The Beauty of Broken - Are you exhausted by the fairy-tale idea that following Jesus will mean our families won’t suffer? That a parenting formula can guarantee our children will turn out okay? That our families will be immune from being broken because we love God? In The Beauty of Broken, Elisa Morgan, one of today’s most respected female Christian leaders, shares for the first time her very personal story of brokenness—from her family of origin to her family of creation, represented by her husband and two grown children. Over the years, Elisa’s family struggled privately with issues many parents must face, including:
Alcoholism and drug addiction
Infertility and adoption
Teen pregnancy and abortion
Divorce
Homosexuality and death
Each story layers onto the next to reveal the brokenness that comes into our lives without invitation. “We’ve bought into the myth of the perfect family,” says Elisa. “Formulaic promises about the family may have originated in well-meaning intentions, but such thinking isn’t realistic. It’s not helpful. It’s not even kind.” Elisa offers hope in the form of “broken family values” that allow parents to grow and thrive with God. Values such as commitment, humility, relinquishment, and respect carry us to new places of understanding. Owning our brokenness shapes us into God’s best idea for us to discover the beauty in ourselves and each member of our families.
The Family You’ve Always Wanted - Marriage and family expert Dr. Gary Chapman offers answers in The Family You’ve Always Wanted. He digs deep into five key characteristics that help create a healthy, nurturing family environment:
A heart for service
Husbands and wives who relate intimately
Parents who guide their children
Children who obey and honor parents
Husbands who love and lead
In this updated and revised edition of Five Signs of a Loving Family, readers will find great advice, useful tips, and amazing insight into family dynamics illustrated by stories from Chapman’s own family and his counseling experience. Hands-on assessments, questions, and opportunities for deeper discussion offer practical steps to strengthen your family. Begin today building the family you’ve always wanted!