PAUSE:
How to enjoy God, find hope & bear
fruit through midlife and the meno-pause
By Sarah Allen
10Publishing. 99 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978 1 915 705 327
Midlife and menopause bring a diverse and unexpected onslaught of challenges often fraught by inexplicable emotion which can wobble women in their faith.
This is not a biology lesson or a whinge fest. Pause is a short but honest guide to navigating this stage of life, with Biblical wisdom that points to the One who is conforming His beloved to the likeness of the Lord Jesus. It is honest, humorous and heartening.
Allen begins with her own story, an honest place to start. The book is then divided into six ‘easy to read’ chapters. The first tackles the problem of change which comes with the passing of time. The second deals with the ‘What ifs’ of regret and loss. The third addresses hormonal changes causing mood swings and more. The fourth discusses the fading appearance of face and body. The fifth engages with the demands of caring for near and extended family. The sixth paves a way forward for living for Christ in these and later years.
In each chapter, Allen balances gritty realities with godly responses. She does this by using tangible examples into which poignant Biblical counsel is applied. Whilst Allen draws from a range of Biblical truth, Colossians forms the backbone. This Christ-centric letter is shown to aptly apply to each issue raised. How rich is the word when we take refuge there. Allen’s literary skill, along with understanding the pastoral problem and the gospel solution, makes this a pertinent and engaging read, filled with hope and encouragement. Each chapter concludes with reflection and helpful questions that enable the reader to pause and ponder.
I can heartily commend this to all those women who are ‘feeling’ the ‘midlife’ and for those who care about them or are responsible for their pastoral care.
