Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging

by Chris Bennett, Julie Bennett

A husband-and-wife team put their philosophy of “We don’t quit on family” into action, demonstrating how to combat isolation, build healthy relationships, and fight for (not with!) the ones you love, right where you are. When Chris and Julie Bennett and their four kids decided to move from Norman, Oklahoma, to Los Angeles, they knew they were setting out on a great adventure. They’d be leaving behind the church Chris and Julie had pastored, the comfort of their community, and the familiarity of their daily routines, but the new city promised to bring some much-needed change. Most of all, they looked forward to connecting with others in one of the most disconnected cities in the United States. What they didn’t expect was how this adventure—complicated by a cancer diagnosis, a relapse, and a worldwide pandemic—would challenge their notions of what it means to care for each other well, both as a nuclear family and as part of a broader community. It turns out that becoming family is stressful, messy, exhausting—and absolutely, totally worth fighting for. In a time when so many suffer from loneliness and it feels like developing authentic relationships is impossible, Chris and Julie invite you to step into their story to discover the fundamentals that lead to healthy, thriving families and friendships. You’ll discover the power of embracing vulnerability, accepting imperfection, and extending forgiveness, while finding fulfillment through enforcing boundaries and honoring and serving others. Whether you are looking to build your own community from scratch or strengthen your existing connections, Fighting for Family will inspire you to go all in on your relationships, no matter what your circumstances.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 12, 2024

About the author

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Reviews

[Katie Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris and Julie Bennett and their four kids embark on a new adventure by moving from Norman, Oklahoma, to Los Angeles, leaving behind their church and community. Despite facing challenges like a cancer diagnosis, relapse, and a pandemic, they demonstrate how to fight for family and build authentic relationships. "Fighting for Family" reveals the importance of vulnerability, forgiveness, and boundaries in creating healthy, thriving connections.

The personal tone and honest insight pulled me in right away. It was easy to trust Chris and Julie because it was so evident they long to be a family that brings any and all people into their community of belonging. Since my move to Grand Rapids, I’ve been living in my best friend’s house, and they have truly demonstrated extraordinary generosity in welcoming me into their family 🥹 Reading Chris and Julie’s story of how they’ve similarly lived with open arms highlighted just how much impact valuing ‘belonging’ has. You’ll enjoy the impactful moments of this memoir, but primarily, you will walk away with a desire to cultivate authentic community wherever you are.

Thank you @smithpublicity for the gifted book 🥰

Perfect for you if you like:
Memoirs
Inspirational family stories
Faith-based guidance
Families that welcome others in openhandedly

Similar to:
Find Your People by Jennie Allen
Counting the Costs by Jill Duggar (I have not read this)
I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist

⚠️cancer diagnosis, previous sexual abuse

[Whitney Farhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t have enjoyed this book more! I know Chris and Julie from my time in Norman at the University of Oklahoma and these stories that they shared are so good. They bring honesty, vulnerability and encouragement as they write this book and some of these things are so tough to share with the world but so needed to hear!