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First in the Family: Biblical Truths for Cycle Breakers
An unconventional story of embracing an abundant life unburdened by the weight of family ideals, influence, and imperfections.
We use words like “honor,” “loyalty,” and “tradition” to talk about our families. But behind closed doors, if you listen closely enough, you can hear the muffled sounds of suffering. If you are one of those people, take heart in knowing you are not alone. The good news is that you have a choice. You have the power to break the cycle of sameness. You can decide to do things differently. Even if it means being the first in your family to do so. Sometimes what God has planned for our future can only be achieved on the other side of family ties.
Join Felicia Harris and unburden yourself of the weight of
family ideals, influences, and imperfections by choosing to believe that what you’ve always known is not all there is. First in the Family tells Felicia’s story and reveals biblical truths that serve to encourage cycle breakers—those who refuse to be held bound by the way things have always been. This is an unconventional story; but then again, the story of salvation was never conventional anyway.
We use words like “honor,” “loyalty,” and “tradition” to talk about our families. But behind closed doors, if you listen closely enough, you can hear the muffled sounds of suffering. If you are one of those people, take heart in knowing you are not alone. The good news is that you have a choice. You have the power to break the cycle of sameness. You can decide to do things differently. Even if it means being the first in your family to do so. Sometimes what God has planned for our future can only be achieved on the other side of family ties.
Join Felicia Harris and unburden yourself of the weight of
family ideals, influences, and imperfections by choosing to believe that what you’ve always known is not all there is. First in the Family tells Felicia’s story and reveals biblical truths that serve to encourage cycle breakers—those who refuse to be held bound by the way things have always been. This is an unconventional story; but then again, the story of salvation was never conventional anyway.
176 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2021
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 21, 2021
"Messy families and ugly truths are not rare deviations from the natural order of things; they are the norm." Dr. Harris's story is one that tells us we are not alone in our trauma and dysfunction, and we have scripture to guide us in the many complicated aspects of family. The author reiterates to us that BOUNDARIES ARE BIBLICAL. We are not destined to be stuck in cycles of abuse or suffering, and we can still be Godly people even if we don't have picture-perfect relationships.
This book is a blessing. A great read for anyone with family pains (and isn't that most of us?).
This book is a blessing. A great read for anyone with family pains (and isn't that most of us?).
December 11, 2022
What I learned:
1. My worth does not come from my family’s approval of my actions.
2. Breaking cycles is for ME and God’s plan for MY life, not to prove I’m better than my family.
3. It’s worth it to invest in church community you can be vulnerable with, sharing testimonies gives people permission to admit their own dreams for their life. Sometimes, encouraging someone to bring their hopes to God is all it takes to change their life.
4. Setting boundaries to provide for your own (and your family’s) emotional needs is worth the discomfort that may come with people who are used to disrespecting those needs.
1. My worth does not come from my family’s approval of my actions.
2. Breaking cycles is for ME and God’s plan for MY life, not to prove I’m better than my family.
3. It’s worth it to invest in church community you can be vulnerable with, sharing testimonies gives people permission to admit their own dreams for their life. Sometimes, encouraging someone to bring their hopes to God is all it takes to change their life.
4. Setting boundaries to provide for your own (and your family’s) emotional needs is worth the discomfort that may come with people who are used to disrespecting those needs.
November 11, 2021
This is a wonderfully insightful book about relationships and how to reshape harmful family dynamics. Harris writes in an engaging style that always made me want to read through the next chapter.
January 22, 2024
This was picked for our small group. Lots of wisdom and encouragement here to discuss together.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews