Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Nelson draws on her work as a counselor and her education at Westminster Theological Seminary for this probing look at shame and its effects on many corners of our lives. As she explains in the introduction, Nelson draws significantly on the work of author Brené Brown, layering in additional insight on shame from a biblical perspective. With scriptural references, personal anecdotes, and composites drawn from her counseling work, she examines shame generated by body image, social comparisons, and performance, and provides a response based on how the Bible says God views us. Nelson also applies those principles in day-to-day relationships, with chapters on how shame functions in marriage, parenting, and within the church. Her strategic use of reflection questions at the end of each chapter and appendices on body, eating disorders, and abuse help personalize the material without sidetracking the conversation. Some readers may wish for an approach that's warmer with personal narrative, but Nelson's choice to ground the topic firmly in scripture and counseling experience offer a valuable framework for addressing shame. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by Library Journal Review
The emotion of shame conjures with it the feeling of being unworthy and "not quite good enough." Christian counselor Nelson proposes that through Christ, people can exchange their guilt for beauty and live encouraged by a Christ-formed community. The author admits that no group of people is perfect; however, her work conveys how feelings of inadequacy can be lessened, not obliterated, through Christ's sacrifice, in the areas of marriage, parenting, body image, and much more. Nelson hits home when identifying the many sources of regret, providing what could be a cleansing read for those who have suffered through devastating anguish. -VERDICT Nelson pulls from the work of Brené Brown (Gifts of Imperfection) and places it into a Christian context. Those wishing a more secular approach may appreciate Brown. Believers may opt for Nelson. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
