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Unshackled and Free: True Stories of Forgiveness
True Stories from Real PeopleWe all have a story to tell. And that's what this book is about. It's a collection of 35 true stories of forgiveness to inspire and encourage you. These stories come from 33 different people from various walks of life. So, no matter where you are at in your journey of life, we believe you will find hope within the pages of this book.Unshackled and FreeFreedom...isn't that what we truly want? To be unshackled and free from whatever holds us back and imprisons us. The good news is freedom is available to each one of us. No matter where you've been or what's happened to you in your life, freedom is available to you through the transforming power of Christ.Join Us on This JourneyCome join us in this journey where you'll meet real people with true stories of forgiveness whose lives were forever changed. You'll be inspired, encouraged and then changed as you apply what you're learning to your own life. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
164 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2012
14 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Hitz
25 books9 followersCJ is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time outdoors running, hiking and exploring God's beautiful creation.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 26, 2012
Christians are forgiven people, and we are commanded to forgive those who sin against us. We all know that. But when it comes to the crunch, when it is actually time to forgive someone, it becomes terribly hard to do.
It is all very well knowing in theory what we must do, to know the Bible verses, to know why we must do it. What we often need instead is to see examples of forgiveness in action. Example after example after example. And that is just what this book provides.
Many of the stories are heart-wrenching. The woman for whom forgiveness has become a "necessary habit" after so many tragedies in her life. The woman whose fiancé murdered her daughter, then spent only four years behind bars - yet she still prays for God's grace on his life. The victim of childhood sexual abuse who nearly succumbed to alcohol, drugs and self-harm, but who "found life anew through Christ Jesus" and who "can never forget, yet I can forgive."
One of the most inspiring stories tells of a woman confronted by her husband's betrayal. In church she suddenly understood that God had been silent because she was placing her own desires ahead of obedience to Him. "And now, with a clear view of my new path, my anger and self-pity turned to constant prayer for my husband." They are now celebrating thirty-six years of marriage.
This is a powerful book. It is confronting and it is challenging. But for any Christian struggling with issues of forgiveness it could prove a Godsend.
It is all very well knowing in theory what we must do, to know the Bible verses, to know why we must do it. What we often need instead is to see examples of forgiveness in action. Example after example after example. And that is just what this book provides.
Many of the stories are heart-wrenching. The woman for whom forgiveness has become a "necessary habit" after so many tragedies in her life. The woman whose fiancé murdered her daughter, then spent only four years behind bars - yet she still prays for God's grace on his life. The victim of childhood sexual abuse who nearly succumbed to alcohol, drugs and self-harm, but who "found life anew through Christ Jesus" and who "can never forget, yet I can forgive."
One of the most inspiring stories tells of a woman confronted by her husband's betrayal. In church she suddenly understood that God had been silent because she was placing her own desires ahead of obedience to Him. "And now, with a clear view of my new path, my anger and self-pity turned to constant prayer for my husband." They are now celebrating thirty-six years of marriage.
This is a powerful book. It is confronting and it is challenging. But for any Christian struggling with issues of forgiveness it could prove a Godsend.
June 26, 2012
A poor, down-trodden drug addict. An abandoned child. A motherless child. Victims of pedophilia. The list goes on...
Abuse. Physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse is all around us.
We live in an imperfect world filled with imperfect human beings. And those imperfect human beings have a tendency to act, well, human. To be hurt by someone is a fact of life. It's going to happen, one way or the other. People are going to let you down. People are going to break your heart. At one point in your life, you will suffer at the hand of someone else.
It's what you do with the pieces that are left that counts.
Offering testimonies from the down-trodden, the unloved, or heartbroken people, this book gives you a glimpse into a Masterpiece that most people refuse to embrace. Forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness from a Holy God. Forgiving yourself. Because forgiveness is where miracles start. And this book offers a powerful voice of help to those seeking to let go of the past and press toward a better future. Because we are forgiven and because God doesn't only love those that deserve it.
Warning:
The principles in this book aren't easy to apply. If you do apply them to your life, you may be changed. For the better.
"Unforgiveness as a Christian is not an option."
"When faith and forgiveness collide, it's beautiful."
Abuse. Physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse is all around us.
We live in an imperfect world filled with imperfect human beings. And those imperfect human beings have a tendency to act, well, human. To be hurt by someone is a fact of life. It's going to happen, one way or the other. People are going to let you down. People are going to break your heart. At one point in your life, you will suffer at the hand of someone else.
It's what you do with the pieces that are left that counts.
Offering testimonies from the down-trodden, the unloved, or heartbroken people, this book gives you a glimpse into a Masterpiece that most people refuse to embrace. Forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness from a Holy God. Forgiving yourself. Because forgiveness is where miracles start. And this book offers a powerful voice of help to those seeking to let go of the past and press toward a better future. Because we are forgiven and because God doesn't only love those that deserve it.
Warning:
The principles in this book aren't easy to apply. If you do apply them to your life, you may be changed. For the better.
"Unforgiveness as a Christian is not an option."
"When faith and forgiveness collide, it's beautiful."
December 21, 2012
Unshackled & Free: True Stories of Forgiveness is a collection of testimonies complied by CJ & Shelley Hitz. Grouped into three sections - "Forgiving Others," "Asking God's Forgiveness" and "Forgiving Yourself," the reader follows a path to personal freedom through the experiences of others. This is not a self-help book outlining steps or offering a corrective sermon but rather a shared experience from those who have gone before us. As the reader hears from various people - a professor, a stay-at-home mom and a former addict/criminal among others - the stories draws you into the real-life experiences of people learning to overcome adversity and harm.
There are no simple formulas or pat answers here, just real people at various stages in their lives that have and are learning to forgive others. Like the psalmist, David, they have dared to acknowledge their pain, pass through a dark and scary path and reach a place where they can once again praise God and walk among others in community. Their stories will touch your heart with their familiarity, awaken your sense compassion with their candid narrations and bring hope to the wounded areas of your life.
Whether you are struggling with hurts from your past or looking for encouragement in your own journey, I highly recommend this thought-provoking collection.
There are no simple formulas or pat answers here, just real people at various stages in their lives that have and are learning to forgive others. Like the psalmist, David, they have dared to acknowledge their pain, pass through a dark and scary path and reach a place where they can once again praise God and walk among others in community. Their stories will touch your heart with their familiarity, awaken your sense compassion with their candid narrations and bring hope to the wounded areas of your life.
Whether you are struggling with hurts from your past or looking for encouragement in your own journey, I highly recommend this thought-provoking collection.
December 24, 2012
As Christians we are instructed to forgive others. "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15 NIV Sometimes this is hard to do, or I find it so at times. Unshackled and Free: True Stories of Forgiveness compiled by CJ & Shelley Hitz is a delightful collection of inspirational stories about forgiveness. Read others stories and how they have dealt with forgiving who has wronged them. There are some heartbreaking stories included here, that they still managed to find it in their heart to forgive. I highly recommend this eBook to anyone that has a hard time with forgiveness. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 17, 2012
This is a delightful collection of inspirational stories about forgiveness. I appreciate the honesty and openness of the authors; it’s easy to relate and feel encouraged because these stories feature “real” people dealing with “real” struggles. As one writer puts it: “Unforgiveness as a Christian is not an option, despite our feelings. Forgiving her was an act of my will, even if my heart did not feel it.” This is an important piece of wisdom to meditate on, no matter what the circumstances are. This book is a perfect way to start or end your day.
I received a copy of this book via a LibraryThing member giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book via a LibraryThing member giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2014
I choose to give this book"Unshackled and FREE" five stars for a wonderful and fantastic how to do it book on
how to and why one needs to forgive not only to others but to God and even yes even themselves so they can be set free.
This book shares stories of countless others who have had to do the same thing over and over again. It seems that this is not just a one time thing but we as humans will find this to be so. They include scriptures, stories from other people as well as the authors lives too. Also, prayers to be used if one needs that type of help is available here in this book as well and a
so how to go about doing this and using a journal,notebook, etc. to write down things they should include in they're conversations with God, themselves and others. I recommend this book for all these that find this review helpful should defintitely go and buy this book it will be really worth their purchase and some. I received this book free and in exchange for
a book I am doing these reviews. Thanks CJ And Shelley and great work! By Angela
,
how to and why one needs to forgive not only to others but to God and even yes even themselves so they can be set free.
This book shares stories of countless others who have had to do the same thing over and over again. It seems that this is not just a one time thing but we as humans will find this to be so. They include scriptures, stories from other people as well as the authors lives too. Also, prayers to be used if one needs that type of help is available here in this book as well and a
so how to go about doing this and using a journal,notebook, etc. to write down things they should include in they're conversations with God, themselves and others. I recommend this book for all these that find this review helpful should defintitely go and buy this book it will be really worth their purchase and some. I received this book free and in exchange for
a book I am doing these reviews. Thanks CJ And Shelley and great work! By Angela
,
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews