Review: You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes: And Other Great Advice from an Unlikely Preacher's Wife

You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes: And Other Great Advice from an Unlikely Preacher's Wife by Lisa McKay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

McKay writes in a highly engaging manner such that it was a breeze to keep reading on and on and on! I sensed her larger than life personality and great passion for the topic jumping out the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed her authenticity and wisdom; her frank and insightful sharing has opened my eyes to the scary reality of the unrealistic expectations of a pastor's wife (and children). It has also encouraged me to face these challenges head-on, because at least now I am aware and can take pre-emptive action, for example, preparing my family for what is to come by assuring them they can be whoever God wants them to be and not pretend to be somebody that they think they are expected to be.

McKay's strength is not in theology -there were several questionable sections where she dived into the meaning of biblical terms in their original languages and engaged in putting her own interpretation into Scripture. While her target audience would not be too bothered by these, and should enjoy the insight and advice from this battle-hardened preacher's wife. I'd nevertheless have to subtract a star from an otherwise 5-star book until these issues are ironed out.

I read this book in 2015 and wrote the following: "While I am no preacher's wife, I am a male seminary student. I recommended it to my girlfriend, and she thoroughly enjoyed the read. That says alot, because she absolutely not a book person (she claims that reading books hypnotise her to sleep). It generated a couple of things to deliberate and discuss about, as I prepare to enter into my beloved Christ's service!"

Now I am re-reading it in 2018 as a married man with graduation from bible school in a couple of weeks. Whereas the 2015 me came away with a positive and can-do attitude, I am ashamed to admit that I was rather angered by the audacious demands that some congregations made of ministers' wives. The 2018 me is more pragmatic and realistic, knowing that I have to firmly establish the expectations and limits of my family's involvement before accepting any ministerial position.

All things considered, I'd think that this is still a rather good gift especially for women dating or engaged to men about to enter into pastoral ministry.

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