This is a book about prodigal children, who have left home for many different reasons. The author begins the book by aptly saying " Never Give Up!"
There is a list of reasons why young adults rebel: drugs, alcohol, pornography, divorce, and same sex relationships. The author tells of not thinking that any of her children would be a prodigal as they were raised in a Christian home. She tells of her relationship with her daughter, who is attracted to women, how her daughter identified with her Dad and how he dressed and acted and that she identified with men because they have more power than women do.
She told of how God told her to love her daughter and show her how she was there for her instead of judging her.
She met her daughter's girlfriend and liked her and how her daughter relaxed after that encounter. The daughter understood how her parents felt about her lifestyle, she did not expect them to change their beliefs.
There are also stories and quotes from other parents who have prodigals who feel like a failure as a parent and blame themselves for their child's problems.
The author shares the thoughts and prayers that she gives to God, asking Him to forgive them for any part they had in their child's rebellion and to release any chains of rebellion around their child and to draw them to Jesus.
This book would be very helpful to any parent of a prodigal who needs to know they are not alone and that there are ways to connect to their prodigal.

This book was hard to follow, however, that was because of the way it was written. The author dealt honestly with the heartache and encouragement of prodigals.

I received this book free from the publisher for purpose of review.

Messy Journey

How Grace & Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home



by Lori Wildenberg

New Hope Publishers



Christian

Pub Date 01 May 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Messy Journey through New Hope Publishers and Netgalley:

Lori Wildenberg reminds us in this book that life is not a straight line. We are reminded that Jesus does not want us to fear but to be grave, which can be hard if you are a parent with a child in the throws of a full fledged rebellion.

When children disclose their situation, their lack of faith, or whatever rebellion they are in the throws off parents will often act like a deer in the headlights. The author points out too that we can accept another person without agreeing with them.

The examples in this book talk about everything from Sexuality, to lack of faith, to mental health issues. Many different types of rebellion are talked about.

I give Messy Journey five out of five stars.

Happy Reading...