"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you." -Isaiah 26:3
When 31 percent of pregnancies end in loss, it is no surprise
that miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss brings great grief,
nor is there a shortage of books addressing how to move through
and past that sorrow. What is seldom considered, however, is that
85 percent of those women go on to become pregnant again-yet
the complexity of emotions triggered by a pregnancy following
loss is rarely addressed. With this book, Teske Drake challenges
women to claim joy in the midst of grief when newly expecting,
and shows them just how to accomplish that.
Centered on biblical promises like the one above, and focused
specifically around promises of "peace," this book is a practical
guide written by a mother who's been there. Drake acknowledges
the torrent of anxiety that replaces the natural joy pregnancy can
bring. She avoids painful clichés and works instead to unearth
deeper truths. Her tone is gentle, caring, and compassionate,
drawing women back to a place of peace and joy, both with God
and with their current pregnancy.
This ten-chapter book includes accompanying devotions,
"Pregnancy Prayers," personal anecdotes from other mothers
who've experienced similar loss, and "Pen the Promise" journaling
prompts to encourage personal application of the promises
Drake reveals. She constantly drives the reader back to Scripture,
sharing not only promises given, but promises fulfilled. Women
are offered practical information, as well as encouragement and
inspiration. With Expecting with Hope, Drake provides a deeply
needed space for expectant mothers to rediscover the joy and
peace of pregnancy.
