Real Families, Real Needs: A Compassionate Guide for Families Living with Disability

The helpful second book from Joni and Friends (Beyond Suffering Bible) offers a Christian view of parenting ill and disabled children. Part I deals with men and their responses to parenting children with disabilities, particularly the feelings of isolation from other fathers. Part II is a collection of essays and thoughts to encourage mothers to nurture their disabled children as well as their hurting and confused husbands. The illustrative stories almost never end with the parents’ prayers answered. Instead, readers learn how personal suffering often leads parents and children alike to purpose, even if it is to live a short while on earth and then go to heaven. The book focuses on exploring the spiritual, mental, and social needs of caregivers; the last three parts explain how extended family, friends, and churches can provide support even when they don’t know how to help. This book gives readers insight on how to allow God to provide peace and comfort for ailing loved ones, but and shows how to give love and compassion in a similar mode. (Sept.)