Risk the Ocean: An Adoptive Mom's Memoir of Sinking and Sanctification

by Shannon Guerra

We never know how far our callings will take us when we start pursuing them. Our initial rose-colored ideas only get us ankle deep along the shore before reality sinks in, and we're faced with opposition from out of nowhere, obstacles we don't know how to solve, and expenses that threaten to suck us under.
At some point, we have to decide if it's really worth the sacrifice to turn our vision into reality. And if it's a daydream, maybe it's not worth it. But if it's a mission the Lord has called you to, then it's a different story.
This, friends, is a different One about family, grit, and the cost of saying yes.
It turns out that achieving a dream is not about walking into the sunset with romantic fanfare playing, because redemption and accomplishment rarely look like the end of a sugar-coated, feel-good movie.
It's more about God moving in deep and lasting triumph in spite of everything the enemy throws at us.

264 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

Shannon Guerra is an author, wife, ministry leader, and mama of eight kids via birth and adoption. She lives in Wasilla, Alaska, and writes about personal growth, heart wholeness, and living deep and wide at www.copperlightwood.com.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book that speaks not only to the challenges and blessings that adoptive families face but is an encouragement to parents who face the unexpected and have to learn to navigate through new things over and over again.

[J. Avery]

This book was a blessing to read. It is profound and deeply encouraging. It is a biblically based story about adoption but also about healing from all types of hardships.

[Jennifer Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon is so friendly, honest, raw, and she writes like she’s sitting with you, curled up on your couch with a cup of warm tea, discussing life. This book is excellent for anyone in the trenches of parenting, considering parenting, and especially considering adoption and fostering. She comes across like a breath of fresh air, giving you hope and comfort as she ultimately points us to the Father, drawing near to encourage and strengthen mothers and families. This book is a deep and pithy read. Sometimes after reading, I had to sit and ponder, and allow for some air in my thinking, just listening to the Holy Spirit encouraging my own motherhood.

Shannon is a messenger; a great one, at that. She’s been there. She’s got a gift to not only tell us about her experiences, but also offer hope, love, grace, and acceptance from the Father towards us in her ongoing learning experiences. I couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter!

[Gail R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read some of Shannon Guerrero books and loved them. ( Oh my Soul & Abide Series). I really had no need to read this book as I'm retired and raised my kids. Im so happy I did though. I recently lost my husband and the book helped me to laugh and cry again. I think the way Shannon can personally take you into her dirty kitchen, like mine, makes the book so real. I admire most the way the family Prayed through all their Thankful and not so thankful times. Risk the Ocean gave me and their journey Hope through God.