Second Mother: A Bible Study Experience for Foster and Adoptive Moms

The negatives: As a Christian foster mom, large parts of this Bible study were truly painful. The author writes as if these children we care for are part of our family forever. She writes about how we will walk with them through their “life journey” to help them work through all these issues that stem from their trauma. She completely ignores the feelings of foster moms who love their foster children deeply but have to face the reality of those children being forced to go back and live with their bio family. It is a soul crushing pain to think of these children leaving. I had hoped this Bible study would help me deal with that pain but it’s increased it. I also felt jealously over the author and those fortunate enough to have the opportunity to adopt the children they love.Positives: I gave it 3 stars because it is a biblically sound book. Each chapter features a story of adoption from the Bible and helps readers look at the story from many aspects.

Such a breath of fresh air to see a different perspective on adoption and fostering through scripture. As I read the book, God revealed to me the heart of adoption because I am adopted into his family. I lost both of my parents as a young adult, but God has blessed me beyond all measure with a wonderful spiritual family. I still long to be a mom even though I am in my 40’s, but I would love to adopt and foster.

This Bible study is beautifully crafted and is written with honesty about the brokenness of adoption, and yet continually reflects on Biblical stories that point to the HOPE of God. Jodi's love for God and children are evident on these pages and she honors adoptive mothers so well. You will feel heard and understood and be pointed towards TRUTH as you study the Biblical passages and the insights Jodi makes. It is designed to be a small group study and I think will work best in that format. Highly recommend churches to put this in their resource library and encourage small groups to form for Second Mothers!

So helpful! Felt seen, understood, and it drew me closer to God’s Word. A beautiful study for adoptive mom’s!! Highly recommend

God weaved adoption into the narrative of the Bible from the beginning. In story after story, the author reminds us that in the redemption of God's people, adoption was a major theme. We are gently led into big discussions regarding how we think about ourselves in our child's story, how we think about their family of origin, and we are encouraged to remember that we need to take the long view. Instead of getting bogged down in the hard days and weeks and sometimes years, don't forget that God is working. He is the redeemer. For you. For your family, and certainly for your child. Gather with another second mother and read this together.

If you are wading through the unknown waters of foster or adoptive mothering, this workbook is for you! Jodi has done a masterful job of presenting insightful studies of several biblical adoptive parents, weaving in her own personal experiences, giving encouragement and asking helpful questions. It is a powerful reminder that God has not left any of us alone, but is especially walking alongside second mothers and their children, redeeming the time, restoring relationships and mending brokenness. This could be a very useful tool for group study with other foster or adoptive moms.

With hope and inspiration, Jodi sneaks into the deep crevices of our hearts and brings God's word to life in this brilliant body of work. She breathtakingly reveals the weaving of adoption throughout the Word of God to encourage and bring life to Second Mothers. Every foster or adoptive mom, as well as advocates for children globally, need to take part in this study for perspective and renewal.

This book is encouraging, insightful and inspirational. As a foster mother this is the book I wished I had to study with a group of second mothers with my last foster placement. Seeing the Gospel threads in caring for orphans has greatly comforted me and provoked me. You need to read this book AND gather your other second mother friends to read, study and pray together.