which resonated with me, this was one of the loudest: "I wanted to embrace his journey, not resign myself to it." If you've ever felt like you were meant for more, like you needed to let go of yourself and stop clinging to the comfortable, this is a book you don't want to miss.

[Jo Rae Jetton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being willing to do something and actually following through are entirely different things. Ten years had past since the day Marcia and her husband Bob said, “I do” and “I’ll go.”

So when Bob comes home from a mission trip and says God has called them to serve an orphanage in Guatemala, Marcia’s initial reaction was “Whoa!” It was comfortable under their patchwork security blanket made up of Bob’s union job, a house in the suburbs, and a teaching job she loved. Tightly sewn into that blanket was their young daughter, Lily. What about her?

I haven’t visited Guatemala, but I felt like I was there while reading Marcia’s picturesque story of women “in their colorful village wraps and elegantly plaited headdresses—statuesque princesses in plastic flip flops” and “clumps of brazen bougainvillea that flaunted their purples and salmons and magentas over the adobe wall.” You will also see God’s presence and provision in amazing ways in her transparent struggle in the well-worn path from fear to faith.

Marcia Moston’s Call of a Coward entertains, enlightens, and encourages as you follow Marcia’s travels from Guatemala to Vermont. Short enough (at 135 pages) to be read in one sitting, you’ll enjoy the day-trip into trust found here.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have often asked myself what my reaction would be if God called me to foreign missions. How would I obey? Would I question? I think that is why I was so intrigued by Marcia’s story of the call God had for her and her family. When Marcia’s husband informed her that God was calling them to foreign missions in Guatemala, she was hesitant. She attempted to excuse herself, convinced that her life in New Jersey was full of work for the Lord. However, God worked in her heart. They went. This book is the story of the ups and downs of the Monstons’ time doing God’s work in Guatemala.

I was quickly drawn into this book. Mission work has always interested me, and I love to hear about the work being done abroad. I literally found myself smiling and laughing at the family’s higher points, and nearly in tears as she recounted the trials they experienced. God’s hand was at work in every situation, which was interesting to see unfold. Call of A Coward was an easy read. It is written in a simple format, and with small chapters. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to you!!

Note: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. However, my opinions are my own.

[Sherry Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Marcia Moston's husband cane home with a call to foreign missions, she was sure that God had the wrong, number. His call conflicted with her own dreams, demanded credentials she didn't have, and required courage she couldn't seem to find. She promised to follow where God led, but she never thought the road would lead to a Mayan village on a Guatemalan mountainside.

From the treacherous road trip to their new village home, to learning to navigate a new culture, to a stateside mission field in Vermont, Moston's journey reveals that God leads just as clearly as he did in biblical times. Her candid account tells a story of learning to trust and obey when faithfulness seems foolish.

Written with humor and insight, Call of the Coward is an engaging reminder that with our very real God in control, cowards become courageous and ordinary people find great purpose.

I love this book! It's written in a conversational style, almost like Marcia's sitting with you. It's an honest portrayal of her feelings and her faith as she grasps God's will and surrenders to it. It was fun to read and yet it challenged my faith. I think everyone would enjoy it.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

" The problem with promising God you'll follow Him wherever He leads is that you just might have to go. I suspect it would be easier if you were certain of His calling--like stepping out the door and seeing the lilac bush on fire and hearing a voice commanding you. But when it's your husband who is delivering the message--well, that leaves a little room for wonder.
At least that's how I felt when my husband rocked my comfortable, middle-class afternoon with his belief that God was calling us to pack up and move to a Mayan village in Guatemala"
Marcia Moston candidly tells her story of fear, faith, obedience, and sacrifice. I appreciate her constant references of seeking God for guidance, and obeying Him even when it's not what you want. It is nice to observe that although she is a missionary, she isn't some super-Christian who is all but perfect. She struggles with selfishness, stubbornness, and doubt; but she ultimately wants to serve God.
This is a very good book, I think you will find it inspirational.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this copy thru Booksneeze and was really drawn to the subject of feeling ordinary when God calls our life to be especially far from ordinary.

I love the opening sentence of this book, 'The problem with promising God you'll follow him wherever he leads is that you just might have to go'. Its a strong opening paragraph, showing what the author wants to convey in her writing throughout. This is written about the authors life changing moments moving to Guatemala. I really liked how she writes. Funny, yet warm and inviting. It almost reads like a novel with her descriptions. I've been to countries helping out for a couple years, and this author really captures what its like to be in a different culture trying to help people. It made me homesick for the places I have been too. Even when she captures the feeling of culture shock and reverse culture shock.
Awesome read, especially if you are going to visit another country soon.

[Maribeth Handley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest book I have read is Call of a Coward by Marsha Moston.
I was initially intrigued by this book because it is about how process the author goes through when her family moves to Guatemala as full-time missionaries. The author shares stories of the time leading up to the move, getting acclimated to her new surroundings and culture, and the changes and transitions God brings her through (as well as her family). She shares stories and insights about how God uses this experience to draw her closer to Him, and how He changes her heart. While it was a good read, I wouldn’t say it was the best book I have ever read. I found it interesting to hear about the stories and experiences, but there was just something missing. I would recommend it, but it’s not on my top list of great reads.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: A
Writing: C
Vocabulary: C
Level: Easy
Rating: PG (harrowing drives on mountainsides, tropical diseases, orphans, corrupt officials)
Worldview: Christian. We can trust Jesus to guide, protect, provide, and connect with us.

This quick read tells the story of a white, middle-class, New Jersey housewife and her family as they offer themselves to Jesus' service and shockingly find He called them to rural Guatemala. Marcia writes humorous, emotional, profound yet non-sappy vignettes of their time traveling, making new friends, fielding Third World problems, discovering how God works in such an out-of-the-way place, and then being called to a completely different destination.

I recommend this book to missionaries, study-abroad students, ministers and middle-class Christians content at home.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sister of the author of this book is a dear friend of mine. She gave me this book as a gift and I'm so glad she did.
The author's thoughts about God and "moving" really were timely for us ... as in "God, do you really know what you're doing moving us back to the midwest not just to help with my parents but to LIVE WITH THEM again !!?" After reading this book, I was so encouraged and was reminded that in obeying God to follow HIm on the open path ... we find that He is there to provide all that's needed for the journey.
This is the author's first book. Her sense of humor is delightful and her love for God contagious.

[Tammy Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call of a Coward by Marcia Moston may be one of my favorite reads! As a short-term missionary trying to go where God leads me, the title and description of this book caught my attention. And I’m glad I requested this book! Marcia is very open and honest about her struggles with faith as she follows God’s plan for her and her family’s life. I felt like I was right there with her in Guatemala and Jersey and Vermont! I highly recommend this book!

My favorite quote from the book:

“… the exciting part of traveling with the Lord; you never knew where he might go, but he always made a way. I wanted to embrace his journey, not resign myself to it.”

[David Santos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be gentle with my critique. I am a different kind of reader, I am a "get to the point" type of person. Skip the colors of flowers and how they smell stuff. Take me to the story you know? Details annoy me. Anywho, the book said written with humor....sigh. I guess humor is in the eye of the beholder. I have a very short attention span and if they book doesnt catch my attention in the first few pages, they've lost me.

I'm sure the book is very good, but just isn't my style. (I read some 73 pages couldn't never get into it.)

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcia's husband returns from a mission trip feeling that God was calling them to move to Guatemala to continue to the work he was doing there. I love that Marcia is so honest and transparent about her doubts and fears. She shares how she wrestles with them and through her faith in God overcomes them. I love all the stories she shares about how God shows up while they are there. She is also very honest about how hard it was for her when she returned to the states and how she longed to go back. This is a wonderful story of a wife and mother who follows Him wherever He may take her.

[Denita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Marcia Moston with her husband, Bob and their 10 year old daughter, Lily leave their home in New Jersey to oversee a home for widows and orphans in Guatemala. Marcia writes of her doubts about leaving her home to live in such a violent and dangerous place where thousands of people have been killed in civil war. Its a story of following where God is leading and to trust Him no matter what.

[April Rudolph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book of showing the faithfulness of the Lord in working out plans perfectly! Even if we groan a little. (Who isn't guilty of that every once in a while?) Didn't give it five stars because there were some things that I am still confused about. I am going to do a bit of online research.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

well done, Marcia. my sister will feel right at home.

[Mateo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK..I liked the story but the writing was a bit scattered and hard to follow at some points.

[Susie Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

The missionary life in all it's glory and gore.