I received a digital copy of “A Family Shaped by Grace” by Gary Morland through NetGalley in exchange for a review. These are my honest opinions. Affiliate links for the book are included below. Purchasing the book through these links may give me a commission without further cost to you.
I first heard of Gary Morland because of his daughters, Myquillyn and Emily, bloggers and writers I follow. I also knew of him the HopeWriters podcast he has with his daughters. But I didn’t know his story. I didn’t know his heart. In Gary’s new book A Family Shaped by Grace, we get to see both.
Gary grew up in a dysfunctional family that carried over to his own. He wrote candidly about the destructive patterns he learned and eventually lived out. He showed us how history repeated itself, and what it took to break the cycle in his own family. He then gave tools we can use to break the disharmony in our own families.
I enjoyed the blend of inspirational and practical insights Gary shared in this book. His “Everyday Tactics of Family Disharmony” and “Timeless Tools of Family Peace” were helpful in looking at family in a different perspective. It’s often harder to step into the shoes of those closest to us. Gary’s insights in this book helped make that step easier.
Gary first challenged readers to look within them and find true peace in Jesus. I loved that he made this point several times because if we want to correct or heal or better the broken parts in our families, we first need to correct, heal, and better ourselves. That’s best done not by our strength, but by the strength, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ. It starts with us, and Gary showed us, through his own story, how this is very true.
Then Gary challenged readers to rethink the way they think about family and different family members. It was indeed a challenge, but one that brings a refreshing perspective to family relationships and interactions.
A Family Shaped by Grace was both easy and challenging to read. It was easy because Gary was clear and concise. It was challenging for the sole fact that family is challenging. This book will make you take a good, honest look at yourself and your family. If you want to change something about your family dynamics, this is the book for you but get ready to roll up your sleeves and work. By Gary’s own experience, however, we know it’s worth it.
I recommend this book for anyone who wants a positive change for their family. Even if you’re not married or a parent, this book will help you look at the family you grew up in and recognize any destructive patterns or Tactics of Family Disharmony that have carried onto your own life and might carry onto your future family.
Book Title: A Family Shaped by Grace
Author: Gary Morland
Publisher: Revell (June 6, 2017)
