Grace for the Race

Book Review

by Linda Wakefield Kelley

Dena Dyer, author of Grace for the Race, must be the twin sister my parents failed to mention because we have lots in common. Of course that makes me adore and admire her tremendously. My guess is many moms will recognize themselves in the humorous, humble, and honest anecdotes Dena transforms into meditations.

Grace for the Race: Meditations for Busy Moms Click here to buy this book!

Dena is honest. She gives hope that one can be a good parent despite significant obstacles. Sharing her struggle with depression, Dena urges moms not to judge one another, but to give each other (and yourself) grace in the parent race.

Dena is honestly humorous. Can any moms identify with this word picture? “I’m seven months pregnant and I don’t like it! I feel like a penguin in bicycle shorts.” Yep, I know the feeling. Or, “Volunteering to teach Sunday School at church is sorta like being sent to Alcatraz — once you go in, you don’t usually come out.” Funny and so true!

Grace for the Race was written for busy moms. (If there’s another kind, I failed to get the memo) Each devotional is short (about 500 words). There is a notable quote before each meditation and five applicable scriptures after it. Reading a devotion daily is very do-able in ten minutes (less if you operate on speed-dial). That’s a great feature.

What’s more, Dena packs a lot of punch into those 500 words. Grace for the Race is organized into nine sections which can be read in order. Or, you can flip to the section that you need most right now. Training Well discusses how to use the lessons we learned as kids(both the good and bad) to become better parents. Warming Up and Stretching Out teaches moms to accept their weaknesses and use their faults to be more compassionate parents. The First Lap speaks to those parents experiencing life with a baby/toddler. Using Proper Equipment relates the important items parents need in their lives. Hopping Over Hurdlesdiscusses how to remove those nasty peace-blocking obstacles. Handing It Offencourages moms to reach out to others for help occasionally. In the Final Stretch emphasizes asking God to help us “kick it out” and reach reserves of strength and wisdom we never knew we had. Crossing the Finish Line helps moms recognize their place in the race and On the Podium celebrates the gifts of grace you’ve been given.

I honestly loved Grace for the Race. If Dena lived in my town, I’d call her up right now. It would be so comforting to pour out our mutual mommy woes and joys over a hot cup of tea. Or, I could re-read Grace for the Race, curled in my chair by the fire, tea in hand, and get the same feeling. . .That I am spending time with a good friend, someone who understands my life and is going to help me sprint to the finish line.

Disclaimer: This book was provided free of charge from Mind and Media in exchange for my honest review. If you are interested in reviewing Christian products, please contact Stacy Harp at Mind and Media.

If you're a regular reader of my blog , you know I love memes. Here's one for you: List five traits Dena describes about herself in her book (along with the page number where she describes it) that sound just like YOU. Post them in the comments section. I'll even award a prize to the first three people to leave their list. If you happen to be one of those lucky eager beavers, send me your address through my contact form on my web site. I'll send you a copy of my friend, Wayne Holmes, new book, Whispering in God's Ear. I've posted my list as a comment. No peeking and no copying (okay, I'm starting to sound like my kids).