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

I have known Chelsea for most of her life. I am thrilled that she has chosen to share her story with a view to helping others who walk the road of childlessness. This is not a book of platitudes, but a realistic picture of the pain, anguish, and deep sorrow of being unable to bear a child. The darkness of the valley is real. Having walked the valley, Chelsea points to the hope that is found in the understanding arms of Jesus. I highly recommend this book not only for women who walk this road, but for pastors and other church leaders who want to have a positive ministry to this part of Gods family.

GARY D. CHAPMAN

Author of The 5 Love Languages

Children are a gift of the Lord, and a good gift indeed. But God does not give every gift to all people. In offering practical and biblical ways for churches and individuals to support, comfort, and even celebrate the childless among us, Longing for Motherhood is also a gift. This book reminds us that the childless are part of Gods family, too.

KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR

Author of Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me and Fierce ConvictionsThe Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist

Longing for Motherhood is a 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

Biola University professor, speaker, author

Im so grateful that Chelsea has shared her story with candor, clarity, and care for her reader. This book is a balm for those experiencing the loss of a dream and needing reminders of Gods great, personal care. Whether or not childlessness is your particular story, may you find reminders of the goodness of God throughout these pages.

KATELYN BEATY

Editor at large for Christianity Today

Author of A Womans Place

The spirit of Hannah is strong in these pages. Chelsea Soboliks biblicaland deeply personalexploration of childlessness is a contribution to the church. Too often, godly women suffer in silence as they deal with this issue. Soboliks testimony as a young woman will encourage her readers; her relentless focus on God, and the goodness of all that God does, will put steel in the spine. This is a richly moving, brave, and very edifying work, all of it grounded in a beautiful vision of biblical womanhood.

OWEN STRACHAN

Author, Risky Gospel and The Grand Design: Male and Female He Made Them

Theology professor, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

God will use this book to bring healing and hope to many. Its honesty is very refreshing. In the midst of her own sorrow, pain, and lots of questionsmany still unansweredChelsea 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. I am so grateful she has shared her story with us. Of one thing I am certain: I will share this book again and again.

DANIEL L. AKIN

President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

This is an unflinching, yet moving exploration of the grief and hope that lie at the heart of childlessness. Chelsea Patterson Sobolik helps us look through grief and frustration to see the possibility of a life of true gladness. There is nothing easy about Longing for Motherhoodbut there is much that is good. Anyone facing infertility or who knows someone facing infertility will find sound guidance here. Pick up and read.

MATTHEW LEE ANDERSON

Writer and Founder of Mere Orthodoxy

I praise God for the gift of faith Hes given Chelsea as shes walked the hard road of childlessness. Her resolve to follow hard after Christ in this trial fills the pages of this beautiful book. I know Longing for Motherhood will bless many women who are walking 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 Hurts: Biblical Reflections to Help You Grasp Gods Purpose in Your Suffering

I begged Him to remove my weakness, but He used it to draw me closer to Himself. With this honest confession, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik captures both the raw sorrow and Christ-infused hope of Longing for Motherhood. Detailing 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, as well as a word of wisdom to the communities that surround them, which is why I plan on recommending this book to both.

SHARON HODDE MILLER

Author of Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When Its Not about You

Longing for Motherhood is nothing short of a service to the souls of women like me who are childless in the traditional sense of the term. For Christian women who are barren, married late in life, or never marry at all, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik bravely plumbs the depths many of us reserve for aching hours of secret grief. If youve ever wondered how your life can be a fertile, fruitful vessel of expectant joy even as the longing for motherhood goes unfulfilled, this book is a gift for your soul.

CARMEN LABERGE

Author of Speak the Truth

Host of Connecting Faith radio show

In Longing for Motherhood Chelsea offers profoundly personal reflections on the struggles and sorrows of childlessness. This book is not only unique because of the subject it addresses, but more importantly, because of the Savior she calls the readers to cling to. Jesus Christ is the only lasting hope for the hurting.

MATTHEW Z. CAPPS

Senior Pastor, Fairview Baptist Church, Apex, NC

Few understand the crushing weight of childlessness and its lingering pain and sorrow. Fewer still have the courage to share about their struggles in such a poignant and beautiful way as Chelsea does. Her journey as an adopted Romanian child walking through the difficult reality of her own infertility is one of strength and grace. You should read this book, not only so you can see in Chelsea an example of faith in Christ, but so you can help bear the burdens of those who struggle with infertility. This is a resource you will want to linger over and then give liberally to others.

DANIEL DARLING

Vice President of Communications for ERLC

Author of No Matter How Small

Longing for Motherhood is a faithful, beautiful, and emotionally moving book. In it, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik draws upon Gods character and promises to give hope to women struggling with the trial of childlessness. Highly recommended not only for women, but for husbands, parents, pastors, counselors, and friends.

BRUCE RILEY ASHFORD

Provost and Professor of Theology & Culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

This priceless testimony of Chelsea Patterson Sobolik was wrung from an anguished heart, bathed in the grace of Christ, and illuminated by the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Thousands face this or a similar dilemma. May the truths Chelsea discovered be yours also as you read these pages and see that the God of all the earth has a marvelous purpose for all.

PAIGE PATTERSON

President, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik pens an intensely personal and biblically grounded account of childlessness. Her extraordinary story is riveting but at every turn she uses her experience to direct the reader to consider the mercy and purposes of God. In a time of such confusion about human sexuality, the nature of the family, and the roles of men and women, this timely and brisk read will leave any readerwhether grieving or joyful, lonely or comforted by familywith a place to start and a vision of Gods redemption in the midst of sorrow and suffering.