The Life We Never Expected {Book Review}

The Life We Never Expected {Book Review}

While growing up I don’t think I ever thought why some children were different. I had been taught that God makes everyone special and just the way they need to be to serve His Kingdom. Pretty simple for a child to understand, but it didn’t answer my questions when I grew up and saw some of my friends have children that were labeled “special needs”. 

I have recently finished reading about a book how raising a special needs child or children is The Life We Never Expected by Andrew and Rachel Wilson.

This was a hard book for me to start. I didn’t want to read a sad story.

Locally, our blogger group recently watched another mom make the choice to carry her child to term even though she found out that the child would never grow up. Most likely she would not survive the birth but if she did she would not live long. Friends, let me tell you that this child and her parents were able to touch thousands and thousands of hearts and lives for Christ through their short time with her in this earthly realm. I attended the memorial service and could not believe that I walked away knowing that I had been loved and lifted by the parents of this little girl.

This experience taught me that life is so short. My husband and I have been blessed with seven children. Each of our children have some level of “special needs” according the to medical professionals. We have lived with and found ways to teach our children to cope with each of their “specialness”. I am thankful that our children are able to be self sufficient and five of our seven have completed college and are now married with children.  Our last two start college this fall and our youngest will surely have a tough time as she has a hearing and auditory processing delay. She is determined though, and we are confident she will get through..at her own pace.

So yeah, this was a tough book for me to pick up and start reading. I knew the book was about autism and we have several friends with children that are on both ends of the spectrum. I watch how the family interacts and am so amazed at the amount of love and patience God has gifted these families.

I am glad that I pushed past the tough parts in the book and know that I was blessed in the end. The stories and encouragement make this book one that all parents should read.

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 AUTHORS

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.

This book is available on Amazon as well as in your local bookstores.

I am also giving away a free copy to one reader. Enter below on the giveaway form. Good luck!

Book Giveaway: The Life We Never Expected

 

“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.”