Book review: Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family by Michelle Anthony

Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family :Avoiding the 6 Dysfunctional Parenting Styles
by Michelle Anthony

   We've all had this moment, whether we recognize it or not. This attempt to take over the Director's chair. We grab a pen, write a script, and try to steer the story in the direction we think it should go. BUT...He's the only one who knows the characters, understands the plot line, and is weaving them all together toward the ending He intends. He hasn't hired us to write our on stories; He has cast us in HIS story. 
-from the first chapter of Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family

   This is a new book published by David C. Cook, January 2015. 
   I am always drawn to such practical books as this! For one thing, I am a part of a large family and for another thing, I hope to someday have a family of my own! As I read this extremely practical book, I was able to relate to many of the instances included. 
Although I am not a parent yet, I was able to see myself in a few of the dysfunctional parenting styles! That said, I do recommend this book for those who have younger siblings, as well as those who wish to have a family in the future. The sooner you start learning how to parent well, the better. Such Biblical truths can never be out of our realm.
   The author of this new paperback book is Michelle Anthony. Michelle is the vice president of Learning Resourches and Family Ministry Architect at David C Cook. The author of several books on similar topics as the one I am reviewing, Mrs. Anthony has over 25 years of experience in church ministry. She is a children's and family pastor at her church in Colorado. Personally, I don't condone the latter for women, but I spent some time researching Michelle's beliefs and stances on current issues and was relatively pleased with the articles she endorses.
Her new book, Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family is an excellent read, for both women and men. Men will not feel uncomfortable reading it since Mrs. Anthony doesn't take a leadership position in the book; rather she is humble and open with her writing. This is not a theology book; it is a useful book on parenting.
  I think most parents will greatly benefit from this book. The author not only addresses the many methods of dysfunctional parenting, she goes to the root and heart of the matter, explaining reasons why you as the parent may be parenting a certain way. She also mentions common and proven results of children who grew up with dysfunctional parenting. From the ''Can't say no'' parent to the ''Micro-managing parent'', Michelle Anthony covers 6 different dysfunctional parenting methods. Although I would hope this is not the case for every parent, you are sure to discover one of these methods which you have been practicing. With ''Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family'' you can not only identify the problems in your parenting, but by the grace of God, cure them!

Practical ''Reflect and Respond” questions and exercises follow up every chapter in order to help you, the reader completely understand and put into practice what you just learned. 


A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.