When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life's Sacred Questions

Kidd shares her heart to lead us to a deeper faith.

I read this book at the perfect time in my life......that mid-life, who-am-I time when the empty nest syndrome presents itself. I savored every word; it spoke the exact words I needed to hear. I've read parts of it over numerous times and recommended it to many friends. Sue Monk Kidd reaches into your heart and offers comfort and guidance to women of every age. This book is a "keeper."

This book was a balm for my wounded forty-something soul, I have to tell y'all. I felt as if I've been stuck in a vortex since my youngest child graduated from college, got married and flew the coop a few years ago. All my life I thought I was looking forward to the day when my two daughters were grown so I could be 'free'. I'd heard of empty nest, of course, and poo-pooed it thinking it happened to women who had no lives but their children's....NOT! I still feel slightly lost, wounded and confused, but much better after reading this book. And the loss of your children is, indeed, a wound. They're alive and kicking, but gone nonetheless....and there's an emptiness there that you're not quite sure how to fill. This book gives you permission (and encourages you) to just sit and wait out this life passage. Thanks, Ms. Kidd, for your wonderful, beautifully written book. I encourge all of my mid-life age friends to read it.

I do not think one has to be a mid lifer to get the most out of this wonderful book! This book started me on my own personal spiritual journey, and I have not looked back. Sue Monk Kidd's honesty and her gift for stringing words together in a meaningful way moved me to buy the rest of her books. This one will always hold a special place in my heart however. I HIGHLY recommend this book and author.

I may be writing this review a little prematurely, as I am only halfway through this book, however...I have already purchased additional copies for my friends. I have underlined, dog-earred and referred to various pages on several occassions. When the Heart Waits gives valuable insight into mid-life. It shares information as to the benefits gained in "being still". Waiting is not "doing nothing". It is both "passive and passionate". As many of us struggle with "what should I do next", often trying to make something happen. Sue Monk Kidd reminds us that everything is always taken care of, if we just stop pushing so hard. She talks about a caterpillar and her cocoon. If someone pokes a hole in the cocoon before it's time, the butterfly will emerge with un-developed wings, unable to fly. Take time with yourself and you WILL be able to fly!

While this book is written from a Christian perspective, I recommend it to any woman I know who's struggling with any midlife crisis issue. Both intelligent and comforting, the book has no equal in this type of literature. While it never trivializes the subject of feeling lost or suddenly uprooted "in the middle of life's path", Kidd's book is amazingly down to earth and honest. It speaks to the heart. I loved the book so much, I keep checking back to see if the author has written more. Would love to see more of her work!