Flawed Families of the Bible: How God's Grace Works through Imperfect Relationships
"And you thought that your family was messed up! For all you  abusers and abused, addicted, raped, codependents, and control freaks, Good  News. God loves to work with families like yours and mine. Here are 'family  values' God's way--a messy assortment of marriages and families that only  God could love. And God does."--William H. Willimon, coauthor ofResident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony"A profound  reflection on how God relates to, works with, and loves families whatever  their circumstance. The Garlands escort us on a tour of some of God's more  interesting biblical families, always with an eye to exposing their fully  flawed humanity. This book will challenge and change the way many read the  Bible--not because it focuses on failures and difficulties, but because it  shows that our true greatness is not so much of our doing, but of the God  who is much more that we deserve."--David M. Thomas, codirector, The  Bethany Family Institute, UK and USA"Diana and David Garland have pooled  their combined expertise in scripture studies and family ministry to create  a wonderful, wise book.Flawed Families of the Biblechallenges all  our pious platitudes about the life of faith and the 'perfect' family,  opening us up to a radical transforming vision of real redemption  experienced in the midst of confusion, failure, and pain. This gracious and  grace-filled book surprises us into seeing God and our family lives  anew."--Wendy M. Wright, author ofSeasons of a Family's Life:  Cultivating the Contemplative Spirit at Home"What does the Bible say  about families? What is a 'normal' family? Let two of the wisest guides  around help you explore these questions with insight and care. Be warned,  however, as it is with most things biblical, the truth will both enlighten  and disturb you.Flawed Families of the Bibleopens wide our  eyes--and our hearts even more--as we see both the pain and the promise of  family life. Most of all, we catch a glimpse of how large God's grace is  and what it means for all of us."--J. Bradley Wigger, author ofThe Power of God at Home