BOOK REVIEW

Book Review

Book Review

Introduction

This book has the usual Christian self-help information about forgiveness, taking relational risks, and embracing life. The author puts forth "Ten Decisions That Will Transform Your Life & Ten Lies That Can Prevent You From Making Them." It all sounds good and comforting, but does it really work? I ask that question because of the reason I was drawn to this book. While skimming through it, I discovered Mr. Arterburn's revelation of his recent divorce. That took me aback. Mr. Arterburn has written many books in the Christian self-help genre, and I've enjoyed (and gave good reviews to) a couple of them. But it seems that the answers he provides to his readers didn't work for him. From chronic physical pain to deep emotional hurts, we are all, at some level, in need of healing. And healing, writes author Stephen Arterburn, is a choice, although not our choice-it is God's choice. While that may lead us to understand that healing is out of our hands, there are several things we do or believe that can stand in the way of God's healing in our lives. Describing ten choices we can make, and the corresponding ten lies that we must reject, Arterburn outlines the plan for opening our lives to God's divine touch. For example, to be receptive to God's healing, we must make the choice to feel; but we often buy into the lie that we need something to help numb the pain. Likewise, we can choose to embrace reality; but we often falsely believe that if we act as if nothing is wrong, the problem will go away. (Arterburn 2007)

Healing on all levels-spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical-is a miraculous gift from God; but it is a function of our own decisions and beliefs as well. When we make the right choices, and reject the lies, we can find the way to wholeness again. This was the issue I had with "Healing is a Choice:" how does someone write self-help books for others while crashing and burning in his own personal life? Mr. Arterburn answers that question by claiming he compartmentalized his life by disconnecting relationally. He was at ease dispensing advice by speaking to crowds, talking on the radio, and writing books. In these venues, he could keep his distance. However, when it came to one-on-one relationships that required vulnerability, he was unable to put his advice into practice. He married a woman who enabled his dysfunction, and eventually their marriage imploded. (Arterburn 2007)

Discussion

Every person makes choices. Some are major and imposing, while others seem insignificant and inconsequential. Still, each individual --- no matter how discouraged, hopeless, or dejected he or she might feel --- has the opportunity to effect positive, life-enhancing change in his or her life. This principle holds true for those struggling to recover from infidelity, divorce, bankruptcy, illness, job loss, familial estrangement, or abuse. Author/counselor/radio host Stephen Arterburn teaches readers practical methodology for making biblically sound decisions that will change their lives for ...