Rarely are we confronted with devotional literature written by Christians whose burdens are heavy and will not go away. Nine mothers of children who are developmentally or intellectually disabled, some very severely, have written their personal stories as meditations on Mary the mother of Jesus. There are no easy answers in this book, no facile pretense that all is well, to cover up sorrow and pain. These are women who love their children and find joy and beauty in them, but they are also women who endure anxiety, rejection, and judging, not to mention the physical burden of care.

I recommend this book for parents with the same struggle, but even more so for people who bear other burdens. You will find kindred hearts in the writers of these meditations, and perhaps a perspective on your own problems. And if you are one of those people who have seen a child melt down in public and cast a critical eye on the parent -- I think this book will break your heart with sorrow and compassion. And it points all readers to the promises of our heavenly Father and His abiding love.

- Jim Behringer