Review & Giveaway: The Life We Never Expected

ABOUT THE BOOK:
What do you do when hard or painful circumstances turn your world upside down, resulting in a life you never expected? Andrew and Rachel Wilson grappled with this question after both of their children were diagnosed with regressive autism. Refreshingly honest, this book explores the highs and lows of raising children with specials needs, reflecting on the broader question of how to cope with suffering of all kinds. Sharing personal stories from their lives and encouragement rooted in the truth of God’s Word, Andrew and Rachel highlight lessons they’ve learned related to fighting for joy and thriving in the midst of trials—ultimately pointing readers to Christ, the One who promises to make all things new.

About the Author:
Andrew and Rachel Wilson are the authors of The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs and have two children, Zeke and Anna. Andrew is the teaching pastor at King's Church London and a columnist for Christianity Today.

To buy this book now, click HERE.

My Review:
While I don't have severely challenging children, I do have a child with mild behavioral issues. Thankfully, those issues get incredibly better if gluten is avoided and I am able to stay on top of redirecting him from potential meltdowns. Andrew and Rachel have broken down each chapter with the subcategories: weeping, worshiping, waiting, witnessing and breathe.
A quote that speaks volumes to me,

"The greatest enemy to gratitude is a sense of entitlement. The moment you think that you are hard done by and deserve more, then you can wave goodbye to thankfulness. However, circumstances of sickness, death, or disappointment can lend themselves to a sense of entitlement like no other, and so cultivating gratitude and contentment in "all circumstances" can be a stiff challenge in a storm of suffering...I have already received from God way more than I deserve...Anything better than hell is a bonus, a radical bonus of grace from God to me. My eternal salvation, every sunrise, every family member, every friend, every mouthful of food, every article of clothing-it's all fair and square in the I-never-deserved-it-anyway category...Yep, I am a grateful man before, during and after the storm." PJ Smyth

And this goes for the general population, not just those who are in the middle of the struggle of life with special needs children!!!

"By choosing to celebrate how much I have and deciding to remind myself how little I deserve, I can sever the root of bitterness and give thankfulness the soil it needs in order to flourish, both at the same time. "Give thanks in all circumstances." 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Good call."

Another quote that is powerful,

"My first job every morning is to get happy with God, because until I am, I am no use to anyone."

I enjoyed reading this book and appreciate the authors for giving me a glimpse into their lives, the hard parts, the funny parts, the sad parts and the parts that show that they, as parents, are overcomers and they are allowing God to change them during this challenging life situation that has no end in sight. They helped me realize that it is GOOD and NORMAL to need to grieve a diagnosis like autism, but don't stay there. Allow God to work in you and to change you for the better. Seek HIM first, even if you never get the WHY questions answered.

If you have a child who is special needs, then you will more than likely enjoy this book and will want to enter the giveaway for a free copy!!! See below to find out how....


"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

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I will draw the blessed winner July 15th.