Graced and Gifted---a book review

Graced and Gifted: Biblical Wisdon for the Homemaker's Heart by Kimberly Hahn is the second book in a series of Bible studies based on Proverbs 31.

Written in six parts, Kimberly Hahn shows us how to incorporate the virtues of the woman of Proverbs 31 into our everyday lives as homemakers, wives, and mothers.

Each part of the book also includes a chapter on each of the seven sacraments. I love what Kimberly Hahn says about the sacraments as they pertain to a homemakers life in the introduction of the book. "The sacraments are not what we do for God but what God does for us. They are the means by which the Holy Spirit makes up for what we lack and gives us all we need to be faithful. They do not make us saints, but they make it possible for us to become saints." And for me, this is what I am striving for and need every grace available for help.

This book would be perfect for a women's book study and includes discussion questions for six sessions, in an appendix in the back of the book.

While reading Graced and Gifted I I was greatly encouraged and inspired by the way the role of homemaker was given the importance it deserves. I came to realize that the day to day tasks of a homemaker provides me with many channels of grace, and asking Our Lord for this grace helps many overwhelming days much more manageable. One of my favorite quotes from the book is this, regarding grace: " When we feed, clothe and contribute to a shelter that is peaceful, beautiful and orderly for our family, by the grace of God and with the gift of faith, we are walking in the good works God has prepared for us. It is grace from beginning to end as we cooperate with the gifts we have been given. To live by grace means that we admit how weak we are and how much we need His strength so that we can do these good works."

I highly recommend this book to every homemaker, whether you are strictly at home, out in the workforce, a mom to one blessing or to many blessings, there is something for everyone to encourage us on the path to building the best domestic church we can as we are filled with the "Gift of Grace" from God.

This review was written as part of the Catholic Book reviewer program from the Catholic Company. Visit the Catholic Company to find more information on Graced and Gifted: Bibilical Wisdom for the Homemaker's Heart.