This wonderful book does far more than give objective answers to questions about suffering. Andrew and Rachel bare their souls as they share their day-to-day struggles with two autistic children. They share their discoveries with humour, humility and brutal honesty. How do you cope with ongoing pain, lack of sleep, a curtailed social life, as well as the big theological questions of 'Why Lord?' Their insights will be an enormous blessing to the many who suffer in hard-to-bear, complex situations. This book is a gold mine. Read it, keep it and read it again. -- Wendy Virgo * Mother, grandmother, and wife of Terry, founder of the worldwide family of Newfrontiers churches *
This a sweet, touching book, a testimony of parents' love for their special, vulnerable children, and an extended meditation on the nature of the suffering which is part of the Christian life. Andrew and Rachel write with frank honesty and a sensitivity to biblical teaching about the expectations for life in a fallen world. I hope that this little book will bring wise comfort to other parents faced with similar challenges. -- Dr Carl R. Trueman * Pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Ambler, PA, and Paul Woolley Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia *
I cannot think of a better summary for this outstanding book than its subtitle, Thriving While Parenting Special Needs Children, which could also be rendered, 'Thriving while Parenting Upside-Down': just a few words, but they give an accurate, sharp vision of the book's whole content and purpose. Andrew and Rachel Wilson write about the rough times that parenting children with special needs always involve. There is indeed weeping, but there is also worshipping; there is a time to wait, but there is also a time to witness; above all, there is a time to breathe, that is (in the authors' own words), 'to find God, and lean on him, in the storm'. The five cycles - weeping, worshipping, waiting, witnessing and breathe - form the backbone of an extremely helpful book. It wisely combines biblical insights with personal experience, but it is not just theology or autobiography. It is mainly a book about spiritual survival , on 'how, in the early tumultuous years of coming to terms with special needs, we could cling to Jesus,and even thrive in the midst of adversity'.In this sense, the opening meditation of Psalm 130 - de profundis, 'Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!' - is one of the highlights of the book. The Life You Never Expected is a very wise, deep and practical book. As a Christian psychiatrist, I warmly recommend it to all those who are struggling with the storms of life, including anyone who wants to know how to lament, worship, pray, wait and hope in the midst of suffering. -- Dr Pablo Martinez * Psychiatrist, conference speaker and author *
The Life You Never Expected is an honest, confessional and hopeful book. It doesn't flinch from telling the whole truth about the trials of parenting special needs children, and it reminds us of our need for the gospel every day. This isn't a book that's going to tell you to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and try harder. This is a book for those who are on the floor, weeping, because they need to know Jesus is with them. -- Russell D. Moore * President, Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission *
The authors write with disarming honesty and humour. In style their story is engaging and warm; in effect it is challenging. They offer practical and spiritual wisdom that gives help and hope to parents and families of autistic children - but also to others whose lives have taken unexpected turns. Connections to my own story mean I have laughed and cried, but above all, I have celebrated the Christian gospel all over again. -- Dr Debra Reid * Tutor at Spurgeon's College, London (and mother of an adult autistic son) *
This is a poignant and delightfully forthright book, written by parents who are still clearly raw from their experiences. You'll find nothing glib or ivorytower here: here is hard-earned wisdom, biblical realism and winning sensitivity. Recommended for all in the throes of suffering, and for all who would comfort them. -- Dr Michael Reeves * Director of Union and Senior Lecturer, Wales Evangelical School of Theology *
