"FINDING PEACE WHEN A CHILD CHOOSES ANOTHER PATH," by Robin Zenger Baker, Cedar Fort, $9.99, 112 pages (nf)
When Robin Zenger Baker, mother and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, learned that two of her daughters had chosen not to continue in the LDS faith, she was devastated.
Like many parents, Baker felt immense guilt and combed through the many "what ifs" over her years of parenting. She was hurt and struggled to know what she should do to bring her daughters back to the faith she loved and cherished. The worst thing was the feeling of isolation that was ever-present in her reality.
In an effort to cope with her grief, Baker decided not to be silent and started opening up about her struggle with other parents. In her openness, she found she was not alone; there were many other parents like her.
She began asking questions and found the stories and experiences of others comforting. It was hearing others speak up that inspired her to write a book to give other parents comfort during their struggles.
In her book, "Finding Peace When a Child Chooses Another Path," Baker openly discusses her challenges, as do other parents and professionals. She also has quotes by LDS general authorities to help further bring light and understanding to an all-too-often misunderstood and quiet topic.
Throughout the book, there are first-person accounts and tips on what works and what doesn’t. But mostly, there is a message of support as parents are assured they are not alone.
However, if parents are looking for a book that tells them how to bring their child back to the church, this book is not going to do that. Baker conveys a message of handling things one day at a time and having love and acceptance toward children who have differing beliefs, while at the same time giving parents hope for a loving relationship with their children.
While the book is short at 112 pages, it is full of useful information that all parents, whether their child has chosen another religious path or not, could benefit from reading.
Arianne Brown is a mother of six young children, and an Altra, PROBAR, Nuun, and Unshoes sponsored athlete. For more writings by her, search "A Mother's Write" on Facebook. Twitter: A_Mothers_Write