What constitutes a sacred home? Writing about Amy Carmichael, Jennifer Pepito notes, “When she witnessed children being thrown away as sex slaves, she created a sacred home where they could thrive in safety and love” (16). As well, “Ella Tweten cared for her growing family,” and as she “served the lonely and bereft, her example of love and faithfulness created a legacy of hope in her family and in her community” (16).
Sacred homes are those where the light of the gospel is both taught and lived out. Pepito shows how our sacred homes show the light of the gospel to those around us. Our home life can actually make a change in our society. Throughout history, all kinds of people, even non-Christians, have seen the power and necessity of the family. Confucius said, “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home” (19). Things seem chaotic now, Pepito reminds us that “we aren’t the first people to live through a dark time in history, and we can look to historic people of faith to help our families stay anchored to biblical truth and connected to each other amid the turbulence” (15).
In this book, Pepito identifies the practices of nine different Christian women to “give mothers tools for nurturing a life that can make an impact for good in an increasingly chaotic world” (18). While Pepito doesn’t agree with all of Saint Benedict wrote and believed, these nine practices, rules, or “habits,” were developed by him in his schools for serving the Lord. These habits are work, stewardship, prayer, order, simplicity, stability, hospitality, community, and balance.
Jennifer Pepito is the host of the Restoration Home podcast, author of Mothering by the Book, and founder of ThePeacefulPress.com.
As a husband and father, I found encouragement in the women Pepito surveyed. Though flawed, all trusted in Jesus. They lived out their faith in many of the same ways, with Pepito focusing on different aspects particular to each woman. We see that in spite of the fact that “hardships and setbacks are part of life,” these women worked hard and steadfast for the Lord (19). For example, despite having her own children and an incredible amount of visitors, Edith Schaeffer kept Jesus at the forefront of her mind to keep her going in the midst of exhaustion or discouragement. How can I not learn from her strength here? We can look at our work at home as an opportunity to be creative. It’s an art, not a punishment. We are working with our Creator to turn chaos into order.
Practically speaking, after looking to Amy Carmichael’s life of prayer, Pepito offers a daily plan of prayer for busy mothers. According to Eugene Peterson,, “Prayer is the secret work that develops a life that is thoroughly authentic and deeply human” (69). Or in the chapter on stability with Ruth Graham, Pepito offers tips on how to create stability for your family in times of disruption and change (120–121). Chapters end with a verse to memorize, a prayer, suggestions for further reading, and a recipe to try (like biscuits and gravy).
Recommended?
Pepito has written a helpful book for mothers that looks to the past to help them today, both by shaping their own homes, creating communities, and learning how to keep it all in balance (or at least trying to do so). While there were a few personal stories I just could not relate to, this book wasn’t really written with me in mind. This is a good read for every mother who longs to transform her house into a peaceful, Christ-centered home. Pepito focuses not on perfection, but a slow and calm joy in what God has called them to do.
Buy it on Amazon or from Bethany House!
Lagniappe
- Author: Jennifer Pepito
- Paperback: 192 pages
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 2024)
Review Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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