Give Them Grace, by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson

Give Them Grace, by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and her daughter, Jessica Thompson, is the best parenting book I have read yet. The results are profound when grace (rather than legalism or condemnation) is applied in a home. I cried often as I read this book as I realized how much failed to receive God’s grace in my own life as well as praying that I would be a grace-endowed mother to my babies, and was deeply absorbed in it while yet on the forward! I would recommend to every parent or individual with a heart for children.

I love how it gave me a thirst for a deeper understanding of the Gospel. Each page resonated in my heart as reflecting what Dwight and I want most for Chloe, Zachary, and lil’ Bitty Baby – that is, for them to love the Lord with all their hearts and to live solely for Him. We want them to desire Him. We also want to reflect His goodness to us by our actions towards them as our children! (I am grieved over how often I show selfishness instead. ) :-(

I appreciate that this book is sensibly applicable as well as theologically sound. Their guidance - while being practical and reasonably wise from experience - is also derived straight from the Gospel, and mirrors the grace that God shows us (His children) moment by moment. If you are quite Covenantly-bent, you may disagree with the addition of charts aiding parents in correct response towards common issues (disobedience, lying, etc.) in which responses differ based upon whether the child is saved or unsaved. Though, personally, I found these to be wonderful! I would also caution parents from straying from grace towards themselves by feeling that they must memorize the charts and apply them word for word. Just receive them as a gift of mentoring, and use them as guidance. :-)

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”