My Devotional Thoughts: "Break Through" by Tim Clinton and Pat Springle Book Review

Friday, June 22, 2012

"Break Through" by Tim Clinton and Pat Springle Book Review

Book Summary (from goodreads): When does true love give in? When does true love push back? "Break Through" shows you how to love and how to set effective limits so that everybody wins.Most of our relationships may be healthy and satisfying, but we often have one or two important people who change the rules and drive us crazy--a deadbeat dad, an alcoholic spouse, a wayward child, a demanding boss, a lazy roommate. Leading Christian counselor Tim Clinton and noted author Pat Springle, help you: - Identify why you gravitate toward unhealthy relationships- Redefine love, trust--and your responsibility to the people you care about- Learn which choices and behaviors cause relationship troubles- Experience the freedom of forgivenessLearn to say yes when you want to and no when you need to. Give up your need to please, rescue, fix, or control anyone else. Study questions, checklists, and inspirational stories help you find the moment when you break through to the loving, healthy relationships with the people who matter most.

Break Through: When to Give In, How to Push Back: The Moment that Changes Everything by Tim Clinton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was completely impressed with this Biblically-based book about healthy relationships. And I don't mean just marital relationships, but all relationships. The authors give you practical tips on how to transform your relationships(and predominantly you)into what God wants them (and you) to be.

The thing that impressed me more than anything was that the Bible was continually consulted as the primary source. So often in Christian counseling, there is too much emphasis on secular self-help strategies. The authors continued to bring us back to what Jesus did on this earth and what the apostle Paul wrote in his epistles. They do bring in other sources by various Christian theologians and even non-Christians, but everything is measured against the world.

I did see some of myself and others in my sphere of influence. I plan to go back and do a rereading of various sections so I can apply many of their principles. In the end, it is good to know that in my experience, I am not alone. There are others who feel my pain and have walked in similar circumstances. And it is possible to change with the help of God.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever had difficulties in a relationship. Isn't that everyone?

I was sent of a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

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About the Author

Dr. Tim Clinton, LPC, LMFT, is president of the nearly 50,000-member American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and founder of Light University Online, which has over 160,000 students enrolled. He is also the professor of counseling and executive director of the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University.