The Hurting Parent: Help and Hope for Parents of Prodigals

by Margie M. Lewis, Gregg Lewis

Christian parents are not exempt from the struggle and heartbreak caused by rebellious children. This softcover version of the classic resource The Hurting Parent by Margie Lewis, written with her son, bestselling author Gregg Lewis, for the first time offers the rest of the story that inspired the original edition of this book. The Hurting Parent takes a realistic approach to the problems young people face today--peer pressure, easy access to drugs and alcohol, and cultural influences that pull them from their family's faith. The Lewises acknowledge there are no simple formulas or simple answers. But the biblical insight, emotional understanding, and practical encouragement they offer will be life changing. Written by a hurting parent for other hurting parents, this book, by ministering to hundreds of thousands of families over the past thirty years, has earned a prominent spot not only on the personal bookshelves of countless parents and their family and friends, but also on the professional shelves of pastors, youth ministers, and Christian counselors.

Genres: Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Stephen Mulder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Helpful and encouraging stories in this book. Not a lot of Scripture in it and chapter on acceptance needed more depth and clarity on our actual calling as Christians towards sons and daughters living in sin.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really was encouraged reading this book, and realized how many things 'wrong' as I was doing in regard to a wayward adult child. It was encouraging just to hear others going through similar challenges and how they dealt with things.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and very helpful. It is story-based, which is so encouraging.

[Debbie Oconnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read about parenting a prodigal child, and I have read quite a few of them. It was written by a woman who has lived through the excruciating pain of watching a child walk away from his family and God into the unknown. It also shares the stories of many parents in the church who have suffered this pain while feeling looked down upon, criticized and judged by those who should surround them with prayerful love and support. I read this book in about three days and now I am going back through it, answering the follow up questions at the end of the chapters, because I want to apply the wisdom within it to my own situation, and walk alongside others who are hurting with compassion.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Helpful. Insightful. I like how it uses examples of other families and what they go through, how they handled it, and the outcome. I'm about 1/2 way through right now...but I am enjoying it.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who is a hurting parent, or knows a hurting parent, this book is a wealth of support and inspiration. I recommend everyone to read it whether or not you are a parent yourself.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy read. Encouraging for the wounded heart.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Christian based book to help parents, guardians or family members dealing with a difficult family member. I found it to be very helpful with inspiring stories.

[Sherri Jarrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is dated. Use creativity to apply to current day situations.