The biggest thing that makes Lysa Terkeurst’s writing so impactful is that she counters all of my own thoughts before I had time to think them.

I found that the the book relied on a lot of personal examples in Lysa’s life and not enough Scripture and Biblical truth to back up the statements she made throughout it. As you hear Lysa share her powerful story in her own words, you'll learn how to let go of bound-up resentment and overcome the resistance to forgiving people who aren’t willing to make things right.

In reality, though, it was a thief in disguise, out to steal every bit of closeness between me and those I love. Lysa TerKeurst is president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of six New York Times bestsellers, including Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. I’m a big fan of It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst, so I was super excited to get a copy of this book. But weeping with them and rejoicing with them does not mean trying to take control of their out-of-control choices and behaviors. If you are struggling with an event (or several) in your life, this is a great place to find some help with how to forgive and how to move on to happiness.

Her advice involves “collecting the dots” (knowing one’s story), “connecting the dots” (understanding the past and how it influences the present), and “correcting the dots” (changing perceptions to see things differently). Maturity is the evidence that a person allowed the hard stuff to work for them rather than against them. Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has been published in multiple publications such as CNN and Fox News online. There is an undeniable connection between what we really believe to be true about vertical forgiveness and our willingness to extend horizontal forgiveness. Throughout, TerKeurst reminds readers that “the goal with forgiveness isn’t perfection—it’s progress” and that none of it is possible without Jesus: “I am forgiven.The more humble we become, the quicker we desire to submit to God, resist the devil, and make sure the words we use contain godly wisdom and not bitterness and selfishness. This book does a beautiful job balancing scripture truth about forgiveness with sensitivity and acknowledgement of the deep emotions of hurt that so many books in this genre fail to accomplish.

When this one came out I was super excited but then started it, could not even finish our bible studies and this just turned me off. Each chapter is deep, challenging, and real--like sitting down with a friend and counselor at the same time. Numb it away: "Never am I closer to healing than when my feelings are strong enough to motivate me to attend to them. But in surprising ways, she’s discovered how to let go of bound-up resentment and overcome the resistance to forgiving people who aren’t willing to make things right.

I'm also aware TerKuerst ended up divorcing her husband after the publication of this title, so any positives she mentioned in her story feel inauthentic. Adding humility into the situation acknowledges the unfairness I have felt but affirms a trust in God to do what He needs to both in their hearts and mine. For anyone grasping for a hint of grace through forgiveness, this book will certainly be a blessing. I had high expectations for this book considering the topic of forgiveness, because Lord knows it’s very hard to forgive people and let go of hurt that’s caused.

My ability to heal cannot be conditional on them wanting my forgiveness but only on my willingness to give it. The other problem she used her separation with her husband as the center of this book and she leaves you not knowing how they came back together, you only know they did. God owes us nothing and nowhere does the Bible say anything about our wants and timeframes being met because we prayed about it. There's also a chapter entitled "Forgiving God", which communicates the implication that God sins when this is untrue. However, as hard as this seems, I think it’s harder to keep letting circumstances and complicated people kidnap my peace.New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst helps readers address how to stop suffering from what others have done to them while exploring what forgiveness is, what it isn't, and how to deal with difficult relationships. Please do not refuse a shipment or ignore requests from carriers regarding duty and/or tax liability charges. This book kept my attention and it has so much in it about what is actually going on with me in my life. By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions. Instead, I choose to place my trust in who He is and declare Him good in the midst of all the unknowns.