Review of Ordinary Mum; Extraordinary Mission
by Anna France-Williams & Joy French
Published by ivp

The other day I was all set to yell at the kids, for leaving a stick on the couch that I nearly impaled myself on, when I found myself thinking “I need to be the presence of Jesus here”. Then I thought “where on earth did that come from?” It’s not the kind of thing I generally think, or in those terms anyway. Then I remembered the book I’ve just read.

It’s called “Ordinary Mum, Extraordinary Mission” by two English women. I’ve never heard of them before, nor any of the people recommending the book. It’s got a great vintage doily on the cover though, so for me that’s a good start!

It was easy to read (always a bonus on sleepless nights!) and both authors seemed genuine and honest. I must admit that even though there was no thorough biblical investigation of God’s mission and our mission, I still was challenged to pause and think about why it is we want to tell people about Jesus. It’s more a book of practical wisdom mixed with Biblical truth, very naturally done. There were a few little bits that I didn’t necessarily agree with, especially how they picked Bible verses. Most of the verses seemed to be slotted into the general flow with little attention paid to particular meanings. There were several different Bible versions used, I’d say depending on what translation suited the point the author was trying to make. This was a source of irritation to me but not enough to mar my reading entirely since there was no downright misinterpretation.

I’ve had many long conversations about the value of motherhood with friends – about how we can’t seem to fit everything in. There’s a chapter in the book called “Stepping out” and it was a great reminder that mission starts NOW. It hasn’t stopped since becoming a mum, rather our ordinary acts of love flow out from who we are, and who our family is, to be a part of God’s redemption story. I was prodded with the truth that mothers don’t need to do more, to fit everything in, mothers just need to make what they do count. And foremost in what we do is teaching our children to love Jesus.

This isn’t just a book for stay at home mum’s of little ones. The book includes working mum’s and has plenty of tips for when our kids get older too. The author’s acceptance of the many different walks Christian mothers find themselves on is refreshing. Each chapter is interspersed with personal stories that are really quite inspirational, mothers of all types doing great things for Jesus. I was especially encouraged by the tale of one mother who took her baby with her to visit in a refugee centre and share her life with refugee women. So many stories of mothers stopping to think about how to show Jesus in the moment they are in!

I’ve had a renewed energy for some of the church things I’ve been struggling with since reading this book. I am encouraged to keep going with what seems hard because God is working in all circumstances. I am encouraged to spend time reading the Bible and praying. Conversely I’m going to say no to some great things, so I can focus on what is going on in our household. So I can better channel the love of Jesus to my kids. To my husband. And then together we can shine that love to those who come across our path. We can “be the presence of Jesus”.