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The Other Side of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom
Find Hope, Joy, and Community as a Special Needs Mom
For the special needs mom who yearns for community and support on what can be a lonely road, The Other Side of Special reminds you that you are not alone, your best is good enough, and even on the hard days, there are blessings to be had.
As you pour your energy and resources into raising a special child, it's easy to struggle with feelings of isolation, competition, guilt, and overwhelm. Here's the encouragement and practical help to navigate the emotional reality of your situation.
In The Other Side of Special , three mothers raising children with physical, medical, mental, and emotional special needs have joined forces and pooled their experience and expertise to provide such a resource. They take a deep dive into the most common emotions felt by special needs moms. They acknowledge the hard things as those who have been there. They celebrate the unique joys of being a special needs mom. And they offer encouragement for the journey, remaining realistic about the challenges special needs moms will continue to face.
For the special needs mom who yearns for community and support on what can be a lonely road, The Other Side of Special reminds you that you are not alone, your best is good enough, and even on the hard days, there are blessings to be had.
As you pour your energy and resources into raising a special child, it's easy to struggle with feelings of isolation, competition, guilt, and overwhelm. Here's the encouragement and practical help to navigate the emotional reality of your situation.
In The Other Side of Special , three mothers raising children with physical, medical, mental, and emotional special needs have joined forces and pooled their experience and expertise to provide such a resource. They take a deep dive into the most common emotions felt by special needs moms. They acknowledge the hard things as those who have been there. They celebrate the unique joys of being a special needs mom. And they offer encouragement for the journey, remaining realistic about the challenges special needs moms will continue to face.
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2023
25 people are currently reading
1482 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 4, 2023
Reading this book has been so timely in my journey as a special needs mom. To say I needed this book at such a time in my life is an understatement. I have felt so many of the feelings these lovely mothers have explained in such beautiful ways. They are relatable moms, all sharing a common ground no matter what disability their children have. Thank you, ladies, for encouraging my heart as a special needs mother. Thank you to Baker Publishing, Revell and NetGalley for a free e-book copy to honestly read and review. I can’t wait to get my physical copy I preordered to get all my highlights down! If you are a special needs mother, relative to someone with special needs, or just wanting to get an insight to this journey of special needs motherhood, please read this. It has changed my perspective and encouraged my faith tremendously.
My son is 4 and was diagnosed with Autism when he was 2 and a half. Our journey is truly just beginning, but I could relate to so much these mothers have expressed in their own journeys. They remind us that it’s ok to give ourselves permission to grieve certain things in your child’s diagnosis, but to let God handle us where we are in that grief as He is the God of comfort. This book reminds us that comparison truly is a trap and “when we focus on what we do not have, we miss what God freely offers.” How to move from comparison to contentment and focus on Jesus. “We won’t wonder if another family has it worse of better than we do because we accept that Christ is all we need no matter what.” AMEN. I needed the chapters specifically on comparison, grief, fear, shame, brokenness, guilt, soul rest…etc.
My favorite passage: “We have everything we need to be the parent our child needs. We have access to God’s divine power. We have the wisdom to hear God’s voice and turn away from the harsh accusations of the devil. We can live a life of godliness through God’s strength. He abundantly gives us his wisdom without contempt or disdain because we’ve asked. He does not sit in heaven saying, “Oh dear, she’s asking again. I don’t want to give this to her.” With open arms, he’s begging us to ask.” – THIS right here – this is what it’s about. We are fully equipped to handle this with the power of the Lord. Even when things seem impossible, He makes a way. He is there for us going through hard times. I am beyond grateful for His never-ending love for us and our children. He has big plans for our children.
My son is 4 and was diagnosed with Autism when he was 2 and a half. Our journey is truly just beginning, but I could relate to so much these mothers have expressed in their own journeys. They remind us that it’s ok to give ourselves permission to grieve certain things in your child’s diagnosis, but to let God handle us where we are in that grief as He is the God of comfort. This book reminds us that comparison truly is a trap and “when we focus on what we do not have, we miss what God freely offers.” How to move from comparison to contentment and focus on Jesus. “We won’t wonder if another family has it worse of better than we do because we accept that Christ is all we need no matter what.” AMEN. I needed the chapters specifically on comparison, grief, fear, shame, brokenness, guilt, soul rest…etc.
My favorite passage: “We have everything we need to be the parent our child needs. We have access to God’s divine power. We have the wisdom to hear God’s voice and turn away from the harsh accusations of the devil. We can live a life of godliness through God’s strength. He abundantly gives us his wisdom without contempt or disdain because we’ve asked. He does not sit in heaven saying, “Oh dear, she’s asking again. I don’t want to give this to her.” With open arms, he’s begging us to ask.” – THIS right here – this is what it’s about. We are fully equipped to handle this with the power of the Lord. Even when things seem impossible, He makes a way. He is there for us going through hard times. I am beyond grateful for His never-ending love for us and our children. He has big plans for our children.
May 5, 2023
As a friend of many who are bravely mothering their children with special needs, this book is blessing to not only their hearts, but mine as well! One of the quotes (there are many) that have stood out to me is this one: "Life is uncertain. Life is messy, and it doesn't always make sense. What may not make sense to us, what may appear to an be an unexpected mistake, is something God will use to design some of his most remarkable work." Amen. I hope you choose to enjoy this book.
November 13, 2024
Right on time!!
So, so relatable and like a few friends saying "we get it!" right to your heart.
So, so relatable and like a few friends saying "we get it!" right to your heart.
May 24, 2023
The three authors of The Other Side of Special have done a wonderful thing. They present a dozen painful emotions often experienced by parents of special needs kids, and they discuss ways those emotions can be healed and transformed into life-giving patterns of life – with the full acknowledgement that those challenging emotions will come back again. They tell honest and relatable stories that validate common experiences, and they present practical strategies for coping. They do a great job affirming that we all experience a wide variety of emotions and that help and healing are possible.
Their ability to affirm both painful emotions and the possibility of help and healing is a valuable Christian perspective that is sadly not common in many settings. All too often, Christians embrace a kind of toxic optimism that affirms that if God is real, then we have to be upbeat all the time. These three Moms have survived deep stress, sorrow, and anger, and they acknowledge that they continue to experience pain, even while God is helping them with challenges and healing their pain.
Their dozen chapter titles describe the hope and healing they describe in each chapter:
Loneliness to connection
Grief to hope
Doubt to faith
Comparison to contentment
Guilt to acceptance
Anger to Comfort
Despair to joy
Weariness to rest
Fear to trust
Overwhelm to relinquishment
Unexpected to designed
Disappointment to gratitude
Each chapter follows the same format, opening with a few paragraphs about the topic. The bulk of each chapter is a personal story from each of the three authors, first Amy Brown, then Carrie Holt, concluding with Sara Clime. Each chapter finishes with reflection questions. The benefit of this structure is that a special needs mom can pick up the book and read whichever chapter seems relevant for them at the time. The three stories in each chapter give a variety of patterns and experiences to connect with.
The book concludes with a helpful bonus chapter about navigating a crisis. This chapter does two important things. In addition to giving practical advice for coping, it validates the sad fact that for most special needs moms, another crisis is probably coming. That crisis is not their fault, and they will probably be thrown back into some of the painful emotions described in the first dozen chapters. The concluding chapter, like the whole book, helps special needs moms understand that God is with them to help and heal, and God welcomes their honest expression of emotions, no matter what.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book by the publisher so I could write this review. I was sure I would like the book, because I deeply respect the podcast ministry of the three authors. I did not know that I would be so impressed with their ability to validate pain while also holding out hope for receiving help and healing from God.
Their ability to affirm both painful emotions and the possibility of help and healing is a valuable Christian perspective that is sadly not common in many settings. All too often, Christians embrace a kind of toxic optimism that affirms that if God is real, then we have to be upbeat all the time. These three Moms have survived deep stress, sorrow, and anger, and they acknowledge that they continue to experience pain, even while God is helping them with challenges and healing their pain.
Their dozen chapter titles describe the hope and healing they describe in each chapter:
Loneliness to connection
Grief to hope
Doubt to faith
Comparison to contentment
Guilt to acceptance
Anger to Comfort
Despair to joy
Weariness to rest
Fear to trust
Overwhelm to relinquishment
Unexpected to designed
Disappointment to gratitude
Each chapter follows the same format, opening with a few paragraphs about the topic. The bulk of each chapter is a personal story from each of the three authors, first Amy Brown, then Carrie Holt, concluding with Sara Clime. Each chapter finishes with reflection questions. The benefit of this structure is that a special needs mom can pick up the book and read whichever chapter seems relevant for them at the time. The three stories in each chapter give a variety of patterns and experiences to connect with.
The book concludes with a helpful bonus chapter about navigating a crisis. This chapter does two important things. In addition to giving practical advice for coping, it validates the sad fact that for most special needs moms, another crisis is probably coming. That crisis is not their fault, and they will probably be thrown back into some of the painful emotions described in the first dozen chapters. The concluding chapter, like the whole book, helps special needs moms understand that God is with them to help and heal, and God welcomes their honest expression of emotions, no matter what.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book by the publisher so I could write this review. I was sure I would like the book, because I deeply respect the podcast ministry of the three authors. I did not know that I would be so impressed with their ability to validate pain while also holding out hope for receiving help and healing from God.
May 8, 2023
The Other Side of Special is a beautiful book that embraces the side of raising a special needs child that often gets unnoticed…the mom’s/family’s side. Really this books isn’t simply JUST for the mom of a special needs child but it is beneficial for anyone who loves someone who is raising a special needs child.
The chapters in this book include emotions such as loneliness, doubt, comparison, guilt, anger, fear and weariness. Feeling overwhelmed and disappointed are also addressed. Each chapter starts with a summary of the topic. From there each author tells their story of dealing and coping with that emotion.
The three authors have children with various special needs ranging from obvious physical disabilities to emotional and behavioral disabilities. I love how honest they are with their feelings. I think sometimes as Christians we are taught not to express emotions such as disappointment and anger because that makes us look “faithless”. Nothing could be further from the truth. To lament is Godly. David did it in the Psalms. To lament to to cry out to God with your messy emotions and even ask why BUT then to REMEMBER God’s goodness and faithfulness. I feel like the authors did this beautifully. They were honest with their struggles, emotions, fears YET still remind the reader of how God sustains us.
I am the proud aunt to a very special boy with profound emotional, behavioral and mental needs. I have navigated this road with my sister. I have seen all these emotions first hand. The comparison (he is a twin), the loneliness, the fear, the utter weariness have been hallmarks of my sister’s journey as an advocate for my nephew. Schools are not equipped to handle invisible disabilities so my nephew has slipped through the educational cracks. She is now homeschooling him while working a very stressful full time job. She may be my little sister but she is my HERO.
She will be receiving this book for Mother’s Day because she deserves to be seen and that is what this book does.
I received this book from NetGalley and the Authors in exchange for my honest review. These are my own opinions.
The chapters in this book include emotions such as loneliness, doubt, comparison, guilt, anger, fear and weariness. Feeling overwhelmed and disappointed are also addressed. Each chapter starts with a summary of the topic. From there each author tells their story of dealing and coping with that emotion.
The three authors have children with various special needs ranging from obvious physical disabilities to emotional and behavioral disabilities. I love how honest they are with their feelings. I think sometimes as Christians we are taught not to express emotions such as disappointment and anger because that makes us look “faithless”. Nothing could be further from the truth. To lament is Godly. David did it in the Psalms. To lament to to cry out to God with your messy emotions and even ask why BUT then to REMEMBER God’s goodness and faithfulness. I feel like the authors did this beautifully. They were honest with their struggles, emotions, fears YET still remind the reader of how God sustains us.
I am the proud aunt to a very special boy with profound emotional, behavioral and mental needs. I have navigated this road with my sister. I have seen all these emotions first hand. The comparison (he is a twin), the loneliness, the fear, the utter weariness have been hallmarks of my sister’s journey as an advocate for my nephew. Schools are not equipped to handle invisible disabilities so my nephew has slipped through the educational cracks. She is now homeschooling him while working a very stressful full time job. She may be my little sister but she is my HERO.
She will be receiving this book for Mother’s Day because she deserves to be seen and that is what this book does.
I received this book from NetGalley and the Authors in exchange for my honest review. These are my own opinions.
January 27, 2023
The Other Side of Special
Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom
by Amy J Brown; Sara Clime; Carrie M Holt
Pub Date 09 May 2023
Revell
Christian | Parenting & Families
I am reviewing a copy of The Other Side of Special through Revell and Netgalley:
If you are a special needs Mom, in search of community and support on what can be a lonely road. The Other Side of Special reminds you that you are not alone, your best is good enough, and even on the hard days, there are blessings to be had.
Raising a Special needs child means you will need to spend energy and resources into raising them. And often you can be left to feel isolated, and guilty, and you can feel like your other children (if you have other children) are competing for attention. In this book you will find the encouragement and practical help to navigate the emotional reality of your situation.
The Other Side of Normal, shares the stories of three mothers raising children with physical, medical, mental, and emotional special needs. These three Mothers have joined forces and pooled their experience and expertise to provide such a resource. They take a deep dive into the most common emotions felt by special needs moms. They acknowledge the hard things as those who have been there. They celebrate the unique joys of being a special needs mom. And they offer encouragement for the journey, remaining realistic about the challenges special needs moms will continue to face.
I give The Other Side of Normal five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom
by Amy J Brown; Sara Clime; Carrie M Holt
Pub Date 09 May 2023
Revell
Christian | Parenting & Families
I am reviewing a copy of The Other Side of Special through Revell and Netgalley:
If you are a special needs Mom, in search of community and support on what can be a lonely road. The Other Side of Special reminds you that you are not alone, your best is good enough, and even on the hard days, there are blessings to be had.
Raising a Special needs child means you will need to spend energy and resources into raising them. And often you can be left to feel isolated, and guilty, and you can feel like your other children (if you have other children) are competing for attention. In this book you will find the encouragement and practical help to navigate the emotional reality of your situation.
The Other Side of Normal, shares the stories of three mothers raising children with physical, medical, mental, and emotional special needs. These three Mothers have joined forces and pooled their experience and expertise to provide such a resource. They take a deep dive into the most common emotions felt by special needs moms. They acknowledge the hard things as those who have been there. They celebrate the unique joys of being a special needs mom. And they offer encouragement for the journey, remaining realistic about the challenges special needs moms will continue to face.
I give The Other Side of Normal five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
December 6, 2025
Great book-I would definitely recommend it to other Christian moms of kids with special needs. I chose it because Amy Brown, one of the authors, writes in the adoption space on invisible disabilities (trauma behaviors, FASD, ODD, behavioral issues beyond what typical parenting entails) and I love that she talks on this. It is so refreshing to hear from another mom who has walked through invisible disabilities (for those not aware, a child who presents as neurotypical in many respects, or is socially/emotionally “behind” compared to peers, or can enter into a fight/flight trauma response or needs much more supervision/ co-regulation than most kids) was so helpful.
I appreciated hearing from the other authors on parenting medically fragile children, children with terminal diagnoses and more. It was eye-opening what other moms go through. While not all of their stories resonated with me, they didn’t have to. I think hearing from others whose lives are different from your own is one of the best ways we can grow in compassion. I am humbled to have heard their stories.
I am docking some stars just because it was hard to keep track on audiobook of who was sharing each story. While the narrator was fantastic, I would have appreciated a different narrator for each story. Having the same person speak for each person made it feel confusing at times and also repetitive in some respects. I really hope they can release an audiobook with the author’s actual voices but I also am admittedly unfamiliar with how that works or what the process is.
I appreciated hearing from the other authors on parenting medically fragile children, children with terminal diagnoses and more. It was eye-opening what other moms go through. While not all of their stories resonated with me, they didn’t have to. I think hearing from others whose lives are different from your own is one of the best ways we can grow in compassion. I am humbled to have heard their stories.
I am docking some stars just because it was hard to keep track on audiobook of who was sharing each story. While the narrator was fantastic, I would have appreciated a different narrator for each story. Having the same person speak for each person made it feel confusing at times and also repetitive in some respects. I really hope they can release an audiobook with the author’s actual voices but I also am admittedly unfamiliar with how that works or what the process is.
May 11, 2023
This book exceeded my expectations. I am in the 19th year of parenting 6 children with medical, emotional, physical or developmental challenges. I feel so seen in the pages of this book, but also challenged and encouraged with new ideas as well. This book is an absolute must have resource for parents, teachers, pastors, therapists, physicians, counselors, friends/family who care for special needs children and their families. I wish I had something like this years ago. The truths shared in this book are not just for those with special needs children. The pages offer hope for anyone who is going through a season of deep grief. The chapters are short but packed full wisdom and encouragement. You will feel like you are sitting around a table, drinking coffee with these three amazing women and hearing their hearts.
September 11, 2023
This book was generally easy to read, although I did sometimes have trouble remembering which story went with which author. There was some valuable information in here. I loved the idea of measuring progress in "inch stones" when your child is no longer meeting milestones. This is a Christian book with heavy Christian themes. As a new agnostic (as a direct result of being a special needs mom) I feel that I would have gotten more out of it if it were from a secular perspective. That is on me though. The book was very up front about being Christian. Even so, I feel it was a worthwhile read and it was interesting hearing some other perspectives on how to deal with the constant grief of special needs parenting.
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May 9, 2023The authors not only have the courage to be real with their struggles, feelings and thoughts but have wisdom to turn to their relationship with God to find the solutions. This being said, I found great encouragement even though I do not have special needs kids. The chapters lit a way of transition from a messy feeling to a positive feeling because of the dependence on a relationship with the Lord. It was a blessing to read through all these difficult situations the ladies wrote about and to be able to see into their lives a bit. An encouragement to anyone!
May 9, 2023
The Other Side of Special is a fantastic resource for the special needs mom! The authors have children with different needs, so they bring a lot of different experiences to the table! The format is perfect for the busy mom and the content is moving yet practical. If you have a special needs mom in your life, this book is a great tool to help you better understand them and their journey. Even if you are not a special needs mom, the concepts hit home in so many ways! You will enjoy getting a glimpse into these ladies lives and soak up the wisdom they have to offer!
December 17, 2024
This was good—not what I was expecting, but not bad. I think it just hit me at the wrong time. I sought this book out to find more of a community, and although it shared other moms stories, there was still something that was more about “me” and how “I’m feeling” in regards to raising a child with special needs, rather than making me feel less alone in that endeavor. I would definitely go back and read it if I needed, because this is not a linear journey, and I know that there will be times when this book will speak to me, but this was just not that time.
May 4, 2023
A valuable and helpful resource that cuts to the heart of parenting a special needs child. A must read for anyone who has a special kid. And is a great tool for a family member or friend of one as it helps bring clarity and understanding to the challenges of parenting children of all types of disabilities.
The principles, emotions and tips can be relateable to all moms in their various journeys and are a wonderful encouragement.
The principles, emotions and tips can be relateable to all moms in their various journeys and are a wonderful encouragement.
May 12, 2023
This book is not just for the mom who has kids with special needs. It is for the dads, the grandparents, siblings, and honestly anyone who works, cares, or knows families like this. It is not a how-to book or self-help. It feels more like a conversation with a group of ladies who understand and can relate to your own struggles, doubts, fears, and anger. Each chapter sees the hard and offers hope through the author’s own life, but also through the Word of God. The end of each chapter gives space to process your own hard and where you might see hope or at least help. I highly recommend this book, especially because this “Mom Club” can be lonely and it is good to know you are not the only one.
May 9, 2023
This was a great book. Encouraging, compassionate and well-written. Written from perspectives of whether a child has medical or behavioral issues this book will offer encouragement and a walk in faith. This was written from a non-denominational standpoint and for a Catholic, this book was great as well. For anyone who walks a journey that is not the typical parenting journey, this book will be a salve and a continued walk in prayer. Happy to have been able to pre-read this book.
December 15, 2023
So grateful for having read this book. Whether you are a mom/parent of a child with special needs or not…. This book gives wisdom and teachings on how to lean into God when things are hard, it reminds us to live in community and give ourselves grace…. It also opened my eyes to the unspoken struggles that go on in the families of children with special needs. I appreciate the openness and vulnerability of the three authors.
March 28, 2024
If you are a special needs mom, you NEED to read this book! If you have a family member or friend with special needs, I highly recommend you read this book! This is a Christian book, 3 special needs moms telling their stories. So many of the struggles, worries and feelings hit right in the heart. This book makes you feel seen and encourages you. My only wish is that it was published when Sky was younger. I did listen to the audio because that is all I could find
May 4, 2023
Whether you are a parent of a child with special needs or supporting someone who is, this book will help navigate through all the emotions tied to this beautiful journey. Hope, fear, guilt, whatever you need guidance for, these ladies are there to walk with you and provide a spiritual voice as well. Highly recommended!
May 25, 2023
this book is the best book for special needs Moms and Grandmas too!!!
It is one book you will read again and again!
Its practical and most of all these Moms are real and tell it like it is!!!
You will be reminded that you are not alone. That the God is with you and their are other Moms out
there ready to walk through being a special needs Mom with you!!!
Enjoy!!!
It is one book you will read again and again!
Its practical and most of all these Moms are real and tell it like it is!!!
You will be reminded that you are not alone. That the God is with you and their are other Moms out
there ready to walk through being a special needs Mom with you!!!
Enjoy!!!
June 3, 2023
Wow! I wish this book had been around when my family was learning how to navigate the disability parenting journey when my brother was a child. I think the mix of honesty and encouragement could have made such a big difference for our family. Highly recommend for anyone who is a parent, caregiver, or who cares about those who are.
January 1, 2025
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read it in the early days of my son's diagnosis. It would be a really helpful book for new parents and for family and friends that want to understand what their loved ones are going through while processing a diagnosis. Written from a Christian perspective.
October 30, 2023
This was a very good book. I am blessed to have read this during a challenging time in my life. I would recommend reading book as it give’s wonderful insights and and reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.
May 4, 2023
This book is packed with wisdom and encouragement for special needs moms. It points us all to the true source of hope and gives practical wisdom for reducing stress and managing day to day life.
May 21, 2023
After 23 years in the autism trenches, I have to say that other moms have been my saving grace (second only to God). I don’t often pick up a book about autism these days but when I heard my favorite podcasters were releasing one I knew it was meant for me.
I so appreciate their gut-honest stories that give words to things we are often afraid to talk about. The different stages of grief are so real and we moms experience them all so many times, especially as we see other children pass developmental milestones and enter into adult seasons of life.
I highly recommend this book and encourage you to share it with your schools and churches and community groups so that other moms and family members and caregivers can experience the inspiration and hope inside. With Bible verses and questions to think about and discuss, this book would make a great study with your friends!
Some of my favorite quotes that hit home:
“Sometimes comparison masks a more profound hurt.”
“Typically anger comes from the gap between what we expect to happen and what actually happens.”
“Despair produces darkness, but God is our Light of hope, leading to joy.”
“When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, he didn’t sugarcoat their mission.”
“Fear can take root when we take our eyes off Jesus.”
It’s not an easy calling to be a special needs mom, but God knows, and we believe. He will be with us every step of the way…right beside the moms he puts in our path.
I so appreciate their gut-honest stories that give words to things we are often afraid to talk about. The different stages of grief are so real and we moms experience them all so many times, especially as we see other children pass developmental milestones and enter into adult seasons of life.
I highly recommend this book and encourage you to share it with your schools and churches and community groups so that other moms and family members and caregivers can experience the inspiration and hope inside. With Bible verses and questions to think about and discuss, this book would make a great study with your friends!
Some of my favorite quotes that hit home:
“Sometimes comparison masks a more profound hurt.”
“Typically anger comes from the gap between what we expect to happen and what actually happens.”
“Despair produces darkness, but God is our Light of hope, leading to joy.”
“When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, he didn’t sugarcoat their mission.”
“Fear can take root when we take our eyes off Jesus.”
It’s not an easy calling to be a special needs mom, but God knows, and we believe. He will be with us every step of the way…right beside the moms he puts in our path.
August 12, 2023
SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!!!!
July 20, 2024
Very sweet, but not what I was hoping for. I found the positivity too Pollyanna-ish and the theology weak.
February 15, 2025
Great encouragement for those of us walking the special needs road as well as for any wanting to be there as a friend/support to someone parenting a special needs child.
March 19, 2025
This is probably one of the best books I have ever read. It resonated with me more than anything and I felt so many of these emotions that the authors shared. Hard truths but amazing!
August 5, 2025
dnf.
Too much religion talk.
Too much religion talk.
May 11, 2023
Highly recommend to all special needs moms and those who want to better understand and support the special needs moms in their lives.
The authors are co-hosts for the Take Heart Special Moms podcast where they offer encouragement and solidarity to special needs moms in all of our unique needs and struggles.
This book feels like a continued personal conversation from the podcast, like sitting down with the authors over a cup of coffee and learning from their experiences. They take 12 emotions (loneliness, grief, doubt, compassion, guilt, anger, despair, weariness, fear, overwhelm, unexpected, and disappointment) and pair them with a corresponding emotion to grow into (connection, hope, faith, contentment, acceptance, comfort, joy, rest, trust, relinquishment, designed, and gratitude). Each of the 12 chapters are stand alone, with input from each author, concluding with a verse and reflection questions. There's also a bonus chapter on navigating a crisis.
I was impacted by the depth of understanding within the authors' authenticity, as well as a clear sense of direction of what moving forward in our journeys with God could look like.
"We might not have chosen this life, but we still have choices, and one choice we can make as special needs moms is this: we can choose what deepens God's life in us. What deepens God's life in us is hope. We are invited to come home to hope."
The authors are co-hosts for the Take Heart Special Moms podcast where they offer encouragement and solidarity to special needs moms in all of our unique needs and struggles.
This book feels like a continued personal conversation from the podcast, like sitting down with the authors over a cup of coffee and learning from their experiences. They take 12 emotions (loneliness, grief, doubt, compassion, guilt, anger, despair, weariness, fear, overwhelm, unexpected, and disappointment) and pair them with a corresponding emotion to grow into (connection, hope, faith, contentment, acceptance, comfort, joy, rest, trust, relinquishment, designed, and gratitude). Each of the 12 chapters are stand alone, with input from each author, concluding with a verse and reflection questions. There's also a bonus chapter on navigating a crisis.
I was impacted by the depth of understanding within the authors' authenticity, as well as a clear sense of direction of what moving forward in our journeys with God could look like.
"We might not have chosen this life, but we still have choices, and one choice we can make as special needs moms is this: we can choose what deepens God's life in us. What deepens God's life in us is hope. We are invited to come home to hope."
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