For this month’s resource recommendation, I read Boundaries (When to say YES and when to say NO to take control of your life) by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.
What is it about: Christians often focus so much on being loving and giving that they forget their own limitations and neglect to create margins. This book will show you how to set healthy boundaries with your parents, spouses, children, friends, coworkers, and even yourself. Boundaries are personal property lines that define who you are and who you are not, and influence all areas of your life. Drs. Cloud and Townsend show you how to bring new health to your relationships. You’ll discover firsthand how sound boundaries give you the freedom to walk as the loving, giving, fulfilled individual God created you to be.
Why did I read it: At HopeQuest, we offer our clients this book as a part of their journey to healing and restoration. Having boundaries, especially healthy ones, is typically a completely foreign idea to our clients. Learning about how to express yourself to others and set safe, healthy guidelines on your life is a necessity. This book is a life changer!
Favorite idea: “Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me. A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins, leading me to sense of ownership. Knowing what I am to own and take responsibility for gives me freedom; and taking responsibility for my life open up many different options.”
