By Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson

It is no secret that being a mom is hard work, at least not for me when I headed down the road to motherhood. I was prepared for the work, at least I thought so. 

Then all the emotional and mental work started to show up. And the weight sat on me day and night. 

Sure I could mention to other moms around me that it was hard, and they would nod their heads, smile, maybe remind me that it doesn't last forever, enjoy it while it lasts, that kind of thing. And of course I felt the pressure all the more. I mean, maybe I was doing it wrong!

So I plugged on, and found myself desperate for a chance to breathe daily - know what I'm saying?

Needless to say I was ecstatic when I got the opportunity to review Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson's new book, Desperate.  If there were moms out there that felt weighed down by the responsibility of motherhood and the daily work it involved but had words of wisdom and advice, I was going to read it. 

As I read the foreword from Sarah Mae these words jumped at me, "Wisdom is my companion and leaning into God is my hope." (Tweet this) Those simple words can be a lifeline for the years of work that all mamas face, and here are two women who are trying to give us mamas some encouragement to keep at it while we are in the trenches.

Over and over I felt myself completely understanding what Sarah talked about, as my little ones are young and demanding. And my weakness is selfishness. "I'm angry and tired and I don't want to take care of my children. I love them, but  I want to hide away and do my own thing and have everyone leave me alone." (79)  Those could have been my words.  There is something about knowing you aren't the only one going through something that gives you strength. And Sarah shares her story in this book as a way to strength mamas to know they aren't on this road alone.

As my mama soul started to feel stronger through a feeling of camaraderie to Sarah (a woman I've never even met!) I was able to allow Sally's words of wisdom to become a balm to the pain such weight had caused on my soul. 

Sally speaks as the mama who has made it to the other end of the tunnel. Her children are older. She is no longer waking multiple times a night to soothe teething little ones, or scare away monsters in the shadows. However, she has been there, and is able to remember the trials.

One of the biggest takeaway's for me from Sally: "It will kill your heart for motherhood if you compare yourself to everyone else's ideals." (87)  Sure I've heard such sentiments before, but the timing of Sally in sharing this nugget was perfect. Her loving words were easy to hear and allow to penetrate. And I'm willing to credit the layout of the book for this. 

Each chapter starts with copies of emails that Sarah and Sally sent to each other in the past - allowing the readers to see that only in real friendship can we lean on to pull us through those hard moments in motherhood. Then Sarah shares her experiences and wisdom learned. Sally follows with some more words of encouragement for all us still clawing (some days) through the days. The chapters end with questions for readers to answer, scripture to study, an action to do in hopes of allowing a moment to breathe and a link to a short video from Sarah or Sally. 

This book would be a perfect study for mom groups in churches - as it allows for discussion between moms as Sarah and Sally bring up the sides of motherhood that many avoid in discussion as it might be too much to talk about. And through group study young mamas can begin to support each other as they search for more seasoned mamas to walk along side them and support and encourage them during this season - just like Sally and Sarah hope. 

Then again, there is enough in the book, for those mamas who simply don't think they can add one more to-do to their days. There is no list of steps to add to your schedule. This book could simply be the place you go to breathe for a few hours. It might just give you the perspective to find your personal goal to be the mama God created you to be, because He did create you to be the mama of your kids - just the way you are!

I highly recommend this book for all mamas out there. If you are just starting your journey in motherhood and starting to feel overwhelmed, this is for you. If you are a mama who has become the taxi driver to your children as they grow and sign up for new classes and sports, this is for you.  If you are a mama who's kids are preparing to step out into the world on their own, the mama who sees the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak, this is for you. Please add this book to your 2013 reading list, I am sure you will not regret it. 

Reading List's Rating

Here is the link to buy this great book - this would be perfect gift for every mom you know! 

Have you read Desperate? What did you think? Do you read Sarah's blog? Sally's? I'd love to hear from you, share your thoughts below.

Linked up with: http://www.athometake2.com/, http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/01/inspire-me-monday-week-53.html, http://www.frommymountainview.com/2013/01/MAMM-01-07-13.html, http://www.thebettermom.com/, http://www.whatjoyismine.com/2013/01/mondays-musings-43-in-2013.html, http://www.momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/, http://www.piecesofamy.net/, http://christianmommyblogger.com/getting-it-together-fellowship-fridays-19/, http://www.nictomsmom.blogspot.com/, http://www.missionalwomen.com/31/post/2013/01/our-life-guard-walks-on-water.html


** I received a copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review, I didn't receive any compensation for sharing my opinions. There are affiliate links included in this review.