Review: THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 11, 2014
Beatrice “Mama B” Jackson is now a Wilson and lives in another part of town, but she can never alter the compassion she has for others.  Adjusting to life as a married woman for the second time, she makes conscious efforts to submit to her husband’s authority out of respect for him.  This proves to be a task when it comes to her dealings with Jeffrey, a young boy with special needs.  Her heart is pricked when she realizes that if she doesn’t lend her helping hand, the dysfunction in his home could land him in the system, all alone.  In the interim, her son pleads his case to handle the renting of the family home to keep it in the family.  With Mama B’s hateful sister-in-law, Ida Mae, expressing interest in moving in, tensions rise.  Concern for the welfare of her belongings causes resistance in allowing Ida to stay, but she eventually submits to Son’s request.  This decision is one that will end up teaching them all a hearty lesson in the end.In A Time to Mend by Michelle Stimpson, Mama B’s character is utilized to illustrate one of the most important lessons to a Christian – forgiveness. This title dealt with family dysfunction from various angles.  The struggles that Mama B experiences in submitting to her husband, and dealing with an unruly in-law are so real that you can easily relate.  I love how she gives her thoughts in the heat of any moment.  That in itself is sure to keep you reading further.  I also love how this storyline exemplifies how even at an older age and with so much wisdom, we still have areas where we need to grow.  I strongly recommend this title to lovers of Christian fiction.  I can’t wait to see what Mama B will get into next!