Monday, May 29, 2023

About the Book

Book: Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward

Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer

Genre: Non-fiction; Interpersonal Relations; Religion

Release date: April 13, 2023

WHY AM I SO MISUNDERSTOOD? I am only trying to do what is right! Of course, I forgive, but I can’t seem to get past the pain. God seems distant. Does he even care about me?

Do any of these questions hit close to home? It may surprise you that the underlying cause is often hidden unforgiveness. Our closest relationships, emotional health, and perhaps even our faith seem to be crumbling around us, but most of us have no idea that forgiveness is the way forward. If we are honest, we don’t even know what forgiveness is. We may have a vague idea that it has something to do with “forgetting” or “letting go” but would be hard-pressed to come up with a working definition. Worse yet, we have no idea how to practice forgiveness in a way that brings lasting relief from the hurt we carry. Most of us are not trying to hang on to the pain, but freedom is elusive.

Freedom from your pain is within reach! Forgiveness is not a vague, esoteric concept, nor is it a lofty, out-of-reach ideal. Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward digs into the biblical definition of forgiveness, tells real stories of real people who have found healing, clears up some huge misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, and teaches us how topractice forgiveness. If we do not address the wounds of our past, they will shape our future. God has provided a powerful tool to help us find freedom—forgiveness is the surprising way forward!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Mark Henderson received a Masters of Pastoral Counseling, was a licensed counselor, and served as a pastor of counseling for twenty years.

In Memory of Mark Henderson

Mark David Henderson, co-author of this book passed away from cancer as this book was being finalized. Mark was a loving husband, father, and friend. He touched lives all over the world through his counseling ministry and often said he had a front row seat to God’s miracles. He always made sure the individual knew it was God’s healing, and Mark was simply the servant. His desire was to take what he learned and share it with others, which is the reason for this book.

Michael Snuffer has ministered as a counselor for more than ten years. Mark and Mike founded Equip2CounselTM, a ministry dedicated to providing simple yet powerful counseling tools globally to ministers.

More from Michael

Challenging relationships, frustration with unfair treatment, bursts of anger, and disconnection from God are persistent problems for individuals who carry burdens from their past. Most are unaware unforgiveness is an underlying cause. Time, by itself, rarely brings healing. Instead, the wounds fester and become more painful. Many feel stuck and see no way forward to joy and peace. For most, forgiveness is the first step to healing.

Modern culture and thinking have muddled the meaning of forgiveness. Most don’t understand what forgiveness is or how to practice it. The result? Relief remains out of reach. Forgiveness is a powerful tool which brings healing and freedom.

Mark and I launched the Equip2Counsel™ ministry to provide powerful counseling tools which bring healing to hurting individuals around the world. We soon realized the limitations of in-person training and began to consider how written materials could extend the reach of these tools. We wrote Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward to provide a clear, step-by-step process. We wanted to share the stories of real people who found hope and healing through forgiveness. Whether you are a hurting individual or a counselor helping others, we hope many learn and apply the practice of forgiveness which brings freedom.

MY REVIEW

If there is one topic I think we all struggle with it would have to be forgiveness. I have read many books about this subject so getting to read this one was something I looked forward to. I like the way the book is structured and had illustrations from the Bible as well as stories from everyday people.

We can fall into the trap of our old lifestyle if we don’t continue to renew our minds daily with His Word. He tells us to forgive seventy times seven. It may be hard to forgive the person who has been critical to you all your life or the person who abused you. However God’s Word is very clear. We are to forgive and move on. Don’t allow the enemy to whisper in your ear that so and so did this to you or said hurtful things about you.

I think everyday is a challenge as we interact with other people. It is easy to become offended if we allow bitterness to set in. “Though we will be victims of mistreatment in our lifetime, God has given us choices in these situations.” Let God help us make wise choices instead of selfish choices that can lead to misunderstanding .

This book is very well written and has many chapters that cover topics we can all use to renew our mind. “Living at peace with everyone does not necessarily mean we need to be in relationship with everyone.” Put boundaries up so you can protect yourself from anything that is not of God. We need to love everyone but we don’t need to place ourselves in situations where we compromise our faith.

A very important chapter in the books talks about “How to Forgive .” It is a step by step tool that will help readers to forgive and not allow the enemy to remind them of that hurt again. One very important thing to remember is, “forgiveness is always your choice.” Forgiving allows us to experience freedom , but God does not force us to forgive.

I highly recommend this book to everyone and think it is an important tool for pastors to have on hand as they counsel people. It would be an asset to the church library and excellent as a Bible study.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.