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The Life You Never Expected
- Thriving While Parenting Special Needs Children
- Narrated by: Billie Fulford-Brown, Neil Gardner
- Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Sometimes you end up living the life you never expected. When Andrew and Rachel found out that one, and then both, of their children had severe autism, their world was turned on its head.
This is an audiobook about surviving, and thriving, when something goes horribly wrong. It is a mixture of their story and God's story, and the way in which his has shaped theirs. With clarity and biblical insight, they share their experience of grief and worship, struggle and hope. As well as reflecting on the specific challenges of raising children with special needs, they speak to broader questions as well: the problem of suffering, building a marriage under pressure, fighting for joy and trusting in the goodness of God.
This is not just a book for families and friends of special needs children, but for all who have been thrown a curve ball in life, and need to know how to lament, worship, pray and hope.
Winner of the 2016 TGC (The Gospel Coalition) Book Prize for Best Christian Living Book
About the Authors: Andrew and Rachel Wilson are part of the leadership team at King's Church, Eastbourne, UK, and parents to Zeke and Anna.
Critic Reviews
"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." (Debra Reid, Tutor at Spurgeon's College, London, and mother of an adult autistic son)
"I have no idea how these hard-pressed parents found the time and energy to write this book, but I'm very glad they did. Here is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book which explores that important place where faith meets suffering. This well-written resource is full of kindness, humour and honesty. Although it will be helpful to parents of special needs children, there is wisdom here for anybody with trouble on their hands." (Dr Emily Ackerman, author of Time to Care and The Amazing Technicolour Pyjama Therapy)
"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 ivory tower 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." (Michael Reeves, Director of Union and Senior Lecturer, Wales Evangelical School of Theology)
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What listeners say about The Life You Never Expected
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Michelle L Martino
- 04-28-21
Encouraging Words
I was searching for an audiobook that would help encourage me and give me proper perspective about our current situation... rearing a child with autism that is in the middle of a behavior crisis while also caring for his three typical sisters. This book was so riveting that I completed listening to it in a day and I am I will listen to it again. I am very thankful that I found this book in wee hours of just a few minutes past 3am while trying to soothe my son.
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- Kindle Customer
- 10-15-19
Special Needs Parent
A good start to framing how to think about the intersection of special needs parenting and faith. I found this book very encouraging as a special needs parent who is wrestling with a lot of the implications of special needs. I think your view of this book will depend where you are at in your journey of special needs and faith. I hope it provides encouragement, if nothing else that you are not alone
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- Another Customer
- 11-19-20
SO GOOD Must Read whether you have kids or not!
The most helpful book on dealing with an unexpected life or midlife crisis I've ever read. The fact they have autistic kids is simply a real life worked example of how to grow deeper in your walk with the Lord through frustration and pain. But the principles apply to anyone who has realised they are out of control.
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- happyhiltons
- 11-10-19
Really helpful
It can be really lonely as Christian parents having kids with additional needs. it's been really helpful hearing from others how they have balanced faith and ministry in the everyday life with autistic children. Thank you for writing this book.