I’ll have to admit upfront that Embracing Your Second Calling: A Woman’s Guide is not a book I would pick up and browse at a bookstore.  The fact that it’s a “woman’s guide” from a Christian book publisher ignites my assumptions regarding content:  take care of your man and deny yourself.  Dale Hanson Bourke shattered my expectations.

Bourke writes from the perspective of a married mother who had a successful career as a publishing executive and newspaper columnist.  Around the age of fifty she realized that all of her success and million frequent flyer miles were not as satisfying as they once were, thus, the subtitle, “Find Passion and Purpose for the Rest of Your Life.”

Bourke contends that looking for a life’s purpose becomes a significant quest as we age.  Success at age 60 is not measured by the same standard as success at age 30.  She gave up her business ventures and looked for ways to make a difference in the lives of others, especially women in Africa.  Her journey reminded me of that of Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, and Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft Corporation.  Both men left their corporate boardrooms and are using their wealth to make a difference in the world.

Through World Vision, Bourke continues to make numerous trips to Africa and listens to women as they describe life when one is living with AIDS while trying to raise children.  Bourke uses her business skills to develop support channels for these women.  She feels that the passion she has for helping is her second calling from God.  Prayer and listening for God’s leading is part of her daily routine.

As I said earlier, I didn’t expect to like this book because I was sure it would be filled with admonitions to support my husband totally and sappy scriptural references to prove this was God’s way.  I related to much of what Bourke said about changing priorities and finding dissatisfaction with “stuff.”  And I even related to God’s place in the process.

My only concern is that Bourke writes from the point of view of someone who has the financial resources to make such a drastic change in her life.  Furthermore, she has a supportive husband.  I wonder if the average single mother, administrative assistant , could afford to pursue her passion in the same manner.  Would she see her life as not meeting deeper needs?  If so, how will she embrace her second calling?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”