Longing for Motherhood: Holding On to Hope in the Midst of Childlessness

About the Author CHELSEA PATTERSON SOBOLIK lives and works in Washington, DC where she spends her days working on adoption and foster care policy for the U.S. House of Representatives. Her passion for adoption stems from her personal story of being adopted as a newborn from Bucharest, Romania. After growing up in North Carolina with five adopted siblings, Chelsea attended Liberty University. She has written for The Gospel Coalition, 9 Marks, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and the Patheos Evangelical channel, on a wide variety of issues including culture, current events, and Christian living. When she is not working or writing, she enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with friends and family. When hopes for motherhood are deferred...Childlessness remains a taboo topic in today?s culture, especially in Christian circles. Many women feel isolated, ashamed, or uncertain of how to reconcile this trial with a loving God. The death of the dream of motherhood-whether from infertility, barrenness, miscarriage, or the loss of a child-is one of the hardest journeys women can walk through. In Longing for Motherhood, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik speaks to these burdens specifically. She shares vulnerably about her own journey of childlessness and how she has ultimately come to view her story through the lens of Scripture and our hope in Christ. While remaining tender and empathetic toward suffering and longing, she discusses the comfort we have in knowing that the Lord is sovereign over all, and that His love is sufficient to carry us through any and every situation. A timely book for women struggling with childlessness, as well as for pastors, friends, and family who want to care for them well, Longing for Motherhood is a tender, truthful companion for a difficult journey. Review A realistic picture of the pain, anguish, and deep sorrow of being unable to bear a child ... [and] the hope that is found in the understanding arms of Jesus.Gary Chapman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love LanguagesIn offering practical and biblical ways for churches and individuals to support, comfort, and even celebrate the childless among us, Longing for Motherhood is a gift.Karen Swallow Prior, author of Booked and Fierce ConvictionsA remarkably honest book filled with hope. Through her personal story, Chelsea articulates the pain so many childless women experience and she offers practical ways both individuals and the church can help.Sean McDowell, speaker, author, and professor at Biola University This book is a balm for those experiencing the loss of a dream and needing reminders of God's great, personal care.Katelyn Beaty, editor at large for Christianity Today and author of A Woman's PlaceA richly moving, brave, and very edifying work, all of it grounded in a beautiful vision of biblical womanhood.Owen Strachan, professor of theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of Risky Gospel and The Grand DesignIn the midst of her own sorrow, pain, and lots of questions--many still unanswered--Chelsea points us again and again to the God who heals our souls, shows Himself mighty and worthy of our trust, no matter what we may face in this life.Daniel L. Akin, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological SeminaryAn unflinching, yet moving exploration of the grief and hope that lie at the heart of childlessness.Matthew Lee Anderson, writer and founder of Mere OrthodoxyI know Longing for Motherhood will bless many women who arewalking the same hard road, helping them grieve well and cling to hope in Jesus, the One who perfectly fulfills all our longings by giving us Himself.Kristen Wetherell, coauthor of Hope When It HurtsDetailing her own journey of childlessness, Sobolik manages to walk the line between grief and hope, confusion and trust, suffering and grace. Her message will undoubtedly be a balm to many an aching heart.Sharon Hodde Miller, author of Free