Book Review: Grounded in Grace by Holmes

In an age of feelings-driven living, this is a much-needed book! Parents today need help and guidance to discuss the issue of identity. And if we are honest, we all build our identities on something. We can have open conversations about it or let the world inform our kids, either way, they are learning things by observation. This book has a great way of explaining how identities are formed and helps parents understand how and what they are doing when they present certain ideas and give them more weight than they should. For example, kids can learn to build their identity on many things, like what they are good at, but ultimately we need to have a grounded identity in Christ to truly thrive. And as parents, I do not think we often think that through too deeply. We typically just think all is well until it is not. Then we move into a panic mode and react. Or am I the only one who had to learn this the hard way? :)

Jonathan Holmes brings a lot of insight and categories where people can put a false sense of security in their formed identities outside of Christ. This is something we need to read, understand, and use to guide our kids. It is a much-needed work for our culture and our times. I think all parents should read it. 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review from the publisher at no charge.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon here.  

Book Review: Navigating Destructive Relationships by Hambrick

I recently had the privilege of reviewing this new resource, Navigating Destructive Relationships. I found it helpful for an individual for several reasons. I received a copy of this free of charge from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. 

1- There are corresponding videos that are made to go along with each section. 

2- There are short devotionals that will help someone think biblically and journal through their own issues with a destructive relationship. 

3- It makes it easy to work through a difficult subject for those who struggle to open up to others about it. It is important to have resources available for this. 

However, the better way to use this resource is with a small group. This is written for the purpose of being used in a group that Brad Hambrick calls G4 groups. They are support groups made for people struggling with specific issues of life. Go to bradhambrick.com to see all the group resources available.

This particular group would be for people in destructive relationships. There are questions at the end of each section that help aid group discussion over the material that was read throughout the week. It is helpful to be in a group for support and accountability. 

This resource has many assessments to help you evaluate many things one could be dealing with in the situation of living with or loving someone who is potentially destructive. I found it helpful and will recommend it to people that I counsel. I also appreciate that it has an appendix that discusses what to do if you are lacking safety in your environment and what to do if you need to facilitate an intervention with a loved one. 

Brad Hambrick writes like you are talking with a friend over coffee. He is filled with compassion and mercy. He makes helping a sufferer easy with helpful questions and wisdom. I highly recommend this resource.

You can get a copy from Amazon.com here.