Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Become a Peace Making Woman, July 6, 2005
This review is from: Peacemaking Women: Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict (Paperback)
The moment I started reading this book, I got excited. For the first time, I found two women who struggled through some of the same seemingly hopeless situations with conflict resolution to find a deeper intimacy at the end of them. What surprised me is that most of the conflict that I was experiencing came from not realizing that I did not have to do "good works" to be accepted by Christ Jesus. They set me straight on His unfailing love - it was not going to go away when I had a bad day.
Another surprise awaited me as I read deeper into the book - many of my conflicts came because I was worshipping other things and not God. The authors call this an "idolatrous heart". Oh, now that sounded scary to this Christian God-fearing women! Not me? Frown. Oh, yes, me! I found that there are times when I worship my image of God, but not God Himself. When my expectations of God did not measure up I started getting angry and depressed - conflict. Throught reading this book, I learned how to recognize the things that had become idols in my heart and find true peace by turning back to worshipping the Lord. I can't say that it's been easy along the way. I stumble and fall. And still do! I even find that since I've been reading this book that conflicts seem to be on the increase. The good news is is that my perspective towards conflict has changed. I see it as a "revealer" of what is truly in my heart and a time to set my heart to finding His peace in each situation that arises. They have included at the end of each chapter some questions and additional Scriptures to flesh out. If you are like me - stumbling along in your relationships with others - than you might want to take the time to read this book. You will want to give it to all the women you know because it is as Ken Sande says in the intro- "Lifechanging." I also suggest that if you don't like to read, order their tapes and listen to them while you're driving in your car or doing dishes. Tara has a great sense of humor and is full of care for women! Which ever way you choose- you'll be on your way to establishing peace wherever you go.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hope for Resolving Conflict, February 17, 2007
This review is from: Peacemaking Women: Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict (Paperback)
This is a great book both for personal reading and growth and for a group study. It is very Biblical with most of the scripture written out (meaning that I actually get all of it read!) The questions at the end of each chapter are not superficial but force you to look into your own heart rather than just lightly answer a question.
There are many strengths to this book. It has two authors from different perspectives--a lawyer and a counselor. I'm sure it didn't make for an easy time in writing the book, but the outcome is probably much better than if either one individually had written it. Their open, vulnerable sharing throughout the book brings an honesty not often found in christian books. I found it quite refreshing. One of my serendipitous chapters was "Female Leaders with Powerful Personalities". I enjoyed reading that both from the perspective of someone with a strong personality AND from the perspective of a pastor's wife who has served in a variety of settings and seen more than one female leader who caused a lot of disruption in the church. I wish I had seen some of that information and perspective in writing long before now.
The heart of the book is dealing with God and who He is, our idolatrous hearts and biblical peacemaking (with one another). How it works out in suffering, romantic love, families, the Church,and dealing with personal shame, depression or fear. The book moves along pretty well without getting bogged down despite the heavy topics. The many personal illustrations, clear explanations, and different than usual ways of explaining some of the topics kept my attention well.
The final ingredient in the book that I found very helpful was the bibliography at the end of each chapter. I often find in books on a variety of topics that I would like to read a little more in certain areas but don't have any idea where to go. This was particularly helpful and I came across some unexpected authors.
You won't regret reading this book and will be glad you bought it because the concepts found in it are counter-intuitive. They won't come easily and you will need to refer back for help as you start to put them into practice.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The tools and biblical rationale for resolving conflict, August 24, 2005
This review is from: Peacemaking Women: Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict (Paperback)
Conflict is an inevitable fact of life, and while a small segment of people thrive on perpetuating it, others seek to avoid it at all costs. Neither extreme provides healthy, lasting relationships. The answer lies in resolving conflicts. Without the proper tools, however, this could lead to one side simply "giving in" only to harbor a resentment, keeping handy to use when the next conflict arises. PEACE MAKING WOMEN does an excellent and thorough job of providing not only the necessary tools but the Biblical rationale behind them as well.
God's senses of humor and irony are demonstrated as the authors confess the conflicts they faced while writing this book. Many will recognize this phenomenon that seems to happen whenever we start to teach on a certain topic. It seems that God allows us to experience the problem firsthand, which definitely lends authenticity to our work. Perhaps it is His gentle way of reminding us that He, not we, has all the answers.
In this case, the authors were able to demonstrate that the tools they were advocating really do work; that God's principles and truths are practical, useful and indispensable. Despite unrelenting pain and circumstances that threatened to scuttle the book and their friendship, God remained true. And, out of the ashes of their dead relationship, He brought new life. He created not only a better, stronger friendship but enhanced the lives of two individuals by filling them with love and grace based on the foundation of His love.
Tara Barthel and Judy Dabler describe how this incredible process begins with a peaceful relationship with God Himself. For many that will be a quantum leap that has never been taken. How does one presume to have a personal relationship with the awesome, omniscient Creator God? As in any relationship, you get to know Him. He reveals His character through His words, the words that are written down for all to study in the Bible. And, despite the seemingly complex nature of the Bible, it is simply captured in the greatest commandment of all: Love one another, even as I have loved you. Is there a more profound mantra anywhere?
PEACE MAKING WOMEN is not a little self-help book to be perused for quick fixes. Rather it is a key that allows you to enter a place where you can gather the tools you need to live a richer, more peaceful and fulfilled life. Just as peace is not merely the absence of war, a peace-filled life is not merely one with the absence of conflict. It is one filled with love, kindness, trust and compassion. What a wonderful Bible study it would make, complete with thought-provoking questions at the end of each segment.
(...)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
