What a joy it is to read Helen Lee's The Missional Mom: Living with Purpose at Home and in the World (Moody Publishers: Chicago, IL) after reading Amy Chua's Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (Penguin Press). Although the book is written from the perspective of a Christian mother, the same principles of missional living can be applied to dads and to non-parents as well.
Lee's writing is lively and insightful. The book integrates Scripture and real-life stories both to inspire and to challenge Christian to live out their faiths. Questioning the stereotypical Christian belief that moms should focus inside the home and not outside the home, Lee challenges us to lift our eyes up from the home and turn to God himself instead. Focusing on material comfort or on achievements are not what God intends for us to do. He wants us to help further His kingdom, wherever we are.
And that sometimes not only means giving up something that we ourselves hold dear. It may also mean sacrifices for the family as well. Putting God first really means that nothing else can be put first. So a mother's first calling is not to her family after all, but to God.
Fortunately practicing being a missional mom is not as daunting as it may seem. Using real life examples of missional moms, Lee shows us how to integrate our mission with our lives. She asked us to examine not only where we want to be, but also where each of us is now. What gifts has God given me, and how can I use them to his glory? Who are the people He has put me in contact with every day, and how can I bring them closer to Him? What are the issues He has placed on my heart to care about and how can I work on these issues for His glory and to further His kingdom?
These are questions and challenges not only for moms, but also for anyone. Lee skillfully leads us into the heart of God by breaking down the worldly barriers one by one. Her engaging style invites us to follow her and other missional moms to keep our minds, hearts, and lives open to others.
So honored to find this review! Thank you for taking the time to read my book and to write such a gracious and encouraging review. My hope and prayer has always been that God will use the book to inspire and challenge those who read it, and if this has happened at all for you, it's due to Him! Thanks again and blessings to you as you continue to seek after God's mission in your life!
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