Lessons from the Sidelines: Thoughts from on and off the Football field on faith, family, and living well

by Beth Walker

Through her own personal stories as well as interviews with other women, Beth Walker shows it’s possible for wives to pursue their own callings even as they support their husbands’ careers and ministries.

Whether you’re a coach’s wife, the wife of a professional athlete, a pastor’s wife, the wife of a CEO, a military wife, or a college administrator’s wife, you have unique challenges to navigate that differ from the struggles of other women. Lessons from the Sidelines will help you:

-Engage 7 steps to clarify your calling, identify your sweet spot, and implement strategies that will enable you to live on mission.

-Identify how the 5 Stages of Burnout can impact your marriage and your ability to fully embrace your calling.

-Tackle the unique hurdles of parenting in the public eye.

-Learn practical tips for getting through the harder parts of the calendar year.

Beth Walker has partnered with her husband for twenty years, in leadership and ministry both on and off the football field. Beth is passionate about encouraging women to pursue their individual callings from God.

278 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2020

About the author

Beth Walker is an author, speaker, a football coach’s wife and mom of two energetic boys. She strives to encourage those around her to pursue their best lives in Jesus whether she is near the game field, in church, or at the local coffee shop. As a writer, Beth is most passionate about inspiring women to pursue their callings and thrive in their purpose. Beth’s first book, Lessons from the Sidelines, was released in August 2020 and includes a seven-step action for discovering and learning how to thrive in the sweet spot of your calling. This was followed by Embracing Holy Interruptions, a 6-week study on mentoring in 2021.

Reviews

[Ordell Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the must read book for couples who are in sports, ministry or military. Particularly, wives how do you thrive in a family where your husband has a high profile job? This is a tool to help you find and express your voice and calling while being married to a profession that garners so much attention and energy. Your family and the community needs your gifting and calling in its full expression. Husbands, you need to read this to enter into your wives world and understand how you can support her on her journey. As a coach and husband, I needed to read the wisdom, grace and humor of some incredible women that is helping me support my wife on her journey. My eyes were opened to a world that is easily missed. Wives, I think you will be able to relate and grow from each story.

[Cyrus Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Walker has produced an extremely powerful and personal story. Lessons from the Sidelines is a must read or a great gift idea. Highlighting several unique personal stories and experiences as she empowers others to find their sweet spot in life. Her realistic views deeply impact and illuminates the physical and emotional journey both on and off the field. She is a gifted writer, with fresh views and a warm, smart, down-to-earth delivery. The book is for all couples and family members who are looking for a playbook to navigate life challenges. -Dr. Cyrus Johnson

[Brenda Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very encouraged while reading this book. As a woman of faith I was challenged to consider how God is calling me. It is easy to be distracted by daily happenings, so this read was an important reminder of the bigger picture. I also appreciated the practical tips that are helpful as we walk through everyday life. I highly recommend!

[Anne Rulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Walker is the voice we needed in the modern age of the coach's wife. But, not just for coach's wives. For military wives, pastors wives, farmers wives...all the wives who have husbands with jobs that take over "seasons" of life and leave us sometimes wondering how to find our space in it all. She does a beautiful job of affirming the marriage while also drawing the wife to step into her own design and calling. As a coach's wife, I was encouraged and found a kindred spirit for this life that is so intense sometimes. If you need a grace-filled kick in the rear along with some really practical guidance and organization, this one's for you.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for any wife who has felt lost in the shadows of her husband's career. Beth helps you see your own worth and value, while also showing how you can continue to faithfully support and love your husband as he pursues his passions. But the best thing is she tells you HOW. Yes, this book convicts, but it also gives you step-by-step instructions so that you can actually apply those convictions. I needed the words in these pages, and I have a feeling so many other wives do too. If you're feeling called from the sidelines, this will be a page-turner for you.

[Susan Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a coach's wife, Beth speaks to the heart of fellow coach's wives, as well as military and pastor's wives. Her understanding of supporting your spouse and living within your own personal sweet spot give tangible and helpful tools for living with purpose. Beth's candid look into the victories and challenges of living in the spotlight make this a real, relatable, and enjoyable read. After reading this book and walking through some of the useful tools Walker presents, I finished feeling empowered and eager to continue to live a life on purpose as a fellow coach's wife. This is a must read for any coach's wife or wife that lives in the spotlight of her husband's career.

[Megan Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative and hands-on book to help women discover and live out their calling. Beth focuses on the perspective of families in the military, coaching, and pastoral/ministry worlds, but much of the information is applicable to others. There is an “understanding your calling” study in the back that asks questions and takes the reader through exercises to help them discern areas and passions where they’ll thrive. Some areas covered in the book: setting boundaries, marriage relationship, parenting, finding community, budgeting and finances, and self-care.

[Heather Gerwing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth is a coach's wife, and while this book is geared to wives of coaches, pastors, and those who serve in the military, I cannot emphasize enough how this is a great book for all wives, heck even just all women!

Beth shares stories from her different seasons as well as stories from others. She shares about our callings and thriving in our sweet spot as well as setting boundaries and avoiding burnout. Wonderful book!!

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool you are doing this!
Coach walker made a huge difference in my life. I'm very thankful for the mentorship and the wisdom you guys are continuing to share.
- Cody