Growing
up in a dysfunctional family is common. Learning how to live an
emotionally healthy life now may not be so common. Oates desires that
readers would be able to grieve the past, be equipped to deal with
the present, and be encouraged to build a healthy future.
The
section I appreciated most in this book was that dealing with the
past. She helps us understand how our memories shape our identity and
our view of God. She helped me identify triggers from the past and
baggage I am lugging along. She has teaching and questions for
reflection to help us uproot the patterns of dysfunction. She writes
about good coping skills, boundaries, conflict management,
forgiveness, and much more.
One
of Oates's passions is marriage. Much of the content of the teaching
on the present and the future deal with marriage and family
relationships. As an unmarried woman, I found that focus rather
narrow and would have liked broader teachings in those areas. I did
like how she handled submission in marriage. She suggests one's
husband enter into the discussion if he is willing. I also liked her
section on communication, learning ways to communicate other than one's family used.
I
do recommend this book to wives who desire to understand the
influence of their birth family and build a healthy marriage
relationship and family. You'll be asked to answer lots of questions
with plenty of space in the book to record answers.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Elizabeth
Oates is cofounder and vice president of Project Restoration
Ministry. She and her husband are raising their children in Waco,
Texas, where she blogs and mentors women who've experienced
brokenness in their family tree. You can find out more at
http://www.elizabethoates.com/.
Kregel
Publications, 240 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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