Do Hurt People Hurt People?

Because we're people, we are all hurting [and often hurting others] in either small or great ways. That's the premise of Sandra D. Wilson's book Hurt People Hurt People [click pic for more info]. Wilson's theory is based on the idea that change and healing are a lifelong process. There are no quick fixes. It is in the process of recognition of hurts and a continually growing dependence on God that we find healing.

Of all of the books that I have read on this or similar subject, this is by far the most Biblically clear and useful. Wherever you are in life's journey [there are chapters on help for hurting children, spouses, leaders, followers, worshipers, forgivers, and parents] you will benefit from reading this thought provoking little book that's easy to read but hard to digest. It's permanently messed me up in a good way!!! Here's a few reasons why:

• Estimates suggest that one in four girls and one in seven boys will be victims of sexual abuse before the age of eighteen. In well over 90% of the reported cases, the abuser is a family member or trusted authority figure. So warning your children about "stranger danger" is not enough. There are numerous hidden dangers we've ignored since childhood still effecting us.
  
• If as an adult you are controlling any part of me, I am a volunteer not a victim [unless I'm a literal prisoner or hostage or otherwise impaired].
  
• We can learn to base our esteem and worth upon what God thinks of us. See Appendix A "Discovering Your True Identity."