I have compiled a list of some of my favorite Christian motherhood books. When I first became a mom, I didn’t really know how to parent, (who does?!) but I had a deep sense of responsibility for each child’s soul. What if, by my inexperience, I turned them away from Christ? What if they chose the ways of the world and missed Heaven? What if I screwed them up forever?
I prayed for them while they were still in the womb – how to lead them to Jesus. It didn’t matter to me what career they followed, or how they dressed, or whom they married – it only mattered that they loved Jesus above all else. I am sure you can relate! These books have all blessed me tremendously. I wanted to share with you a little bit about each one.’
Practical books for the Christian Mother
Power of a Praying Wife
This one is not a motherhood book, but our marriages are so vital to our parenting, that I thought it worthwhile to include. Our marriages are the foundation to our parenting. We need to be in unity with our husband, for the best possible parenting experience. And, couples often have different ideas on how to parent – which means we need to stay in prayer for our marriage! Not that we are trying to change our husband, but that God would give wisdom to us BOTH. I find that when I pray faithfully for my husband, I am the one who changes most!
A Woman After God’s Own Heart
Again, not specifically a motherhood book. This was the first Christian book geared towards women that I ever read. In fact, I read it when we were still dating, and it literally shaped my entire view of wifehood and motherhood. (I recommend all books by Elizabeth George.) She has lists of honorable qualities for Christian women, and it pulled my sights higher.
Higher than making sure my husband did his share of the work.
Higher than being successful in this broken world.
Higher.
Higher to God’s perfect plan and His standards for women.
I highly recommend this book every Christian woman.
Let Me Be A Woman
By now, you are wondering when I will get to the actual motherhood books? 🙂 See, we like quick answers, fast solutions. Drive-through gospel is not a healthy gospel. We need the foundations right. We need to get the woman focused on Christ, then the mother will follow along. We are women before we are mothers. This book by Elizabeth Elliot is a great foundational book for understanding our position as women. (If you don’t know who Elizabeth Elliot was, you can read a brief summary here: About Elizabeth Elliot. She was a dedicated missionary who walked through much hardship.)
[bctt tweet=”We need to get the woman focused on Christ, then the mother will follow along. We are women before we are mothers.” username=”aranchmom”]
More Christian motherhood books
Financial Parenting
This book – while not specifically for moms – is an excellent book for all parents to read. It is more than a formula for balancing a checkbook and keeping a budget. It looks at Christian parenting as a whole, to understand our relationship with finances, and how that translates to how we teach our kids.
I highly recommend this book. I was afraid it would be a bit dry, but it is a very interesting read!
The Ministry of Motherhood
Sally Clarkson has homeschooled four kids, run a ministry to women, and written many books. I was able to attend one of her women’s events, and meet her in person. She is the most gracious, welcoming person. Her focus is always teaching her kids to love Jesus, notice and appreciate the beauty in life, and to reach higher. The secondary focus is showing other moms how their lives can be a ministry to Jesus, no matter where they live, or what limitations they may have. Sally’s children are all adults now, they all love God wholeheartedly. I think that is a testament to her devotion to Jesus, and her teaching methods.
Each of these books about Christian motherhood have inspired and encouraged me in a different way. I Have all of them on my bookshelf, and I highly recommend each of them. If you aren’t sure where to begin, I suggest beginning with “A Woman After God’s Own Heart“. You can check these out at your local library to save money.
Of course, reading a book isn’t the secret to being a good mom. There is no ‘secret’, motherhood is a calling that needs lots of prayer, getting in God’s Word regularly, real life mentorship from other Godly moms, fellowship with other believers, and trusting in God to guide you.
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