Beyond Bath Time: Embracing Motherhood as a Sacred Role, by Erin Davis

Overview (from NetGalley): Motherhood is under attack. Nearly one in five American women ends her childbearing years without having borne a child, compared with one in ten in 1970. In 2007, among Christians, 47% felt that the roles of marriage and motherhood should not be emphasized for women. And unfortunately, the church isn't talking about why motherhood matters, nor is it equipping young mothers to see their family as a mission field. Erin Davis was a young Christian wife who had made the decision to not have children. She had multiple degrees, a great husband, a promising career -- she had it all -- at least according to cultural standards. But most days she felt anything but fulfilled. In Beyond Bath Time Erin shares her journey to the place of true fulfillment in responding to the call of motherhood. Women will be challenged, convicted, and wonderfully encouraged by Erin's honest and provocative look at motherhood and its divine call.

Review: Excellent, amazing and life altering. Some will say it's radical; others will say it's extremely traditional. I'll guarantee this: you will certainly have an opinion about it. Here is this book, completely unassuming, with a little rubber duckie in the cover, and you think "Aw, how cute!", and then it hits you, and hits you hard. This book will challenge your views about motherhood, about your priorities and about your mission in life. But you have to read it with an open mind and an open heart because, you see, here's a book that doesn't treat motherhood as a choice but as a calling; it doesn't call children a burden but a blessing; it doesn't focus on the trivial, daily stuff but on the things that are eternal. It's a parenting book focused on the things that matter most: the importance God gives to motherhood, and the biblical responsibility we, as mothers, have with our children and seeing them as our mission field.

It is very well written; funny, poignant, very much to the point without making any excuses, with sound, biblical teachings. It's a call to arms to all Christian mothers and mothers-to-be. It is not perfect, but the few glitches it has are minimal. It, however, does a great job in challenging you to take a good look at motherhood, really, a good look; see what you think about it, what the world thinks about it; and now see it through God's eyes. There is a big difference.

5 out of 5 stars

*I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.