Book Review – Page 21 – REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES

Restoring Sexual Identity:
Hope for Women Who Struggle with Same-Sex Attraction
by Anne Paulk
Harvest House Publishers 2003
269 pp

Let me start by saying I first read this book in 2007 when I was at the forefront of my own SSA (Same-Sex Attraction) battle. I was ready to leave behind a lifestyle I’d been involved in for several years and I didn’t know how to deal with the emotions, the feelings and thoughts in my mind. Like many women in my position, I had many questions… Why do I have these feeling? Will I struggle with this forever? By reading Restoring Sexual Identity I came to understand the root of my SSA and learned how to manage my emotions, work through my feelings and heal my relationships.

Here’s a sample of what you will learn from Anne Paulk:

Where Same-Sex Attraction comes from.
How lesbian attraction develops.
How to overcome past abuse.
The importance of a support system.
How to have healthy relationships with men and women.

I highly recommend this book to any woman struggling with unwanted Same-Sex Attraction or for any parent with a daughter who struggles. This is an excellent resource that deals with real life questions and answers them with Christ-centered solutions.

Feeding Your Appetites:
Take Control of What’s Controlling You!
by @SteveArterburn
Thomas Nelson Publishers 2006
206 pp

If you’re not familiar with Stephen Arterburn — check him out. He has been an incredibly important influence on me from the early days of my recovery. In fact The Life Recovery Bible, which he edited and produced with David Stoop, saved my life!

Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and is the host of the nationally syndicated “New Life Live!” daily radio program. Steve’s also the founder of the Women of Faith conferences and has written over 60 books. This isn’t a Stephen Arterburn advertisement, but I want to put into perspective the value you will get from reading his book.

In Feeding Your Appetites Mr. Arterburn shows us in the beginning, at creation, all our appetites were intended for good. It was only after the fall of man that our natural appetites took on unhealthy purposes.

The career we choose…

the way we spend our money

how often we want sex and what kind we want

the types of friends we build relationships with

the amount of champagne we drink at a party

how we prioritize our activities

…all reflect our distinctive appetites and desires.

Our appetites motivate us to seek fulfillment, but they must be managed or they will lead us into a world of regret and tremendous emotional pain. When an appetite intended to help us survive is managed incorrectly, it may become a trap holding us in a deadly grip. Until we give ourselves and our appetites completely over to God, we will remain trapped. ~ Stephen Arterburn

While reading Feeding Your Appetites we will recognize the influences that have led to our poor choices, we will pave new pathways and learn how to fill these natural voids in healthy ways. We will begin to cultivate godly appetites and ultimately live a surrendered life. To ensure our success Stephen has a simple Twelve Step process to help us evaluate our circumstances and map the areas where we’re struggling. Also included is a study guide for use with family or small groups.

If you struggle with appetites that have grown out of control consider reading Feeding Your Appetites by Stephen Arterburn.