IVP Readers' Choice Award "The dominant narrative we hear as professor mothers is that motherhood and academia are incompatible." Two challenging vocations, each filled with complexities and daily ups and downs. Yet more and more women are answering the call to both the academy and motherhood. A growing body of literature addresses parent-professors, but what about the particular needs of Christian women seeking to navigate both callings while living out their faith? With Power Women , Nancy Wang Yuen and Deshonna Collier-Goubil have curated a unique resource by and for Christian academic mothers. This collection of essays includes the voices of women of different backgrounds, academic disciplines, institutions, and stages of parenting and career. Together contributors provide wisdom, encouragement, and solidarity for women who share a similar vocational journey. Combining research with personal stories, they address topics such as these: how parenting and teaching can be mutually enriching - managing ambition, identity, and time - addressing misconceptions about motherhood in the academy, church, and society - navigating gender roles in marriage - taking maternity leave - flourishing as an adjunct professor - mentoring professor moms - resisting imposter syndrome by finding rest in God There is no magic formula, but there are many paths to thriving in the call to motherhood and the academy. Christian academic moms will find in this book honest yet uplifting reminders that they are not alone. In addition, administrators, family members, and friends will grow in understanding and appreciation of the power women in their lives. "This book offers stories, observations, and insights into one of the most important conversations for men and women faculty of faith in the academy. How do we fulfill God's call to our first promises―to God, our spouses, and our children? How do we fulfill God's call to be good stewards of our gifts and talents? How do we listen intently to when we should step in and step out of certain rhythms of our lives? What happens when the unexpected happens? In sharing what worked and what didn't, where we failed and where we succeeded, we allow this generation and future generations to have standing stones to guide them. When all is said and done, what we hope God will say is, 'Well done good and faithful servant.' And if said to us, frail humans, it will be through a lens of grace by the Author and Creator of grace. We all hope that we gave or are giving our lives up to God as an offering. And the stories in this book reflect those offerings today." -- Shirley Hoogstra, president, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, from the foreword "In Power Women you will discover real-life stories and find resonances in the wisdom of professor mothers who juggle multiple roles, learn to navigate in academia and family at the same time, and strive to be faithful to God's call along the way. The journeys of these mothers will empower both men and women to pursue our dreams, stay resilient amid challenges, and inspire others to do so." -- Chloe T. Sun, academic dean and professor of Old Testament at Logos Evangelical Seminary, California "Refreshingly honest, Power Women is an invaluable resource for women of the Christian faith who are scholar mothers and for those who hope to support them well. While candid, these essays remain hopeful in their proposals for moving forward personally, spiritually, and structurally. They insightfully explore and interrogate the tensions between being an active researcher and educator alongside being an active and present mother. The diversity of cultural perspectives adds to the depth and beauty of the volume as a holistic approach to thriving as a scholar mom. As someone who regularly has conversations with women who want to pursue further scholarship but also want to be moms, this is an especially valuable resource. Family members, colleagues, and administrators will truly benefit from reading this as well." -- Christa L. McKirland, lecturer in systematic theology at Carey Baptist College in Auckland, New Zealand, and founder and executive director of Logia International "Motherhood for women in the academy comes with complexities and opportunities. This collection of essays by accomplished scholars and engaged mothers, shared from deep faith, diverse backgrounds, and varying stages, provides a realistic and hopeful resource for current and future professor mothers." -- Deana L. Porterfield, president of Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary "This book made me feel so seen. With wisdom and humility, these professor mothers offer practical guidance and support for working moms. While a lot of the advice is specific to moms in academia, all caregivers would benefit from reading these biblical reflections on motherhood as a spiritual practice." -- Jane Hong, tenured historian and mom "I appreciate this collection of diverse and