High Call, High Priviledge by Gail MacDonald - Book Review

This blog was in fact inspired by Gail! She says to the readers, "The less time one has the more carefully it should be managed. If you wait for free, convenient seasons in which to fulfill real duties, you run the risk of waiting forever....make use of chance moments." Being a new mom is not convenient or full of free moments. However, Gail is calling women in all seasons of life to use their time wisely and to trust that there is time to do the things we long to do! I love to write, so in this season that could be all about Piper very easily - I CHOOSE to write, I CHOOSE to enjoy things that bring me life. Thank you Gail!

Since reading High Call, High Priviledge, I have recommended it to pastor's wives, women involved in para-church ministry, and pro-baseball players christian wives. While Gail is a pastor's wife, this book would benefit any woman in small or large scale leadership, in motherhood, or in marriage. 

The reason I fell in love with High Call, High Priviledge is because of how it is written. Gail uses the medium of STORY to capture her audience. This is not a methodical, super religious "self-help" book. In fact, it is the farthest thing from that! Gail is unassuming, warm, passionate, wise, and funny! When I read the book, this is where I go in my mind. 

Gail is sitting across the table from me in a small cozy coffee house. We are sharing a scone and sipping on our coffee as she begins to tell me her story. She is not rushed, abrasive or needing to teach me something, she is merely sharing and enjoying my company as well. 

Also, Gail's book is PRACTICAL. She and her husband Gordon have been in ministry for decades, and from these several decades they have learned thousands of lessons. She addresses the marriage relationship, the responsibility of mothering, the art of listening, true dependency on God, authentic friendships with women, deep trials, burn out, personality, the home, and other interesting topics.

I recommend this book to you if:

1. You want to develop you character.

2. You enjoy listening to stories or biographies.
3. You are passionate and intentional about your home and supporting your husband.

3. You are in a role of leadership or responsibility.
4. You want to laugh, cry, and get goose bumps while you read!

Some of my favorite quotes:

In regards to raising her children - "I wanted them to know that I am a real person, not a plastic one. Real people make many mistakes. And godly people forgive those mistakes."

In regards to men working with women - "Many Christian leaders have pointed out that there is a close parallel between the spiritual and sexual drives within us. The result is that when one works closely with people in a caring, emotional context, the implications of sexual overtones are more likely to increase. Speaking as a woman, if I choose to become defensive, suspicious, or resentful about these realities, I cripple my husband, and I do damage to myself. As I watch Gordon moving among people from day to day, I find myself frequently reminded that 'he picked me thirty-eight years ago to be his partner in life; I'm going to make him glad he did.'"

On family - after admiring a family that had spent ample time in the MacDonald home, Gail asked the mother of the family, "What is the most important principle behind your remarkable family?" The mother responded, "a relentless pursuit of the forgiving spirit."

On friendship - "Today, as I assess my friends, I notice that they have several unique traits....I have a fun friend, a praying friend, a reality-check friend, a marketplace friend, several former disciples, a same lifestyle friend (a woman in ministry). Each of them is strong; they have independent spirits; they are not "leaners". Our conversations do not center on people, but on ideas, not on events but learning experiences, and on complaints but opportunity."

I mentioned in the "Lunch Date" post, that I am getting lunch with Gail this fall. I will write about any new topics that arise from our lunch conversation! Please comment below if you have read this book. Share your thoughts, or what impacted you the most. If you have not read High Call, High Priviledge, I recommend it to YOU!

Shanny Ally T