Real Life with Mary: Growing in Virtue to Magnify the Lord

by Kelsey Gillespy

What does it look like to be a holy woman who says yes to Jesus in the chaos of everyday life? Who better to learn this from than Mary, the mother of Jesus?Scripture shows Mary to be a real woman, full of grace, tenacity, and a love of God that led her to follow Jesus through deep sufferings and great joys. By growing in friendship with Mary and learning from her, we too can walk the path of holiness and put virtue into action.

Grow in virtue and friendship with Mary through the chaos of life with these spirited, down-to-earth reflections by Kelsey Gillespy, author of In the Trenches. In this witty and profound guide to Christian discipleship for women, Gillespy contemplates the virtues of Mary and proposes practical and powerful ways to magnify the Lord—by folding laundry, raising kids, or training for elite athletics. Formatted for personal reflection or group discussion, Real Life with Mary features short chapters, discussion questions, and prayers. 

Genres: Catholic

192 pages

Published August 5, 2024

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gillespy has written a beautifully simple, but deeply contemplative and relatable devotional, specifically for mothers, that focuses on the role Mary plays as a mother in Jesus’ life and our lives.

I enjoyed how the book flipped back and forth from a story in Gillespy’s life to relating that story to Mary’s works and virtues.

A group of young women/moms from my church read this together over 5 weeks this summer, meeting for bonfires and fellowship, all thanks to this book!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Life with Mary is a relatable look at the Blessed Mother’s life, examining her role in Scripture, the virtues she exemplifies, and how we can live as she did, magnifying the Lord.

Both new and seasoned moms will particularly enjoy the personal stories the author shares and benefit from the reflections presented. Good for either personal study or a group read/reflection.

[Morning Glory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the bite sized meditations-a bunch of new ways to look at Mary’s life. The compassion, prayerfulness, and zeal chapters were my favorites.
“Compassion compelled Mary throughout her entire life.”
“How can you use your unique gifts and personality to show zeal for God?”
“Sweet Mother Mary, on the days when my prayer time is interrupted or cut short…I can’t seem to focus…I question the power of prayer…I fail to show up… pray for me, now and at the hour of my death.”

[Tiffany Browning]

DNF @ pg 43

[Rachel Kessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet devotional that deepens ones personal connection to Mary.

[Maria Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comforting read

Real Life with Mary is a comforting read. It eloquently explains the benefits of imitating the Blessed Mother in our daily lives. This is a little gem that would make a wonderful gift for a young mother.