Debbie Alsdorf

Everyone has a mother in some shape or form... whether she was around and loving, around but distant, hardly around, or never around. Our relationships are different but since no one is perfect, we are all sinners, there are bound to be thorns among the roses. This book is for everyone! It's Momplicated addresses many situations but doesn't speak in a negative condescending tone. It's one of grace and forgiveness. One of healing and beautifying. The thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter can be done individually or with a group. They cause the reader to really dig into their past and deal with it instead of just tossing it to the side thinking that that alone will remove it from their life. There are so many examples! I loved the way the book didn't leave you to stew in your hurt but gently guides the reader through examples, scripture, and encouragement towards restoration. There are practical ways we can relate to our moms and accomplishable next steps. It's hopeful and realistic but not in a fake impractical way. I can't wait to go back through this book slowly and allow God to use it to change my life.

I received a copy of this book from CelebrateLit. This has in no way influenced my review. All thoughts are my own.… (more)

The title of the book grabbed my attention right away. A book about relationships with your mother is not something I wanted to read. I will say that the authors do a great job of sharing their stories and helping readers understand the dynamics of mothers. I grew up in a very violent and abusive home. I have no idea what it is like to know that your mom loves you. That word was never spoken to me, and oh how I longed to have a mother who was proud of her daughter. After all these years later, the pain of rejection and abuse is still there.

This book is a powerful tool for everyone who has a good or difficult relationship with their mother. I really like the section at the end of every chapter that has questions you can answer to help you understand the reasons why your relationship you have had with your mother is good or needs work. I appreciate how the authors go into details about how we may have believed things said to us that stayed planted in our minds throughout the years.

Missing in my childhood was the protection and security I needed. The book helped me understand that the fear I have lived with stems from not being able to trust anyone. The stories shared by others in the book are emotional and healing at the same time. When I had my three sons, I wanted to be the perfect mom. There is no such thing, but I was determined that my boys would know that they were loved. I might have overdone it a bit with being overprotective, but the greatest joy I get is hearing my sons say without hesitation, " I love you mom."

I am thankful that I read this book and even though it was hard to get through, I have a better understanding of how much healing I need to overcome my past. My mother told me I was stupid, ugly and would never amount to anything. I will never get to experience what it feels like to be loved by parents, but " The Holy Spirit will replace the lie I have believed with God's truth."

I encourage everyone to get a copy of this book. For me it was an emotional journey that I was afraid to take. The book is filled with scriptures that give you hope, heals you and directs your heart to forgive when needed. We were all given parents whether they were good or not. I have never forgotten the commandment that says to , "Honor your mother and father." In my mother's final months she became quite ill and my father asked me to help take care of her. I did without hesitation. It didn't matter about the past, only that I was given a chance to show my mother that I honored her. I was with her when she passed away and although it was hard, I'm glad I was given the opportunity to be with her at the end. I love you mom.

" You are not defined by your mother or your past or even by yourself. You are defined by God."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (more)

Finding the peace you long for is one reason I wanted to read this book. I was very happy I did. We face circumstances over which we have little control. We cannot control other people's choices, even through their choices do affect us. We cannot control certain things like disease and disaster, though both are a part of our world.

What we do have control over are the three things Paul had control over: attitude, direction, and trust. In other words, what we have control over is what we set our minds on.

This book of remembrance, a tool to help you remember the presence of Christ in the middle of the difficult places in your life. I have the hardest time in the middle of a problem, probably because I want to control the outcome and realize I can't. Through this book will not change your problem, it can help you look up and change your perspective. It is my prayer that each page will give you a little hope for the journey.

I also liked this prayer:
Prayer
Lord, it is so easy to focus on my problem rather than on your power. Give me the grace to live above my problems with the view of your faithfulness covering me in each of life's situations. In the practical, guide me. In the spiritual, train me. In the places in between, steady me for the duration of the problem at hand. I surrender all that overwhelms me today into your hands. Amen.

Great book and recommend it to all. I was given this book by Christian Review Of Books. www.christianreviewofbooks.com… (more)