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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful, Inspiring, and Helpful!!!, September 12, 2003
"Sins of a Father" is an incredible book. Kitty Chappell has the rare sensitivity to share the horrors of her childhood without sensationalism and with restraint, telling just enough to help us understand her message. The message...this is what sets her story apart from so many other books dealing with childhood abuse. This is the story of how Kitty, and how any of us, can rise above difficult circumstances. It is not just about "enduring" and "making it through" our problems. It is about what comes next. How do we restore wholeness, joy, love, and mercy to our spirits? How do we truly forgive those who hurt us? My husband and I read this book just as another family dispute with our parents erupted, and Kitty's words rang true in every respect. We underlined and discussed each of her ideas as we read, applying them to our own situation. After twenty years mired in family conflict, she gave us concrete, positive, and loving ways to move forward. So many books offer suggestions on conflict and forgiveness, but the "modern" way seems to center on finding out who to blame for our pain. Too many books seem to encourage forgiveness in a general way, but then reinforce how badly we've been treated and how right we are to be angry. "Hold onto the hurt, but forgive them anyway, even if they don't deserve it." Kitty shows a better way. And she gives concrete I-can-do-these suggestions that we can apply right now. Her suggestions are working for us. Anyone who struggles with difficult people and with a difficult past can learn much from her wisdom, her experience, and her honesty. This book is wonderful!
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