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WayMaker: Finding the Way to the Life You’ve Always Dreamed Of
We can trust that God, the WayMaker, is always at work creating the life of our dreams, through ways we never would have dreamed for ourselves.
In a disorienting world, with obstacle after obstacle, and the landscape of our lives shifting in ways we never expected, we can trust that as we look to our Maker, the WayMaker, our road will lead us to arrive exactly where we always hoped it would, though maybe not at all in the way we imagined. And those dreams for our lives? They can still happen--in ways only He perfectly dreamed of.
It is heartache, grief, suffering, obstacles, they all come in waves. There is no controlling life's storms; there is only learning the way to walk through the waves. In WayMaker, bestselling author Ann Voskamp hands us a map that makes meaning of life, that shows the way through to the places we've only dreamed of reaching, by a way we never expected. Voskamp reveals how God is present in the totality of our lives, making a way
for the marriage that seems impossible,
for the woman who longs for a child of her own,
for the parents who ache for the return of their prodigal,
for the sojourner caught between a rock and a hard place, and
for the wayfarer who feels as though there is no way through to her dreams.
We can encounter the WayMaker in surprising ways and begin to see Him not only making poetry out of pain but working in every miraculous detail of our lives. Even now, the Way is making the way to walk through waves and into a life more deeply fulfilling than our wildest dreams.
In a disorienting world, with obstacle after obstacle, and the landscape of our lives shifting in ways we never expected, we can trust that as we look to our Maker, the WayMaker, our road will lead us to arrive exactly where we always hoped it would, though maybe not at all in the way we imagined. And those dreams for our lives? They can still happen--in ways only He perfectly dreamed of.
It is heartache, grief, suffering, obstacles, they all come in waves. There is no controlling life's storms; there is only learning the way to walk through the waves. In WayMaker, bestselling author Ann Voskamp hands us a map that makes meaning of life, that shows the way through to the places we've only dreamed of reaching, by a way we never expected. Voskamp reveals how God is present in the totality of our lives, making a way
for the marriage that seems impossible,
for the woman who longs for a child of her own,
for the parents who ache for the return of their prodigal,
for the sojourner caught between a rock and a hard place, and
for the wayfarer who feels as though there is no way through to her dreams.
We can encounter the WayMaker in surprising ways and begin to see Him not only making poetry out of pain but working in every miraculous detail of our lives. Even now, the Way is making the way to walk through waves and into a life more deeply fulfilling than our wildest dreams.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
956 people are currently reading
6636 people want to read
About the author
Ann Voskamp
92 books1,373 followersAnn Voskamp is a farmer's wife, the home-educating mama to a half-dozen exuberant kids, and author of One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, a New York Times sixty-week bestseller..
Named by Christianity Today as one of fifty women most shaping culture and the church today, she's a global advocate for needy children with Compassion International, a loser of library books, a stirrer of soup, a loud laugher, a kid snuggler, a Jesus lover and honestly, a bit of a mess. It’s okay really. Grace is the most amazing of all.
Her online journal, one of the top 10 most widely read Christian blogs online, is a relief of quiet vulnerability and an oasis of sacred, seeing God in the everyday ugly beautiful.
Connect with Ann on:
AnnVoskamp.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Named by Christianity Today as one of fifty women most shaping culture and the church today, she's a global advocate for needy children with Compassion International, a loser of library books, a stirrer of soup, a loud laugher, a kid snuggler, a Jesus lover and honestly, a bit of a mess. It’s okay really. Grace is the most amazing of all.
Her online journal, one of the top 10 most widely read Christian blogs online, is a relief of quiet vulnerability and an oasis of sacred, seeing God in the everyday ugly beautiful.
Connect with Ann on:
AnnVoskamp.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
May 1, 2022
This read started out really well, then fizzled out for me around halfway. There isn't a ton of "narrative," per se; it's not linear, by any stretch, and jumped around a fair bit--which is fine to a point! But I struggled.
It did prompt some interesting inner dialogue; much of the book is written about Christ and his bride the church, and marriage being part of the mystery. I, comparatively, am single...and I grew up in the purity culture. So part of me was sitting there reading this like, "Should I even be reading this? Like, ... what?!" LOL! I do think that married folks, or folks in a serious relationship, may get more out of it than me as a later-30s single. But it did encourage me to really deep-dive into Christ--the most important relationship any of us will ever have.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
It did prompt some interesting inner dialogue; much of the book is written about Christ and his bride the church, and marriage being part of the mystery. I, comparatively, am single...and I grew up in the purity culture. So part of me was sitting there reading this like, "Should I even be reading this? Like, ... what?!" LOL! I do think that married folks, or folks in a serious relationship, may get more out of it than me as a later-30s single. But it did encourage me to really deep-dive into Christ--the most important relationship any of us will ever have.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 5, 2023
Second Read: Again, I felt I was walking on holly ground. It struck me even more how her story (and all our stories, if we turn to pay attention) turns out to actually unravel meaning of the ultimate/heavenly sort on multiple levels (physical and spiritual aligning, transposing), enacting the Grand Story of Redemption.
***
Lifegiving. I do not recall reading a more vulnerable and tender and raw book that is also so powerful and exposing and Spirit-filled. I thing Ann is so brave for writing the whole of this book with such openness of heart. It has really been such an immense gift. It felt like a companion through the bewildering "how to” of my journey following Christ through Red Sea Roads and deserts and all kinds of heartache.
In her unique journaling style she uses her memoirs as a springboard to go deeper into Spirit-led thoughts imbibed with Scripture. In this book she covers the difficult topics of marital struggles, navigating adoption and children’s health problems, her own heart failure, addiction and recovery, reconciliation, among others.
The first part of the book describes beautifully the metaphors/signposts of marriage and adoption that point to our union with Christ and describes how she found the SACRED (Stillness, Attentiveness, Cruciformity, Revelation, Examine, Doxology) way of turning toward God.
The second part of the book had some beautifully crafted chapters that put profound truths and movements of the soul in such rich words, vivid imagery and memorable poetic word play and provided ample occasion to show how the SACRED movement looks in practice. One of my favorite, really helpful such movements was that of turning, in the midst of suffering, from our default "incurvatus in se" toward "cruciformity". I also loved the way she described the wide path of least resistance that leads to least life (the crushed narrowness of death) and the narrow path of highest resistance that leads to highest expansive life.
I was moved to tears countless times and have experienced the longed-for "withness" of God during this read.
Her audio recording of the book is a jewel! Brimming with heart and tenderness!
***
Lifegiving. I do not recall reading a more vulnerable and tender and raw book that is also so powerful and exposing and Spirit-filled. I thing Ann is so brave for writing the whole of this book with such openness of heart. It has really been such an immense gift. It felt like a companion through the bewildering "how to” of my journey following Christ through Red Sea Roads and deserts and all kinds of heartache.
In her unique journaling style she uses her memoirs as a springboard to go deeper into Spirit-led thoughts imbibed with Scripture. In this book she covers the difficult topics of marital struggles, navigating adoption and children’s health problems, her own heart failure, addiction and recovery, reconciliation, among others.
The first part of the book describes beautifully the metaphors/signposts of marriage and adoption that point to our union with Christ and describes how she found the SACRED (Stillness, Attentiveness, Cruciformity, Revelation, Examine, Doxology) way of turning toward God.
The second part of the book had some beautifully crafted chapters that put profound truths and movements of the soul in such rich words, vivid imagery and memorable poetic word play and provided ample occasion to show how the SACRED movement looks in practice. One of my favorite, really helpful such movements was that of turning, in the midst of suffering, from our default "incurvatus in se" toward "cruciformity". I also loved the way she described the wide path of least resistance that leads to least life (the crushed narrowness of death) and the narrow path of highest resistance that leads to highest expansive life.
I was moved to tears countless times and have experienced the longed-for "withness" of God during this read.
Her audio recording of the book is a jewel! Brimming with heart and tenderness!
March 7, 2023
I’ve never read a book by Ann Voskamp so I had no idea what to expect in her writing.
I have never connected to a Christian author’s writing the way I did with hers in WayMaker.
It’s BEAUTIFUL. Poetic. Honest.
Her insights on this life we live with our Father God will stick with me. I absolutely loved it.
I have never connected to a Christian author’s writing the way I did with hers in WayMaker.
It’s BEAUTIFUL. Poetic. Honest.
Her insights on this life we live with our Father God will stick with me. I absolutely loved it.
August 26, 2023
Waymaker - Ann Voskamp - 5 Stars - A beautiful, poetic Christian non-fiction read. Wow.
There are so many quotes I have highlighted here in this book. Ann so poetically tells us her story of things that have happened in her marriage, adoption process, and her life in general. So honest, real, raw.
Many times tears filled my eyes reading this. She has a very unique journaling / poetry style in this book that made it very interactive to read. I think there were a few times I did not fully grasp what she was trying to say, but overall LOVED it.
"We don't need answers from God like we need attachment with God."
"Salvation by God is ultimately for attachment to God."
"Life is never made unbearable by the road itself but by the way we bear the road."
Just a few of my favorite quotes....beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. May add more of my favorites later. 🔥❤️
January 13, 2022
Ann Voskamp is known for her almost poetic form of writing. In her latest book, "WayMaker", Voskamp details her personal life. From her wedding, honeymoon, marriage, family health issues, and the adoption of her youngest daughter, nothing is off limits. I appreciated her transparency and honesty. However, her poetic writing was a little difficult to understand at times, and I often wish she had a more straightforward form of writing so I could understand what she was saying better. I really enjoyed her chapters on adoption, since that is a topic that I'm passionate about.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 5, 2025
Ann is a master of words. This novel is poetic and raw and real. It's words and stories will stay with me. If you are looking for a testimony of faithfulness, grace and the Goodness of God in the middle of the messy journey look no further. This book is a masterpiece and I encourage everyone to read it. Taste and see that the Lord is good
June 23, 2022
It took forever to get through this book. I went back and forth thinking, “I love this book” to thinking, “get to the point!” There are a lot of gems of wisdom in WayMaker. However, I am generally not a huge fan of Voskamp’s as I find her prose (though lovely) a bit tiresome. I know that I am in the minority here as most people I know love her. I appreciate her perspective and wisdom, but have a hard time getting through her books and style of writing.
September 20, 2022
Did not finish. I usually love Ann Voskamp's books, but this one didn't stick with me. Her writing style was very difficult to follow at times. Example:
"Now the wind carries his steady voice and his courage rests on me, right there on the curve of the cochlear."
Girl, just say ear. For Pete's sake.
"Now the wind carries his steady voice and his courage rests on me, right there on the curve of the cochlear."
Girl, just say ear. For Pete's sake.
January 25, 2024
been soaking up this book over many months and this is going on the list of books that have marked me. I’ve never read a book this rich with poetry, truth, beauty, and heartache. I’ll be trying to live out the truth she speaks to in this book for a long long time.
June 23, 2022
"Traumas can bend us away from reaching for, or trust taking, and comfort from anyone. Nobody tells you that the shields you throw up to protect your heart end up being more like a prison that leaves you alone."
"I just know I ache everywhere, and the ache is that I'm just beginning to know how I have wildernessed myself. This is the way you end up when you've cut yourself off from your own cleft in the rock, your own base, turned from your own safe haven, and headed stiff-necked back down into Egypt."
Ann Voskamp swept me into this beautiful book of following in the Way God has for us. I read with wide-eyed wonder and with tears brimming, knowing her words cut into the heart of our existence. We are told to find happiness but that isn't the Way of life. Using her marriage and family life, she opens herself up for others to feel as she felt.
I've had conversations with my sister about the idea we should guard our hearts from all hurt. We should keep our hearts from evil but this doesn't mean we close ourselves off from any potential love and feeling. It isn't living and Ann Voskamp showed this clearly in her writing. The Way of life is intimacy with God. As we draw closer to Him, we then can draw closer to others.
"If your only way to navigate your inner landscape is to manipulate, control, and dominate your outer landscape, you've lost the map to joy. Life isn't a linear, forward march but a circuitous, God-toward maze, and the road that seems to be winding the wrong way can also be making the way closer toward Him and home and Christ dwelling within."
I've seen some reviews that said this book is better for those married. But I believe it's a good book for adult singles too to understand more of true love and giving of ourselves to another. It is not something I've read often in devotional books. Thank you, Ann Voskamp, for your beautiful words driven with love and God's Word ❤
"I just know I ache everywhere, and the ache is that I'm just beginning to know how I have wildernessed myself. This is the way you end up when you've cut yourself off from your own cleft in the rock, your own base, turned from your own safe haven, and headed stiff-necked back down into Egypt."
Ann Voskamp swept me into this beautiful book of following in the Way God has for us. I read with wide-eyed wonder and with tears brimming, knowing her words cut into the heart of our existence. We are told to find happiness but that isn't the Way of life. Using her marriage and family life, she opens herself up for others to feel as she felt.
I've had conversations with my sister about the idea we should guard our hearts from all hurt. We should keep our hearts from evil but this doesn't mean we close ourselves off from any potential love and feeling. It isn't living and Ann Voskamp showed this clearly in her writing. The Way of life is intimacy with God. As we draw closer to Him, we then can draw closer to others.
"If your only way to navigate your inner landscape is to manipulate, control, and dominate your outer landscape, you've lost the map to joy. Life isn't a linear, forward march but a circuitous, God-toward maze, and the road that seems to be winding the wrong way can also be making the way closer toward Him and home and Christ dwelling within."
I've seen some reviews that said this book is better for those married. But I believe it's a good book for adult singles too to understand more of true love and giving of ourselves to another. It is not something I've read often in devotional books. Thank you, Ann Voskamp, for your beautiful words driven with love and God's Word ❤
June 6, 2024
As profound as it is personal. This straight-from-the-fire-forges-of-life book made me ponder and weep. Ann’s experiences are her own, but the lessons and truths are for all. I devoured this every night before bed for three days, and walked away with a fresh sense of purpose and hope, a deeper love for Jesus, and plenty of conviction & encouragement. Exactly what my heart needed in this season. 💛
Read
July 27, 2024 “The wise don’t read Scripture to get a word from God but to know the God of the Word.”
March 13, 2024
Ann has been one of my favorite writers since I was a little girl and my mom would read me her blog posts 🥹 There aren’t words to describe the gift reading this book during this specific time in my life was. One of the kindest ways I’ve felt loved and deeply cared for and seen by Jesus probably ever
July 1, 2025
Took me so long to read, but quite frankly it is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I have highlighted so much of this book, been challenged by this book, and is definitely a book I would read again! Def recommend!
March 28, 2022
Just a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"It's when we expect life to be easy that it becomes hard."
"Suffering doesn't mean you are cursed; suffering means you're human."
"Life is never made unbearable by the road itself but by the way we bear the road."
"Pain will come, but name it a mystery, and find manna in it, and taste bits of miracle even in what you can hardly stand and don't understand."
"Presence heals pain. Withness binds up wounds. Bonding eases trauma."
"Salvation by God is ultimately for attachment to God."
"Waiting in prayer is a disciplined refusal to act before God acts."
"If your prayers always happened, then you would happen to be God."
"We don't need answers from God like we need attachment with God."
"How would it help to have a God who's small enough for us to understand standing with us, when only a God standing with us who's great enough to be beyond all understanding can help us at all?"
"The way to not lose hope is not to lose holy imagination in the ways of God."
"There is no seeing when nothing is stilled. Stirred waters, blurred sight."
"It's only endless trust in God that can end fear."
"Bonding or bondage, those are always the two ways to choose in every moment."
"As the sun has the power to thrive or shrivel a leaf, so relationships can either heal trauma or actually cause it."
"No page is the whole story."
"Every single temptation I've ever known to take my own way has spoken the language of entitlement. My entitlement-- or God's enthronement. Living feeling entitled to a story--or entrusting the story to God."
"We don't find the way. The Way Himself finds us."
"The only outcome that matters is that we come to Him. If death is the outcome, we still get to come to Him. If pain, or shame, or flames, or chains, or graves are the outcome, we still get to come to Him. True freedom is to be free of outcomes and come into Him."
"...pay attention to what you're paying attention to."
"It's when we expect life to be easy that it becomes hard."
"Suffering doesn't mean you are cursed; suffering means you're human."
"Life is never made unbearable by the road itself but by the way we bear the road."
"Pain will come, but name it a mystery, and find manna in it, and taste bits of miracle even in what you can hardly stand and don't understand."
"Presence heals pain. Withness binds up wounds. Bonding eases trauma."
"Salvation by God is ultimately for attachment to God."
"Waiting in prayer is a disciplined refusal to act before God acts."
"If your prayers always happened, then you would happen to be God."
"We don't need answers from God like we need attachment with God."
"How would it help to have a God who's small enough for us to understand standing with us, when only a God standing with us who's great enough to be beyond all understanding can help us at all?"
"The way to not lose hope is not to lose holy imagination in the ways of God."
"There is no seeing when nothing is stilled. Stirred waters, blurred sight."
"It's only endless trust in God that can end fear."
"Bonding or bondage, those are always the two ways to choose in every moment."
"As the sun has the power to thrive or shrivel a leaf, so relationships can either heal trauma or actually cause it."
"No page is the whole story."
"Every single temptation I've ever known to take my own way has spoken the language of entitlement. My entitlement-- or God's enthronement. Living feeling entitled to a story--or entrusting the story to God."
"We don't find the way. The Way Himself finds us."
"The only outcome that matters is that we come to Him. If death is the outcome, we still get to come to Him. If pain, or shame, or flames, or chains, or graves are the outcome, we still get to come to Him. True freedom is to be free of outcomes and come into Him."
"...pay attention to what you're paying attention to."
March 13, 2022
This book took me through a very vulnerable journey of Ann's adopting her little girl and the corresponding difficulties that came in her life. I truly appreciate other's sharing of hard stories and how they persevered. This is part memoir and part poetic spiritual guide.
This is the first book of Ann Voskamp that I actually finished. I really love her messages and the heart she puts into her writing, but it gets pretty flowery for me. I get a bit lost in the poetic nature of her reflections. That said, there were enough concrete portions of harsh reality here that kept me engaged and consequently encouraged to bear witness to another's conquering of a time of flailing. Or maybe it was more bearing witness to laying oneself down and letting our Maker walk her through.
If you have read any other of Ann Voskamp's books you will be prepared for her lyrical prose. If not, take small bites and work through this one like I did and you will be glad for the messages, encouragement, and reminder of Who has always been the One to make a Way when it feels impossible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this digital ARC. This is available in print form on March 15, and if you preorder from her site, she has a ton of free gifts available!
This is the first book of Ann Voskamp that I actually finished. I really love her messages and the heart she puts into her writing, but it gets pretty flowery for me. I get a bit lost in the poetic nature of her reflections. That said, there were enough concrete portions of harsh reality here that kept me engaged and consequently encouraged to bear witness to another's conquering of a time of flailing. Or maybe it was more bearing witness to laying oneself down and letting our Maker walk her through.
If you have read any other of Ann Voskamp's books you will be prepared for her lyrical prose. If not, take small bites and work through this one like I did and you will be glad for the messages, encouragement, and reminder of Who has always been the One to make a Way when it feels impossible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this digital ARC. This is available in print form on March 15, and if you preorder from her site, she has a ton of free gifts available!
May 18, 2022
I could write a novel detailing my admiration for this masterpiece. Pretty sure I audibly gasped reading parts of this, it is THAT gorgeous. Take the meaning out of this for a sec (even though that's for darn sure the best part), the imagery is just... somehow edible - every turn of a page was an all satisfying breath of pure oxygen invigorating all of me. The words, thought, being, all just exude from Ann in the most humble way. Forewarning, when you pick this up, you will be walking, trudging, skipping, galloping, leaping, dragging, jumping through every single step of the way with her; so if you're not prepared for the ensuing emotion and awe that will follow, maybe this isn't for you (no but seriously, please please please read this).
Oh, and did I mention that it would be a literal disservice to yourself to not read this?
Oh, and did I mention that it would be a literal disservice to yourself to not read this?
May 25, 2022
She has beautiful ideas and made me see gods love in a new light. Didn’t dig the amount of words (lol) and the personal antidotes of her husband in every single chapter.
September 19, 2023
A poetic delight. I teared up so many times.
Only downer: the 300 page marriage allegory got rather tiresome towards the end.
Only downer: the 300 page marriage allegory got rather tiresome towards the end.
August 21, 2024
If you know me, you’ve heard about this book. It changed my life. I desperately ordered it amidst an awful depressive episode of my life and it split my heart right open.. attachment, attachment, attachment. Words can’t do justice to how much I love this book… if you need more testimony to the power of this book, I’ve read it again 3 times in the past 2 years…
July 17, 2023
Beautiful words of being seen, of healing, of truth in the ugliness; reading this book was like my own private therapy sessions.
August 23, 2024
Beautiful. She’s a meandering writer that definitely requires patience but the work and focus is worth it!
January 24, 2025
Ann Voskamp has a unique writing style. Some like it, some avoid it because it isn’t necessarily linear. She writes like no other.
“Every wedding aisle is a narrow path. Love is always the narrow way that limits ones options but expands and fulfills ones soul.”
“When you don’t still, you react. When you don’t-first and foremost-purpose to utilize the strength of stillness, there’s no way to pay attention to who God is, or to your location or to what your own soul deeply wants”
“Marriages are fragile things, not an accomplishment to be proud of, but a miracle to give thanks for.”
“Every wedding aisle is a narrow path. Love is always the narrow way that limits ones options but expands and fulfills ones soul.”
“When you don’t still, you react. When you don’t-first and foremost-purpose to utilize the strength of stillness, there’s no way to pay attention to who God is, or to your location or to what your own soul deeply wants”
“Marriages are fragile things, not an accomplishment to be proud of, but a miracle to give thanks for.”
April 27, 2023
I don’t think I would have enjoyed the book reading it as much as I did listening to it. Reading leaves time for reflection but in the case of this book I think it would be months until I would pick it up again had I read it (so it was with A Thousand Gifts 🙈). I loved the audio version read by Ann Voskamp herself; such authenticity and raw emotion because those are her words and her story. She is without a doubt a beautiful writer and has a way with words to connect the OT and NT in theologically sound manner yet contextualizes it to the modern reader and what they may be going through.
January 9, 2024
For the season that I’m currently walking through, this was an on time read for me. Renewing and transformative, this is a beautiful read.
May 3, 2024
Very poetically written book that had a way of speaking deeper. Voskamp did a great job of combining a story with lots of life lessons and practical application. It was an encouraging book and gave me a lot to think about. There were a few parts that were hard to follow and she seemed to write with a lot of regret in one section of the book, but it was honest which I really appreciate.
March 27, 2022
I just read the most vulnerable AND the most beautiful book that I have ever read – a book that took my breath away – even more beautiful than Ann Voskamp’s bestseller, One Thousand Gifts. Waymaker: Finding the Way to the Life You’ve Always Dreamed Of is a love story – a love story between Ann and her husband, Darryl – a love story between Ann and God and Darryl – a love story between Ann and her adopted daughter, Shiloh Shalom – a love story filled with broken hearts – a love story overflowing with healing from the Waymaker.
Voskamp begins her love story journey in a stormy sea. Disappointment crashes in on her. Heartbroken husband, adopted daughter facing another heart surgery, and Voskamp in heart failure, she finds her way back to the SACRED, the Waymaker.
She examines the marriage relationship between a man and a woman with the relationship that God cherishes with His people. Similarly, she sees her adopted daughter through the eyes of God and sees herself as His adopted daughter.
“Marriage isn’t about always being happy – marriage is about always growing in the right direction. Life isn’t about avoiding trauma and suffering: life is about growing through it” (p. 329).
The book takes the reader deeper into the heart of Hebrew culture and language and offers a SACRED pattern of thinking that may transform your life. I appreciated learning from the Scripture as she took us on her journey.
Voskamp approaches the Red Sea with Moses and the Israelites. She watches God part the waters of her Red Sea. She steps onto the dry land of the Red Sea Road and takes us by the hand as we walk together between the high waters. We reach the other side, as the soldiers of bondage follow on the road. God dashes the sea upon them, drowning slavery.
And we journey on.
Voskamp begins her love story journey in a stormy sea. Disappointment crashes in on her. Heartbroken husband, adopted daughter facing another heart surgery, and Voskamp in heart failure, she finds her way back to the SACRED, the Waymaker.
She examines the marriage relationship between a man and a woman with the relationship that God cherishes with His people. Similarly, she sees her adopted daughter through the eyes of God and sees herself as His adopted daughter.
“Marriage isn’t about always being happy – marriage is about always growing in the right direction. Life isn’t about avoiding trauma and suffering: life is about growing through it” (p. 329).
The book takes the reader deeper into the heart of Hebrew culture and language and offers a SACRED pattern of thinking that may transform your life. I appreciated learning from the Scripture as she took us on her journey.
Voskamp approaches the Red Sea with Moses and the Israelites. She watches God part the waters of her Red Sea. She steps onto the dry land of the Red Sea Road and takes us by the hand as we walk together between the high waters. We reach the other side, as the soldiers of bondage follow on the road. God dashes the sea upon them, drowning slavery.
And we journey on.
August 3, 2022
Waymaker is a book I will keep on my shelf as a reference and read again. It is a vulnerably personal account of Ann's life and marriage especially through the adoption of an Asian child with a heart defect. I read it slowly (as you can see) and savored her prose-style writing.
Her parallels with the Red Sea Crossing and God inspired SACRED (acronym) way are very powerful. I am incorporating SACRED into my devotions. I have become mindful of ways I turn inward instead of turning outward towards God first and then others. I have written this many times, and Ann emphasizes it: We need each other. And that need is good! God did not create us to be self-sufficient. "Your wholeness is more about the health of your attachments than the hellishness of your adversities" (p. 261).
Most of all, this is a book about hope! "It's a poverty of imagination that bankrupts hope" (p. 146). Suffering is not something a Christian should avoid at all cost. It is a normal component of the SACRED way, the way of Christ. When the waves crash over us and we feel like we're drowning, He always parts the seas and makes a way for us. God is our Waymaker!
Her parallels with the Red Sea Crossing and God inspired SACRED (acronym) way are very powerful. I am incorporating SACRED into my devotions. I have become mindful of ways I turn inward instead of turning outward towards God first and then others. I have written this many times, and Ann emphasizes it: We need each other. And that need is good! God did not create us to be self-sufficient. "Your wholeness is more about the health of your attachments than the hellishness of your adversities" (p. 261).
Most of all, this is a book about hope! "It's a poverty of imagination that bankrupts hope" (p. 146). Suffering is not something a Christian should avoid at all cost. It is a normal component of the SACRED way, the way of Christ. When the waves crash over us and we feel like we're drowning, He always parts the seas and makes a way for us. God is our Waymaker!
April 15, 2022
I savored every page! Every time I read an AV book I think of it as a love letter to me from God. If you’re familiar with her you know she writes in a beautiful poetic way which I like. I’ll admit over ten years ago with her first book it took some getting used to, but it wasn’t long before her style soothed my soul. Another thing, each time I read a new book I think it’s my favorite, this one is no exception. This is a personal book which reveals more of Ann. Guess what? Being a writer doesn’t mean she doesn’t struggle with the same things I do. This was a timely book for me for a couple of reasons. I fell more in love with the Waymaker. God’s like that, He has a way of sending us what we need just when we need it. This is a fabulous five stars and a favorite for 2022.
June 18, 2022
Walked into this book bearing so much grief and hurt that I was skeptical any words could even begin to be remotely healing. Providentially I was wrong! Ann writes with profound sensitivity and awareness of how the human soul and mind respond to trauma, rejection, and pain, and also with great wisdom, reminding the reader that, yes, “our greatest fear is always that we will be left abandoned and unloved,” but that “holding on to tears is to delay the comfort of God.” Will be forever grateful for her words which have tenderly encouraged me to not only bravely sit with my pain, but to view my pain properly, trusting that “what saves and heals [is] attachment” to our great WayMaker.
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