"Reading the unique perspectives of both mother and child is powerful. Moreover, the love that flows throughout this book makes even the most difficult experiences hope-filled and encouraging. I cannot recommend Different enough!" ---Shawna Wingert, author of Everyday Autism Mental illnesses are not casserole diseases. Well-meaning folks dont show up on your porch with a covered dish and a shoulder to cry on when your child is struggling with mental illness. But you wish they would. With this book, Sally Clarkson offers weary moms the nourishing feast for which they are starved. With equal parts empathy and wisdom, she breathes hope into the lives of parents who daily labor to lovingly raise outside-the-box children. Nathan grants us unprecedented, invaluable insight into the mind of the child as he grows. Sally assures us that though we will certainly be challenged, humbled, and humiliated, this story is not about us, but about being faithful to God to raise a uniquely challenged and challenging child. With warm understanding, she gives us tangible tools and healthy, hearty food for the journey. (Elizabeth Foss, Mother of nine, author of Small Steps for Catholic Moms)Sally has protected her family by keeping certain stories hidden from the public sphere until now. In Different, we are offered a vulnerable look behind the curtain into the story of a son with mental illness and a mother who fought to love well even when it felt impossible. The stories and truths in Different have not been shared before, and they will absolutely bring hope and freedom to those who struggle with their different children and think, I cant do this; its just too hard. If you have an outside-the-box child, this is a must-read. (Sarah Mae, Coauthor of Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe)Raw and uplifting, this book is the assurance for weary moms everywhere: You dont have to feel inadequate or alone anymore. We all long to see our outside-the-box children as blessings, but sometimes that feels impossible. This book gives us the grace to struggle through it. Thank you, Nathan and Sally. Both of you are brave and beautiful. (Sarah Mackenzie, Author of Teaching from Rest and creator of the Read-Aloud Revival)In Different, Sally Clarkson invited me to pursue Gods heart for my own outside-the-box child. Her seasoned and experienced words lifted this mamas eyes off What could be wrong with my child? or What could be wrong with me? and on to Christ and all the possibilities of His beauty and power in the life of a person. This is a message for every parents heart. I recommend these pages both to those who feel like they have outside-the-box children and to those whose children color within the lines. (Sara Hagerty, Author of Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet)Sallys and Nathans voices are needed in this day and age of parenting. This book was an encouragement for me on so many levels, as a mama, friend, and woman in ministry. Both Sally and Nathan display the love and grace of Jesus toward each other, and that is a message that transfers to people all over the world. (Jamie Ivey, Host of The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast)I have watched the ministries of Sally and Nathan over the years, and Im thrilled to see how God has used a different boy to bless so many. This is a book of hope and inspiration told through the eyes of a mom who, like so many parents today, must deal with the day-to-day challenges of working with a unique and special child. (Dr. Scott Turansky, Cofounder of the National Center for Biblical Parenting)As a mother of two outside-the-box children, I found myself tearing up and nodding my head in agreement as I read Different. In the end, I felt so very grateful for this book. Sally and Nathan are both vulnerable and real as they describe the day-to-day life of a different child. Reading the unique perspectives of both mother and child is powerful. Moreover, the love that flows throughout this book makes even the most difficult experiences hope-filled and encouraging. I cannot recommend Different enough! (Shawna Wingert, Author of Everyday Autism and Special Education at Home)For decades, Sally Clarkson has been a strong, wise guide for families. In Different, she is more vulnerable than ever before, recording a memoir of moving through a refining experience and sharing her notes from the journey. She and her son Nathan recount this ongoing struggle with faith-affirming honesty, offering insight and hope for families who face similarly bewildering battles. An at-times-painful story, Different is honest about Sallys and Nathans progress without ending in a neat and tidy total victory. Instead, the book invites us into a faithful, resolved embrace of the story God is weaving even through the most painful and perplexing of our weaknesses. (S. D. Smith, Author of The Green Ember)About the AuthorSally Clarkson is involved in ongoing discipleship and teaching ministries for women, parents, homeschooling mothers, and Christian mothers and their children. She is the author of numerous books and articles on Christian motherhood and parenting and leads WholeHearted Mother conferences.Nathan Clarkson is an actor, author, and artist. He has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and national commercials.Virginia Wolf is a Connecticut-based actress and radio personality. In addition to appearing on stage throughout the state, she hosts a weekly radio show on arts and entertainment and is founder of Herstory Theater.Rudy Sanda is a versatile actor, singer, voice-over artist, and fight choreographer. He has appeared on stage and screen in the United States and England, including productions at Laguna Playhouse, Ivoryton Playhouse, and Ocean State Theatre. Rudy holds a BFA in acting from the University of Rhode Island.Coming soon... can you download books for free Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful. Fresh perspectiveBy HeatherEncouraging and inspiring, this story of a mother's struggle to help her son is truly unique. Told by both Nathan and Sally Clarkson, we get a fresh perspective on what perseverance and love look like in the midst of a struggle.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Clarkson LoverBy Theresa McLaughlinThis is the story of a mother who loves her son. It's the kind of mother that we wish we all would have had and are all invited to be. As a mother of three boys I have read many children's psychology books looking for the answers on how to help my boys become acclimated people. This book helped give me settle into peace that I don't need to control everything, but that it's okay that my boys and I are outside the box. I am so thankful for this testimony of faithfulness.24 of 26 people found the following review helpful. Don't Miss This BookBy R. ContrerasHaving a different child is difficult - no doubt about it, but a gift as well. If you have ever questioned why or just had a fleeting thought about how could God expect you to parent such a child - then you NEED this precious book. These different children have so much to offer in this world that expects us to "just fit in". Buy this book you will be encouraged beyond your expectations. Thank you Sally and Nathan for opening up to share your story with us.