Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth for the Momma's Heart

by Becky Thompson

God's love, plans, and promises for you are forever unfolding.
 
I get it, Momma. I totally get it.

Every day you wake up and try your very best. You love, give, and pour out your life for the ones who call you Momma. But no matter how much you offer, there are still days you feel as though you come up short. You worry, Am I loving these babies enough? Is this ever going to get easier? Why does it seem like I am the only one who cannot balance it all?

Sometimes, we just need hope (and maybe a long uninterrupted nap). We need someone to help tune our hearts to the voice of the Father and to remind us that He has not forgotten about us.
In Hope Unfolding, Becky Thompson is a friend who reminds you that you aren't alone, and that God is still writing your story. She guides you to encounter the Truth of God's presence that not only fuels you with strength, but also a fresh confidence. And beyond gaining faith that tomorrow could be different, you find hope and purpose where you are standing today.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2016

About the author

Becky Thompson began blogging under the name Scissortail SILK, quickly drawing a global audience of millions. A self-professed city girl, Becky is a recent transplant to northwest Oklahoma, where she lives with her husband, Jared, their three young children, and whatever critters wander in from the wheat field behind their house. You can connect with Becky online at www.BeckyThompson.com or join her and the thousands of other grace-filled women who are a part of the Scissortail SILK community on Facebook.

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

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read by all moms! We all need grace.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give closer to 3 1/2 stars if I could. One of the flaws of Goodreads! This book reads very much like Becky's popular blog. She addresses her readers as friends (a lot!) as she recounts various moments in her mom life, from waiting for kids to miscarriage, new mom struggles and sleep deprived nights. She offers biblical examples and stories that have helped her and encourages mommas to keep it up. You're doing fine.
I found her writing easy to read, the stories relatable. It bothers me a little when people write like they are having a conversation, like telling us she's stopped writing to just look at the mess around her and winner if she can write about hope. My time is limited. Reading things like that aren't helpful, they are distracting. I found myself skimming at times to get back to the story. I was a little disappointed that the Bible verses she uses in the chapter don't have the reference listed right there. Instead there's a notes page at the end of the book that lists the verses she quoted. I don't think it would have been that difficult to just include them in the text.
Also don't confuse this with a devotional for moms. It's not. It's one mom offering encouragement and a prayer to other moms. I don't agree with the way she phrased becoming a Christian at the end. She says "if you prayed this prayer". I'm all about people coming to a saving knowledge of Christ but it's not based on what we pray. It's what we believe, who we are trusting. If we put our faith in Jesus to save us from our sins, he doesn't require a certain prayer or combination of words. I was slightly put off with that.
With that said, I'll pass my copy onto other friends who could use a boost. Because sometimes a mom just needs to know she isn't the only one who's felt like this.

[Sydney Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truth: This very moment, as I type these words, I can smell the baby’s spit up on my shoulder and I’m overwhelmed with the mess around me. I know that I need to do another load of laundry and there are dishes in the sink and I still don’t have plans for dinner. Oops, I just remembered we’re going to someone’s house for dinner in a few hours — I’m scatterbrained and forgetful! Yesterday, I threw a sweater on over the shirt I had slept in because people were coming over. It wasn’t till the afternoon (and in another state!) when I was headed to a meeting that I ever remembered to think about my general appearance.

It can be so easy to think I’m the only one with a crazy motherhood that never feels put together. Against all obvious logic, I can feel like I’m the only one who’s ever had two babies less than two years apart and self-pity creeps in on the hard days. Well, though it’s just a light, little paperback, Becky Thompson's words in Hope Unfolding breathed a peaceful reassurance into my life.

I don’t expect this to be one I crave to read again at a later date, like some books, but I definitely recommend it to mamas around the world who don’t even know they need encouragement. It’s packed with so many of her personal stories that surely resonate with all mothers on some level. I don’t often laugh aloud while reading, but Becky had me doing that a few times! Not to mention, some of her stories hit so close to home I wanted to cry in empathy for her!

My least favorite part of the book was her excessive use of the word, “friend.” Now I know she started out as a blogger and when you’re trying to connect to your readers, that’s a very common thing to do. But it wasn’t a blog post – or multiple posts – but rather one book. I can only be called “friend” so many times on one page that I start missing the beautiful nuggets in between. But, in all honesty, I was able to get over that and enjoy the book! (I gave it 5 stars on here, if that tells you anything.)

Time and time again, the author brings us back to God’s grace and Jesus’s love. Both for us. Both never-ending. She refers to Scripture often (which I like) and, with a pure voice, reminds us of so many promises God has for us. It truly “unfolded” some of the layers of my life and reminded me of Hope.

You can follow her blog at beckythompson.com and also, watch out — her next book comes out in January 2017!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this authors down to earth style of writing. While I didn't agree with every little thing, I liked how she pointed moms back to Jesus as their source of strength and to allow him to work through them to raise their little ones for his glory. She did present the gospel which can sometimes be lacking in Christian books. She had scripture throughout the book but the references were in an index in the back of the book.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My pen got a huge workout underlining all of the powerful truths in this book. It is straightforward, conversational, and packed with stories from the author's own experience backed by scriptures that will help mamas remember their importance -- and remind them that they're not alone in their hard and holy work. I can't wait for this book to get in the hands and hearts of my mama friends!

[m a e g a n ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 million stars! This book wrecked me in the best way. Thank you, Becky, for sharing your heart with your readers, and pouring His love on me thru these pages.

[Emily B · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I understand how women would be encouraged by what she offers (as I was at times) there are statements made that don't align with Scripture.

[Rachel Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book is not void of the gospel, it is not gospel-centered. It has a lot of interesting stories, but it’s messages are not very deep.
Quotes like these show the underlining philosophy throughout the book:
“ With God, I have everything that I need to be a good mom to my kids. God is proud of me, and I am too.”
“You are a good mom, and it is not vanity to stand confidently in who God has created you to be.” A good, gospel-centered-alternative book to this one would be Gloria Furman’s “Treasuring Christ when your Hands are Full.”

[Lacey]

I really enjoyed the second half, which was a quick read.

[Whitney Werling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been on my shelf for a while and I've just kept skipping over it. Oh, how I regret that! I could have benefited from reading awhile ago, but so glad I finally picked it up. The auther just had an honest way of relating to each chapter and I just felt myself in each area. I loved the stories mixed with God's word. It was very easy to understand, yet challenged me on many levels. I believe this author has another book available and I hope to get my hands on it soon. As a side note, the cover of this book is beautiful!

* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

[Amanda T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the proud mommy of three beautiful boys ages 5 to six months. My youngest was just a few months old when I somehow came across Becky Thompson's book Hope Unfolding. I think it was Facebook or an ad from a publisher? Anyhow, I was struggling. I am a stay at home mom, which I love, but it can be tough sometimes. Baby number three was a surprise - we were about to call it quits and be happy with two kiddos when God had other plans. I called him Baby Joy before I knew who he was and that is exactly his personality. The most joyful baby I've ever met. But I was still struggling with two rambunctious boys and a new baby and basically I needed a reminder of Hope. Let me just say that I recommend this book for any mommas out there who are just struggling or need a pick-me-up. Big or little. And at some point we all do. We all do.

I read this book in the mornings while eating breakfast and drinking my coffee. It was like sitting down for a chat with a fellow mom who's been there and gets it. Since then, I've started following Becky Thompson's Facebook page and seriously, you can't help but loving her. She often has Live posts and recently has been posting Live sessions going through her book. I'm excited about her recent news that she's coming out with a book called Love Unending, a twenty-one day journey to help focus on your marriage during this hard time of raising little ones. I will be buying that one.

But going back to Hope Unfolding, this book is an example of what I call "cheaper than therapy." Ha! I don't think I learned anything spectacularly new but I definitely needed to start my day in a frame of mind that it's ok momma, I am enough for these boys. I will have ups and downs but God made me their momma and I don't have to prove myself to God or these little ones. Just like they will never have to earn their love from me or God. So I'm going to put down my to-do list, put down my phone, and allow myself to just be.

Reviewed on my blog A Library of My Own

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! As a new mom the balance and struggle of parenthood and faith (feeling confident, wondering what to do, are you enough, etc.) happens daily and she touched on so many circumstances I could relate to.

There were a couple times I wish she would have gone a little more in-depth but this was so much of what I needed to read right now - definitely recommend!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed. It refreshed my heart. So glad I picked it up!

[Janel Eure · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, funny, inspiring book! I loved every second of this I only wish it had been longer! To all the mommas out there worn out and questioning themselves this is a must read!

[Stevie Ciske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a mother of 4 but not a mother of toddlers and babies. I've found that its near impossible to find an encouraging mothering book for mothers who are no longer in the baby/toddler stage. This is very frustrating because parenting does not actually get easier, it just changes. New challenges pop up, new things that you've never faced before, and it's a new hard... but hard nonetheless. So when I saw Beckie Thompson's book at the library I almost didn't pick it up. But I loved the tag line "Grace-filled truth for a Momma's Heart." and I was drawn in. And I was very pleasantly surprised. All though her kids at the time of her writing were younger than my youngest child, I still felt it applied to me.
As a 41 year old mother, it didn't seem that much was "new" but I needed the refresher something fierce. I enjoyed her stories, I cried, laughed, and repented, and grew. It was a great read. I think moms from all stages would benefit from hearing just how important it is to draw close to God for our sustainability in the midst of the trenches of motherhood (and let's face it, we're in the trenches for a LONG time, not just the baby/toddler years).
And a message to Beckie Thompson, in case she ever reads these reviews. You were just so right on. Parenting is a challenge and that doesn't ever truly go away. But knowing how to extend grace is across the board important. You are talented, inspired, and for sure led by the Holy Spirit to reach into the depths of mommas everywhere. My only dislike is this (and I won't count the book down because of it) but there was the tiniest mention of inviting others over to watch the Bachelor. Please beware of holding grace and godly advice to women in one hand while entertaining watching women being degraded and misused by men in the name of "finding the one" in the other hand. The image is ever so contradictory. The book was empowering, cheering on women who find love in all the wrong ways is debilitating. Might you consider choosing to uplift and not entertain by way of shows with those premises. You captured my heart with this book, and I truly feel changed because of it. Thank you!

[Christina Brandsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll start by saying I'm not the audience for this book, but I started it ages ago and this has been the year of finishing started books, so here we are.

Becky Thompson's tone was encouraging and conversational. It truly felt like sitting across the table from her as she reminded you that everything would be okay. Her stories of things she has learned through scripture and parenting were relateable and engaging. I loved that Becky explained the gospel and pointed readers to Christ as the source of Hope Unfolding, but the book didn't seem to go far enough with this emphasis.

While some of the book felt honest in its encouragement, I bristle at the notions, especially the final chapter, that suggest we are good enough. "You are a good mom," Becky reiterates. Sometimes this is true, but other times what would feel more honest, and more encouraging is, "You're not good. Your best efforts are like filthy rags. Jesus is always good. He cleanses you from all unrighteousnesses." I don't tend to like the "you're doing the best you can" hollow words because our best still misses the mark and this mindset often prevents us from taking responsibility for our sin and minimizes sin.

[Tara Denevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every momma needs to read this book! Becky Thompson does an amazing job of speaking straight to a momma's heart on every page in this book. She is a mother herself, and isn't afraid to let us into her own life a bit as she shares struggles she faces, high expectations that we all need to lower, and answers to questions we all have. She works through the rough seasons us mommas face on a foundation of Scripture and helps to point us back to God as we take on this big scary calling of motherhood. She reminds us we aren't alone in motherhood both because we have a personal God who is walking with us every step of the way, and because no matter how alone we feel, there are tons of other mommas going through the same things! She helps to untangle the lies that the Enemy tries to get us to believe about ourselves as moms that can damage our minds and our homes. This book is an easy read, and stays true to scripture throughout. Excellent book, highly recommend!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I found this book. As a young mother, I am always looking to learn more and seek out how God can help me to be a better mom. Reading through this book, Becky really shares her heart and is transparent about her own experiences and failures. It is such a relief to be reminded and shown that I am not alone in my struggles. She truly shows hope from Christ through her writing. She reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten about us even when we feel alone. Also, she tell us that God gives us grace and we need to give ourselves grace, knowing that we can’t do it all in our own strength. She encourages us Moms that we are good Moms! We don’t have to always have it all together or right, but live in the grace and forgiveness of God. “I am a Good Mom!”

[Tayler Morrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an amazing book and I desperately needed it. Thompson goes through many of her life experiences of life plans not going how she wanted, feelings of loneliness of being a SAHM, and exasperation of being a mom. But, she does so through the eyes of grace, showing that we are never alone and that God has a plan for us and is with us during every moment of our lives. It was very uplifting.
I even had a friend who is now nearing the end of her pregnancy with her third son. She will have three under 4. She has experienced a lot of these feelings, including diagnosed depression and PPD. So, I decided to mail her this book, in hopes that she can find light and hope as much as I did through this book. I think every Christian SAHM should read this book!

[Chani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book, but the execution fell a little flat in my estimation. If you're baptist, non- denominational, and/ or main steam American Christianity, this book is for you! If you're Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox, etc. you might find this lacking. Like I said, the concept is great: Jesus loves you and is with you in all aspects of motherhood. Most of the time the author just throws Jesus at you: give it to Jesus, cling to Jesus, etc. I would have loved something more concrete to hang onto: be in the Word, go to church, etc. In all fairness, the 2nd to last chapter did tell us to be in the Word, and it was the best part of the book! I'm sure most of my dissatisfaction with the book stems from our theological differences, so I'm giving the book 3 stars.

[Cheyenne Westberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this wonderful, thought-provoking, guilt-removing book. Becky did an amazing job at pulling me in and making me feel like she was really talking to me as a friend. She was so honest and open. I felt comfortable and warm, like she was letting me into her world. She’s in the thick of motherhood, too, and really connected to me on that level. I started the book months ago and it took me so long to finish because I’m the mother of a wild toddler, but I ended the book confident. Confident in my identity, confident in my motherhood, and confident in my faith. God’s got me, even in this busy stage of my life. He has not forgotten me, and I don’t need to let guilt rule over me. “I am a good mom.” Thank you, Becky!

[Jamie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It’s one you can read again and again and be truly blessed each time. Becky is authentic and gives a real, yet humorous look at motherhood by sharing personal examples and Christian wisdom. Great for new moms, moms of little kids, moms of older kids, moms of multiples, grandparents...anyone really! I first read the book while going through a very stressful time and her message gave me hope as a first time mom with a small child, crazy work schedule, and aging parents. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this amazing Christian mom and author!

[Angela Wissink]

I’m probably not the target audience for this book. More for the twenty something, new mom or mom who’s oldest child is still a toddler. I’ve got a lot more experience under my belt and been married a lot longer than her so a lot of the advice sounded like a little sis trying to tell her older sis about life. There are a lot of new young moms who would very much enjoy this book so I’m going to give it to my local MOPS group

[Virginia Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this book for moms!! This book is not a “let me help you fix all the things” it is acknowledging our thoughts and our struggles as moms, that we all seem to have but don’t all the time talk about. We want so much to put the best versions of ourselves forward and lose our hope in our hearts in the process. Jesus is HOPE and this book helps us remember that and embrace our lives and His hope for us!
❤️

[Charity Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

For most of the book, I'd give 3 stars, but because of one particular chapter that spoke to me, I'm going to give it 4 stars. I probably won't keep the book, but I would recommend it...mainly if you are a young mom. She gives a lot of personal stories that are funny or make her relatable... but it isn't all about her personal stories like some authors. My main problem was that if i didn't know the title, I don't think I would have known the theme or overall point of the book. It seemed like a collection of blog posts. Good ones, but the chapters seemed to stand alone. It is encouraging and gives a clear gosple message at the end.

[Jordynn Fraser · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were so good parts to this book that were encouraging for a momma. However, I felt like I could not relate to the majority of the stories/points in this book. Not to say that others won’t, just wasn’t the book for me. If you are a stay at home mom who has lots of doubts about her mothering then this would be a great book for you. Not really written for a working mom who has different kinds of worries.

[chellaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I definitely​ recommend this to Christian Mommas. I love Becky's blog and was excited to read my first book by her. It was perfect to listen to the audio during nap time while I did chores. Becky really speaks to the Mommys heart. This book made me cry, laugh and think. I love how she makes you feel as if you are with a friend.

[Jennifer Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and the beautiful heart of this author. She has a gift for speaking right into your life and your circumstances. This book was a gift from a cousin and I am very thankful for her thoughtfulness. I am a mother of 6 children and my husband suffered a traumatic brain injury. This book ministered to my heart. God is so very good.

[Jessica Rister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I loved this read. So often I picked it up and read exactly what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it. I am a good mom! Looking forward to reading other things by Becky. Mom life can be so entirely exhausting and sometimes you just need to know that you're not the only one and you are not alone!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes read this!!!!

Every mama needs the truth in this book. Thompson opens the gospel message through the experiences of her own life and uses its peace and gentleness as balm to the guilty mom plague. I am a good mom and after reading this book I am confident in who God created me to be and who he created me to mother.