Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas

Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls by Gary L. Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Gary Thomas has written a thought provoking book that goes beyond the how-to's of parenting to the deeper issues of how parenting shapes us spiritually. I appreciated his open and honest sharing from his own life as he presented his ideas of how parenting is not just a responsibility but rather an opportunity for great spiritual growth.

I set this book down with a renewed hope toward the big, small, and daily challenges that come with being a parent as I gained a clearer focus on the the big picture of the gift of parenting. Thomas probes the hardest moments of parenting and does not dance lightly but pushes deeper into how the average days carry such a weight in the view of eternity. My favorite chapter was the one titled Joy! which challenged me to pray not "Lord change them!", but rather "Lord, change me!".

Sacred Parenting should be mandatory for every parent or parent-to-be to read. It provides hope and conviction in one dose. While it is a heavier read that offers a lot to ponder, it is also sprinkled with some very humorous stories both personal and second hand that bring a lightness to this stimulating volume.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Parenting is a school for spiritual formation—and our children are our teachers. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Gary Thomas turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change us. You’ll be encouraged by stories that tell how other parents handled the challenges and difficulties of raising a godly family. Grow closer to Christ and your children as you learn to:?

-Freely enjoy your kids for who they are.
-Build a closer, grace-based family.
-Reduce the pressure felt for your kids to turn out perfect.
-Manage anger and negative responses towards your child’s behavior.
-Increase your sense of worth and respect as a parent.