Break Through by Tim Clinton and Pat Springle - REVIEWED

About the Book:( from Worthy Publishing)

When to Give In, How to Push Back. The Moment that Changes Everything

This book shows readers how to protect themselves from the controlling or irresponsible behaviors of others—spouses, parents, friends, or co-workers.  "Well, I guess he does have a good side.”... “You know, it’s probably my own fault.” ... “I need to cut him some slack, because he’s had a rough life.” It’s easy to get stuck in painful, even destructive relationships – caving in to a spouse’s addictions and consequent abuses, ignoring a live-at-home son’s inconsiderate behavior, or putting up with a supervisor’s manipulation or even harassment. We excuse them again and again, and then kick ourselves for not setting respectful boundaries. Break Through has a self-test to help readers get back in control and is filled with useful tools to help them make big changes in their life. This important book will show readers when to give in, but also when to push back for a happier, more stable life.

My Thoughts:

 “Crises seem utterly cataclysmic. The heartache and darkness of a crisis can be overwhelming, but God is the master of turning mourning into dancing, and darkness into light. If we step back, we might catch a glimpse of what He sees.” (p. 248-249) 


Break Through was a God appointment in my life. It has taught me valuable lessons about myself and how I interact with the world around me. It has helped me make sense of a series of crises in my own life, and I will be forever grateful for the insight and knowledge that I have gained from its pages. As a matter of fact, I plan to go back through the book yet again, more thoughtfully, more carefully and with another highlighter.

Clinton and Springle have poured years of knowledge and experience into the pages of this book, and it is a great tool for anyone to use to gain knowledge about God’s plan for human relationships. The Bible, as always, contains clear examples and illustrations of human relationship that honors God and human relationship that destroys and leaves great hurt in its wake. Sometimes, we are so habitual in the way we interact with others, we fail to see our own weaknesses and fail to realize how our choices and behavior bring harm to others. We must learn from our bad choices and behaviors and ask God to heal us in our brokenness and guide us into His light.

Rather than presenting their knowledge in dry, psychological terms, Clinton and Springle have written a book that is easy to understand and that asks poignant questions that really shine a bright light on behavior that is harmful to ourselves and others. They take the reader through a learning process that gives them to tools they need to learn a new and healthier way to interact and love the people God has placed in our lives.

I highly recommend this book! It has been a true God-send in my life, and I will be eternally grateful for the wisdom I have gained by reading this book.

About the Authors:

 
Dr. Tim Clinton, LPC, LMFT, is president of the nearly 50,000-member American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the founder of Light University Online, which has over 160,000 students enrolled. A licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist, he is also professor of counseling and executive director of the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University.

Pat Springle is the founder of Baxter Press and coauthor of the classic work Codependency. Pat served on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ and was an executive at Rapha Treatment Centers. Springle has authored and coauthored more than 50 books.