You Bet Your Stretch Marks
Here’s a little confession: I doubt I would have read this book if I hadn’t already known about the author. The title just wasn’t doing it for me. Imagine my amusement when I got to the end and discovered the author herself doesn’t even have stretch marks (which obviously begs the question—why on earth are we betting them??)
Dubious betting strategies aside, I’m glad I read it.
One thought that struck me while reading was our tendency to put up barriers whenever someone is attempting to “stir us up to love and good works” (Heb 10:24). Not the least of which is a propensity to dismiss anyone who doesn’t share our same challenges, experiences, etc. And yet, when the objective is to stir up discontent and complaining (hello social media), we can tend to be embarrassingly receptive.
Think of this book as an antidote to the negative, cynical, self-pitying motherhood content that worms its way into our lives disguised as humor or comfort. It’s written in an easy-going, conversational style with plenty of relatable mothering anecdotes, Biblical encouragement, and advice.
Many of her examples and applications are mundane…but you know, so is most of my life. I think one of the things that I appreciate most about Abbie’s books on motherhood is her example of applying rich Bible truths to everyday mothering problems. The types of things that might seem too trivial to spiritualize, but nevertheless threaten to hijack our attitude and rob our joy. Turns out it’s not just the kids that need to learn to obey in the little things.
By: Elizabeth T.
