Pause: How to enjoy God, find hope and bear fruit through midlife and the menopause

by Sarah Allen

Pause to see menopause & midlife through Scripture's transforming lens

There are some things we’d rather not face – and midlife is definitely one of them. Who wants to look in the mirror and see their mother? But when our minds feel foggy and pressures mount, we need to pause rather than panic.

Dealing candidly with the struggles of midlife and menopause, Sarah Allen offers a refreshing biblical perspective to changing emotions, bodies and lives.

Genres: Christian Non Fiction, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2024

About the author

Sarah Allen is author of children's book,The Woman Who Wouldn't Stop Writing; Clothed in Stength: Four Women who Built the Church and Changed the World, and co-author of Resilient Faith. She has degrees from Cambridge University (BA Hons English Literature) and (MTh Union School of Theology). Sarah lives in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire with her husband, Lewis, where she works as an English Teacher and is involved in the ministry of Hope Church. She is also Regional Director of Flourish, London Seminary's training programme for women.

Reviews

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

{full review here:https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/na...}

A book I didn't know I needed...

I just turned 40! 🎂

Welcome to midlife.

Honestly, I’m not sure how to feel about it.

It seems like a big deal.

Coincidentally, just a few weeks before my milestone birthday, I had the opportunity to dive into this treasure of a book.

If you're approaching midlife, or if you're already there and in need of a godly perspective, this book is one you'll definitely want to check out. Sarah Allen’s wisdom offers not just biblical insights, but practical guidance on how to navigate this season with grace, purpose, and a renewed sense of joy in God’s plan for your life. It’s a resource that can equip you to embrace midlife as a time of growth and fruitful living, rather than something to be feared or merely endured.

Check out the full review on the blog.

*Thanks to 10ofThose for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to post an honest review!

[Amanda E. (aebooksandwords) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Pause: How to Enjoy God, Find Hope and Bear Fruit Through Midlife and the Menopause” by UK author Sarah Allen is a helpful and important read for women centered on pointing us to Christ through midlife and beyond.

What most drew me to this book is that it is written from a biblical perspective. This is a much needed resource on the topic of midlife, menopause, and perimenopause (a transitional period before menopause that is rarely talked about; sometimes its symptoms are even mistaken for other issues).

Allen writes,

“. . . throughout Pause, I hope you'll see a realism about the problems of midlife, but also real hope that it can be a time of fruitfulness and joy. You'll find God's truth applies to our concerns about ageing looks, regrets over the past, the demands to care for others and our fears for the future.”

This is exactly what you will find in this uplifting book. I found Allen’s writing on this topic to beautifully express the hope we have in Christ. It felt like sitting with a friend at home, coffee or tea in hand as we pour encouragement into one another in the midst of life’s challenges.

I definitely recommend this book!

Highlights:

“Trying to make time stand still or our bodies stop changing is foolish. But pausing to understand how God's eternal wisdom relates to our changing seasons is invaluable for navigating the hard yards of our middle years.”

“His priority for us isn't projects completed or careers peaking, but a trust in Christ which transforms us into his likeness.”

“There are abundant opportunities to serve those around us, but we meet these needs best by being satisfied by the love of our Saviour, Christ. And even if we are locked into our homes by illness or family duties, we still serve through being satisfied in him.”

Readability: 4
Impact: 4
Content: 5
Enjoyment: 5
Total: 4.5

Thank you to @10ofthoseusa for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Cathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

How wonderful to see a book on the complexity of menopause from a Christian perspective. Sarah Allen has written a book to remind us we are not alone- we are seen by our Creator who loves us. Her advice is backed with clear incorporation of Scripture. With a caring and understanding approach she exhorts us to cling to God through this time. She addresses all the hormone effects like mood and appearance and managing the sandwich of caregiving. Looking at my current time as a reset was comforting. Being reminded that God sees me and cares about my wacky health issues was needed. This was a hopeful book with encouragement to see 40+ as ministry. Highly recommend!

[Robin Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid. Well-written and accessible. I would have enjoyed it better if I had read it with friends and we discussed as we read.
I appreciated the candor and topics.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The menopause/midlife book I have been searching for! Convicting, encouraging, relatable. Highly recommend.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this excellent book.
This is so well written, it would be beneficial for anyone who loves God.
But particularly women in their 40s+, and those who love them, live with them and work with them.
This book gently yet firmly encourages our eyes to be fixed on Jesus, our minds on things of God and our lives to be serving Him.
The author knows women. She briefly shares experiences of a few women, helping us see the challenges and opportunities of this phase of life.
Read it if you minister among women too.
Brilliant book.

[Lucy Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book about the the joys and challenges that come with midlife. Read in advance of my church's menopause brunch I'm helping with. Real life examples with brilliant advice

[Froukje Cradock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so glad to find a Christian book addressing menopause. The secular media has been full of it over the past few years with it rapidly becoming the next big feminist issue - women demanding a right to access HRT, a right to time off work etc. I felt as a Christian my attitude had to be different and so it was good to read Sarah Allen's book. It is a very pastoral book. Personally, I was hoping for more of a Christian response to the current trends in society. Sarah touches on this briefly at times but not to the extent that I was looking for - hence only 3 stars...

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I confess that I paused in the middle of reading this, brief though it is. 4.5 stars.

Thoughtful, straightforward, unglamorous, substantial, pastoral… Questions at the end of each chapter very helpful. All Christians can benefit from this, not just those approaching menopause.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not menopausal yet. BUT I have realized it's coming. Sarah does a great job of applying the gospel to this season of life. This was a fast but worthwhile read.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a concise, well-written book about life changes that come with menopause. It touches on how the physical and emotional changes affect us, but also the change in life situations. Sarah Allen takes everything back to Jesus, which was so needed and encouraging.

[Brianna Smith Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and gentle look at the complexities of midlife for women from a biblical and theological perspective. With discussion questions at the end of each chapter, this book would be an excellent book group read!

[JEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful, challenging and comforting

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encouraging and practically helpful. I will read this again and pass it on to other women who might be encouraged also.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply written but a shot in the arm of spiritual truths and application grounded in the Word of God for believing women approaching, in the midst of, and even on the other side of “the change.”

[Beverley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important subject, dealt with compassionately. Some very useful pointers on how to navigate this season of life while glorifying God. Would recommend.