Average Rating:

Rating : - Balanced Resource
Proverbs 31: 10-12, the basis for this work, quotes the mother of Lemuel, King of Massa, giving her son guidance on choosing an appropriate bride. Chosen and Cherished, based on these sections from Proverbs, grew out of bible study Kimberly Hahn has offered for years to Franciscan University students. The verses describe the worthy wife as more valuable than pearls, an unfailing prize, and one who brings good rather than evil to her husband.

Each of the six parts takes its title from a verse in Proverbs 31 and is broken into two chapters that feature Hahn's experiences as wife and mother, additional Scripture passages, and Church teachings. This structure provides an opportunity for Hahn to address such issues as premarital sex, adultery, divorce, contraception, and abortion. She also offers practical advice and stories to illustrate the principles at hand. In the chapter What Really Counts, Hahn contrasts "behavior fit for a prostitute a century ago (that) now parades across the TV screen" with qualities she observes in her mother and other older women who exemplify "godly womanliness." A section on pursuing purity in A Woman of Worth lists guidelines to help unmarried persons avoid near occasions of sin. The chapter on the sanctity of marriage discusses the role of parents in supporting the marriages of their adult children. It contains a series of bullet points under the headings quality time, physical touch and closeness, gift giving, and words of affirmation.

Overall, this is a balanced resource, tackling issues head on while affirming and reaffirming the immense rewards for couples who, with faith, hope, love, and prayer, live their commitment to the vocation of marriage.