Reviewed by: Hope Bolinger, a professional writing major at Taylor University. 

Introduction

Title: A Family Shaped by Grace: How to Get Along with the People Who Matter Most

Author: Gary Morland

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: 2017

Format: Print book

Length: 220 pages

OVERVIEW

Families seldom meet expectations. Perhaps our fathers taught us to approach balancing our checkbooks with defeatist attitudes. Perchance we want to shift the direction of our families toward a happier, less-stressful state than the present, but, instead, we shift the blame for why we miss the mark of perfection. No matter what sort of fast-paced current your family must beat against in the river of life, Morland presents some practical and timeless tools to help your family return to its proper course. Using examples of dysfunction in his own life and how he managed to overcome conflict, Morland encourages the reader that change does not begin inside another member of your household. It starts with you.

Morland hooks the reader in the beginning with his conversational tone and spirit of humility. His tools—ranging from overcoming Prayer Warrior Syndrome to dealing with the hardest-to-get-along family members—give his audience realistic ways to handle frustrating family situations. The repetitive nature of the book was a bit disappointing for he does not appear to assert much new information past the first few chapters. However, just about every household in America could benefit from his conflict management advice.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4 stars

Suggested Audience

Families striving for healed relationships and less conflict.

Christian Impact

Christian Impact: God placed us into our families for a purpose. One of the easiest (and hardest) ways to practice Christ-like love comes into play with those closest to us. If we want to see change in our families, we need to trust in God to work through us to impact our children, spouses, and parents for the better.

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