If Mama Goes South, We're All Going with Her

by Lindsey O'Connor

With all that women have to do and the many "hats" they wear, it's easy for them to feel like they are "going south" physically, emotionally, or spiritually. And yet, others are depending on them and being influenced by them. So for those women who are running on empty, feeling lonely or weary, Lindsey O'Connor offers an invigorating dose of hope. If Mama Goes South, We're All Goin' with Her looks at five biblical principles from Galatians for overcoming the problems that weigh women down and dilute their influence on others. What does it really look like to "not grow weary in well doing"? Am I really making a difference? Why do I feel alone? These questions, and more, are touched upon with splashes of humor and plenty of personal depth. O'Connor includes a chapter about the delivery of her fifth child, an event that forced her into a ten-week coma, from which she is currently and miraculously recovering.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1900

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out ho-hum, with an absurdly abundant and increasingly annoying usage of the Mama Going South metaphor. Then, delightfully, it progressed to a more focused, scripturally supported, useful tool in reminding us women to take care of the whole self.
Some things that will stick with me:

The power of our will, our ability to choose those things that align with God's will, lies
in exercising our faith to believe the things in God's Word. When I must do difficult things,
and I succeed, it is because through faith I have believed that this is where God is leading
me for a season for my good. Which is actually a very nice definition of surrender...


Likewise, I need to know myself if I am to engage in meaningful celebration. I need to look
at what God has done, how he has created me, the passions and loves and gifts he has given me.
To live in a way that reflects my uniqueness is actually a way of obediently worshipping God..
(quote from The Garden of the Soul, Kari Wyatt Kent)

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the focus of this book was how vital it is for a mom to keep her own cup filled so that she has something to give others. No lists of all the things we should be doing to be better moms/wives/women. It starts with the assumption that God loves you and you are good enough for the family He gave you(duh), now don't forget about YOU or you'll get used up pretty quick. Who doesn't need to hear that?

I definitely got the most out of the chapter on being spiritually filled and how we really have unlimited potential for inner growth if we stay close to God and let Him fill us. It didn't feel like a religious to-do list at all...more like a relationship.

The more "practical" chapters on nutrition, exercise, rest, etc were nothing new to me but I can see how it would be easy to let any of those things go and how you see yourself as worth a lot less when you don't take care of them. I appreciated the challenge to never stop learning and challenging your intellect, which is easy to do when your life is filled with preschoolers. And on finding what really feeds your soul. It feels...indulgent yet I realize I am a better mom when I really let myself enjoy all that God has for me.

[Sue]

The first few minutes were incredibly boring. Left unfinished.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for any woman - not just moms. The book includes many good reminders, but has also expanded my way of thinking about certain things. I love the way she writes about God being a potter with an unlimited supply of clay. "In the hands of our master potter, we are wet clay that He can shape, change and INCREASE IN CAPACITY. He has an unlimited source of clay; He is always ready to reach into His endless storeroom and gift us with whatever size pot our growth requires." I also enjoyed the chapter on beauty, as she compared our bodies (as the temple of the Holy Spirit) to the temple that Solomon built. Chapter 10 on "Expanding Our Minds" was really entertaining, as well as inspiring! I loved the quote "I'm not aware of God giving brownie points for the stupidest believer," when arguing against the idea that the pursuit of knowledge outside of the Bible is a waste. Our brains are tools we can use for God's purposes, just like our bodies and our service. Overall, great book.

[Slim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything the author handed down I knew, nothing new here. I will soon get over the guilt I currently feel for not being closer to God. Maybe that will be my one take away. That I clearly suck at being a Christian.

[Chanika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for some comic relief about motherhood. This book ended up being very spiritual and enlightening. Short and sweet. I really enjoyed it.

[Jahque Sweeney-Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny but a whole lot of truth! Reminder for all women ESPECIALLY MOM'S take care of yourself 1st!