Triggers Study Guide: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses

by Amber Lia, Wendy Speake

You've seen a need for change in your life and you're ready to embark on the journey away from reactionary, quick-tempered parenting. But the path ahead can seem daunting and lonely without a guide or friend to walk with you. That's why authors, Amber Lia and Wendy Speake have created this in-depth study guide to accompany their book, Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses. Perfect for individual reflection or a group study setting, this resource features a come-alongside approach to working through external and internal triggers that fuel your struggle with anger. Mirroring the 31-chapter structure of Triggers, this study guide will provide you with: - Rich passages of Scripture to meditate on and tuck into your heart for strength. - Expanded thoughts on each trigger for further teaching and encouragement. - Questions to spark personal reflection and to help move you toward action. - Plenty of room to write out your thoughts and work through the chapter questions. - Additional space for doodling, writing out prayers or action plans, and more! If you're seeking real transformation in your parenting and you're willing to do the work to get there - this study guide will equip, empower, and encourage you along the way!

Genres: Parenting

134 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2016

Reviews

[Cathy aka The Attached Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like many mothers out there, I found myself losing my cool one too many times with my precious children. I did NOT want to be an "angry mama". So I purchased this book and the accompanying Bible study guide hoping for some wisdom and practical tools that I could use to refresh our relationship. Unfortunately, I found that it was lacking in the practical application for my particular situations.

Organization:
The organization of the book is really nice. (So I give it a few positive stars where that is concerned.) It is divided into 31 chapters that each deal with a particular "trigger" that can lead to angry responses from mothers. That gives mothers a chapter to read each day of the month. However, the chapters do not need to be read in order, so mothers can choose which "trigger" is most affecting their lives and jump straight to where they need help the most.

The book is not overly wordy. Each chapter is only about 2-3 full pages of text. So I think the length is perfect for busy mamas. They could easily fit a small reading into their devotional time...or just read a chapter when they found themselves needing a timeout. (I often headed to a closed room and took a time out with this book!)

Content:
I decided to start out reading the chapters that related most specifically to *my* particular life puzzle.

So the first chapter I read was entitled "ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, OCD, APD, ODD". I have two children who have learning challenges, and it can make life REALLY tough! Anyone who has ever lived with a child on the spectrum, or taught a child with dyslexia to read & spell, or dealt with impulse or anxiety issues in a child knows how much patience everyday tasks can require. It is enough to make even a saint lose their temper.

So I was really looking forward to the chapter on learning disabiliteis. However, I felt pretty let down after reading it. The book basically shared an anecdote from the movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." It then apologized to me for how difficult my situation was. (Sort of acknowledging sympathy for the difficult sitution.) Then it reminded me to pray.

OK. I believe strongly in the power of prayer. But I would be willing to guess (or at least hope!) that the intended audience of this book is already fervently praying over their present situation. What if they are still losing their temper? What then?

I don't know what I was looking for.... Maybe some stories of people who have persevered through the difficulty and made it out on the other side? Maybe some practical coping tools that I could use in addition to prayer. (Example: Schedule frequent breaks, or remember to get enough sleep?? I don't know. ) I left feeling even more depressed about my situation than when I started.

But I was willing to give the book another chance.

The next chapter I read was called "Caring for Sick Children and Ailing Parents". I find myself often overly stressed as I am pulled between the needs of my children and a mother who needs my care after a car accident left her disabled. (Two generations at once needing lots of care and time.) Plus, I had to deal with the hospitalization and subsequent medical issues of my youngest child. So I was really hoping for some practical tools that I could use. The chapter basically acknowledged (again) how difficult those problems were. (I knew that.) And then gave me a reminder to pray.

OK...

The next chapter I read was entitled "multitasking". As you can imagine from my first two descriptions, I am spinning a lot of plates. Again, I was hoping I would get some practical information on how better to juggle and prioritize. I have lots of important things needing my attention. Right? Well, the chapter basically said that cancel all unnecessary commitments (Yes, pretty obvious) and pray. OK. What about tasks that you can't cancel...like being a mother or being a daughter? Again, not a whole lot of helpful information besides stating the obvious.

I did enjoy the chapter about "Ignoring Instruction." It reminded me to give my children grace and offer them as many chances as God grants to me. That was a great reminder. I know I will read that over and over again.

I then went on to read the other chapters in the book. However, they weren't really "triggers" for my particular situation. My children are rarely rude to me, they don't talk back, etc. etc. So I didn't really get anything from those chapters. (If you are dealing with those issues, maybe the book will be more applicable to you.)

I did enjoy the prayers at the end of each chapter. And I **will** read and pray them throughout the day when I am finding I need a break.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

With plenty of room to go through this study guide more than once, Triggers study guide offers more insight and a place to interact with biblical truths discovered in the book. It provides a place to commit and go deep. I'll read this again.

[Catie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful companion to the Triggers book. Each chapter had a brief addition to the message of the book, then the same reflection questions. If you don’t need guidance for reflection/journaling, don’t bother.

[Jaime Scharf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent exploration into the roots of anger and how to deal with our broiling emotion when dealing with our families. Very centered on being Jesus to our families. Serving in love.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive opening question (1 of 3) for each chapter. But I liked that it focused on Scripture and introspection/prayer.

[Laura A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this. Like all Bible studies I have done, it's not necessarily the study itself that is good, but the deeper study that it leads to.
I also really appreciated that the scripture verses were not taken out of context, but applied them to the 'motherhood' aspect of life specifically, not just Christian life in general.
I reread the 'Triggers' book along side as instructed and gleaned different things this time around.
Excellent study - if you loved the 'Triggers' book then I thoroughly recommend this study!

[Brittnay Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great workbook and study guide that accompanies the actual book. The study guide in and of itself has additional supportive content and scripture. Well worth to do it along with reading the book.