Chelsea Patterson Sobolik

On Faith and Life

On faith and life

My aim is to point people to the abundant life that's found by deeply loving God and loving one another.

Who am I?

I’m Chelsea Patterson Sobolik!

I’m so glad you’ve stopped by my little corner of the internet. Thank you. There are many places and spaces you could be right now, and I count it an honor that you’re here.

My aim is to point people to the abundant life that’s found by deeply loving God and loving one another.

I live and work in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., with my husband Michael. We are finalizing the adoption of our son from India. I was adopted internationally and care deeply about vulnerable children, domestic and abroad.

By day, I’m the Director of Government Relations at World Relief, a global Christian humanitarian organization and the largest Evangelical refugee resettlement in the U.S. At World Relief, we seek to empower the local church to serve the most vulnerable and I work on public policies that touch internationally displaced people, refugees and migrants.

Previously, I worked for the largest Evangelical adoption agency, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and on Capitol Hill.

My writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, National Review Christianity Today,The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, and other outlets.

In my first book Longing for Motherhood: Holding On to Hope in the Midst of Childlessness, I share vulnerably about my own journey of childlessness and how I have ultimately come to view my story through the lens of Scripture and our hope in Christ. I’ve sought to fill the book with an honest view of pain and loss, coupled with eternal and real hope!

My next book Called to Cultivate: A Gospel Vision for Women and Work releases on October 3! You can preorder now! I wrote this book because I believe all women have a vital role to play in the flourishing of the church, their communities, and the kingdom of God through their work.

IMG 0595 - A Prayer for 2021

Longing for Motherhood

Childlessness remains a taboo topic in today’s culture, especially in Christian circles. Many women feel isolated, ashamed, or uncertain of how to reconcile this trial with a loving God. The death of the dream of motherhood—whether from infertility, barrenness, miscarriage, or the loss of a child—is one of the hardest journeys women can walk through.

In Longing for Motherhood: Holding Onto Hope in the Midst of Childlessness,  I share vulnerably about my own journey of childlessness and how I ultimately come to view my story through the lens of Scripture and our hope in Christ. I discuss suffering and longing, and the comfort we have in knowing that the Lord is sovereign overall, and that His love is sufficient to carry us through any and every situation.

Kind Words for "Longing for Motherhood"

Karen Swallow Prior

"Children are a gift of the Lord, and a good gift indeed.  But God does not give every gift to all people. In offering practical and biblical ways for churches and individuals to support, comfort, and even celebrate the childless among us, Longing for Motherhood is also a gift. This book reminds us that the childless are part of God’s family, too."

Karen Swallow Prior, author of On Reading Well and Fierce Convictions--The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer Abolitionist

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik
2018-09-12T17:22:41+00:00

Karen Swallow Prior, author of On Reading Well and Fierce Convictions--The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer Abolitionist

"Children are a gift of the Lord, and a good gift indeed.  But God does not give every gift to all people. In offering practical and biblical ways for churches and individuals to support, comfort, and even celebrate the childless among us, Longing for Motherhood is also a gift. This book reminds us that the childless are part of God’s family, too."

Gary Chapman

"I have known Chelsea for most of her life.  I am thrilled that she has chosen to share her story with a view to helping others who walk the road of childlessness.  This is not a book of platitudes, but a realistic picture of the pain, anguish, and deep sorrow of being unable to bear a child.  The darkness of the valley is real. Having walked the valley, Chelsea points to the hope that is found in the understanding arms of Jesus.  I highly recommend this book not only for ladies who walk this road, but for pastors and other church leaders who want to have a positive ministry to this part of God’s family."

Gary D. Chapman, Ph.D. Author of The Five Love Languages

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik
2018-09-12T17:30:44+00:00

Gary D. Chapman, Ph.D. Author of The Five Love Languages

"I have known Chelsea for most of her life.  I am thrilled that she has chosen to share her story with a view to helping others who walk the road of childlessness.  This is not a book of platitudes, but a realistic picture of the pain, anguish, and deep sorrow of being unable to bear a child.  The darkness of the valley is real. Having walked the valley, Chelsea points to the hope that is found in the understanding arms of Jesus.  I highly recommend this book not only for ladies who walk this road, but for pastors and other church leaders who want to have a positive ministry to this part of God’s family."

Daniel Darling

"Few understand the crushing weight of childlessness and it's lingering pain and sorrow. Fewer still have the courage to share about their struggles in such a poignant and beautiful way as Chelsea does. Her journey, as an adopted Romanian child thru the difficult reality of her own infertility, is one of strength and grace. You should read this book, not only so you can see in Chelsea an example of faith in Christ, but so you can help bear the burdens of those who struggle with infertility. This is a resource you will want to linger over and then give liberally to others."

Daniel Darling, Vice-President of Communications for ERLC, author of The Dignity Revolution

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik
2018-09-12T17:31:29+00:00

Daniel Darling, Vice-President of Communications for ERLC, author of The Dignity Revolution

"Few understand the crushing weight of childlessness and it's lingering pain and sorrow. Fewer still have the courage to share about their struggles in such a poignant and beautiful way as Chelsea does. Her journey, as an adopted Romanian child thru the difficult reality of her own infertility, is one of strength and grace. You should read this book, not only so you can see in Chelsea an example of faith in Christ, but so you can help bear the burdens of those who struggle with infertility. This is a resource you will want to linger over and then give liberally to others."

Katelyn Beaty

"I'm so grateful that Chelsea has shared her story with candor, clarity, and care for her reader. This book is a balm for those experiencing the loss of a dream and needing reminders of God's great, personal care. Whether or not childlessness is your particular story, may you find reminders of the goodness of God throughout these pages."

Katelyn Beaty, editor at large, Christianity Today, author, A Woman's Place

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik
2018-09-12T17:32:04+00:00

Katelyn Beaty, editor at large, Christianity Today, author, A Woman's Place

"I'm so grateful that Chelsea has shared her story with candor, clarity, and care for her reader. This book is a balm for those experiencing the loss of a dream and needing reminders of God's great, personal care. Whether or not childlessness is your particular story, may you find reminders of the goodness of God throughout these pages."

Danny Akin

“God will use this book to bring healing and hope to many. Its honesty is very refreshing. In the midst of her own sorrow, pain and lots of questions, many still unanswered, Chelsea points us again and again to the God who heals our souls, shows Himself mighty and can be trusted no matter what we may face in this life. I am so grateful she has shared her story with us. Of one thing I am certain, I will share this book again and again.”

Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik
2018-09-12T17:33:06+00:00

Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“God will use this book to bring healing and hope to many. Its honesty is very refreshing. In the midst of her own sorrow, pain and lots of questions, many still unanswered, Chelsea points us again and again to the God who heals our souls, shows Himself mighty and can be trusted no matter what we may face in this life. I am so grateful she has shared her story with us. Of one thing I am certain, I will share this book again and again.”
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Chelsea Patterson Sobolik

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