A friend’s son confessed to her that he decided not to continue following his desire to be a pastor because his girlfriend refuses to be a pastor’s wife.
When I was a teenager, I dreamed of being a pastor’s wife. I always pictured myself organizing VBS programs, singing solos, and being a counselor and friend to the women of the congregation.
What I didn’t picture is the mountain of expectations so often piled on these women, simply because of the calling of their husbands. Do you realize that some pastor’s wives can’t even sing? (I honestly thought that was a requirement!)
Somehow, we have this mental picture that pastors and their wives need to be perfect. And to have always been perfect. And to never grieve or get angry or even have their hair out of place!
While we are called to holiness, God knows we aren’t perfect – it is not possible for us. If it was, there would have been no need for Jesus to die. So why do we lay heavy burdens on these women that we ourselves are not willing or able to bear, simply because of the role of their husbands?
Happily, my friend’s son has come to realize that if God is calling him to serve, he should serve. As a result, he is getting his life back on the path God is leading him on.
Secrets of the Pastor's Wife
by Christina Ryan Claypool
Published by WestBow Press
Publication Date September 12, 2018
Genres: Christian Fiction, Woman's Fiction
Setting: Ohio Contemporary
Main Character Ages: 35-60
Written for: Adults
Pages: 166
Synopsis:
Wherever Cassandra Martin goes, her secrets go with her. And hiding her past is beginning to take a toll.
Cassie lives in a small white parsonage in the village of Maple Grove. For 15 years, the beautiful and talented artist has appeared to be the perfect wife for Rev. John Martin, the new pastor at Maple Avenue Community Church.
The couple has moved frequently, and Pastor John is too busy with other people’s problems to notice Cassie’s distress. She has no close friends to confide in, fearing her secrets could jeopardize her husband’s position.
That’s until Maple Grove coffee shop owner Katherine “Katie” Montague embraces Cassie as if she were the daughter she never had. Sensing her pastor’s wife is haunted by something tragic, the caring widow begins praying for her. Will Cassie trust Katie with the pain of her past or will she let the secrets destroy her?***********************************************************************************Secrets of the Pastor’s Wife features discussion questions for women’s book clubs, church small groups, and recovery ministries. Entertaining and inspiring fiction, this compelling storyline will encourage emotional healing, forgiveness, and restored faith.
I would like to thank Christina Ryan Claypool for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
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Cassie felt isolated from pretty much everyone. The women in her church and even her husband. She felt that if she showed even the slightest sign of cracking, she would be judged and found wanting. So when she was befriended by Katie, an older woman with a heart of gold, she finally felt safe enough to share the burdens of her heart.
Katie’s history is a beautiful one of deep love and loss. Learning about it explains how she can be the one Cassie opens up to with her own story of heartbreak.
This touching account is given from Katie’s perspective, through conversations and short stories Cassie has written. It deals with difficult issues such as shame, guilt, and suicide. It felt a little as though it was told simply to illustrate a point, which is actually what Jesus did in His parables. This one seemed a little forced though; yet not to the point of making me want to put it down and stop reading.
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About Christina Ryan Claypool
Christina Ryan Claypool is a national Amy and Ohio APME award-winning newspaper columnist and former TV reporter, who has been featured on Joyce Meyer’s Enjoying Everyday Life TV show and on CBN’s 700 Club.
Her book, “Seeds of Hope for Survivors: For everyone who has ever been brokenhearted, addicted, or a victim” chronicles her incredible journey of surviving a near fatal suicide attempt and confinement in a state mental institution as a teen to her successful life today through God’s grace. Her latest book, “Secrets of the Pastor’s Wife: A Novel” was released fall 2018.
Her husband is a public school superintendent whom she affectionately refers to as “Mr. Rules.” She adores her adult son, Zach, and is grateful he survived the helicoptering years. Coffee and chocolate really are her favorite things.
Christina has a B.A. from Bluffton University and an M.A. from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Wow, this book sounds compelling and full of compassion, I cannot imagine all the secrets a person would have to keep and how burdening they would be, but Our God is a Very Forgiving God and He forgives all of us if we only repent. This book sounds Awesome and like a Must read for all of us. I will be adding it to my TBR list. Thank you so very much for the Synopsis ! I love the cover. God Bless you .