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Looking for relationship resources?
I have recently added links to the following organizations on my site Relating Redemptively.
My hope in directing you to these resources is that you may increase your awareness and skills for thriving relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. Do you have a site you’d like to see on RR? Let me know. Thanks. Bill Strom, Ph.D. strom@twu.ca Professor in relational and leadership communication Trinity Western University Langley, BC Canada
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Dad’s Present
With Father’s Day around the bend, it’s worth reflecting on the present that a dad's presence is in developing emotionally healthy kids. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 25% of kids in the United States grow up in fatherless homes. One out of four boys and girls lack a day-to-day model of a loving man whose primary role is to nurture, protect, and provide for them. But what about the majority of kids? What influence do dads have on kids and family? According to research posted at the National Center for Fathering, children who grow up with dad present are more likely to experience economic stability because dads generally work fulltime. The same kids are more likely to stay clear of drugs and alcohol since they have less need to block out pain or look for quick fun. They are more likely to be emotionally stable and secure in their identity and relationships, and not prone to becoming sexually active or marrying before finishing high school. Moreover, boys and girls whose dad is at home are more likely to finish high school rather than drop out. All these benefits put children on the road to personal wellbeing and help them make good choices even after they leave the nest. Are you a dad? If so, did you know your presence has powerful redeeming influence on your kids? Are you a dad who is separated from your children just now? What choices do you have to connect and support your sons or daughters? It may take some effort, but the payoff is rewarding. We sometimes say that God is father to the fatherless, at least in spiritual terms. Perhaps now we realize that His Spirit, in us, present with our children, is part of God’s plan for our kids to know Him for significant gain. Dear God, Thank you for the nurturing role you gave dads. Help us to nurture our kids to become responsible, godly citizens who love you, people, and your world. May your Spirit strengthen us to make wise choices as we raise our kids to your honor and glory. Amen. Colleagues and friends,
I am pleased to announce that the fifth edition of my communication textbook is now available through Kendall Hunt Publishing. As you know, one of my passions is to understand close relationships--and communication generally--through the lens of covenant--that resolute commitment to making and holding to promises that benefit everyone in our lives. To that end, I've invited colleague and co-author Divine Agodzo to update and revise More Than Talk: A Covenantal Approach to Everyday Communication. Divine first read More Than Talk for his masters degree in communication at Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan, and is full-on with the scope and purpose of MTT. From the publisher's website: Featuring an invigorated commitment to social science, humanities, and biblical perspectives, the NEW fifth edition of More Than Talk continues to develop the biblical idea of covenant for understanding and appreciating everyday communication. In addition, it includes more intersections between covenantal ideals and communication practice and more theological insights in order to shed light on covenantal principles across diverse contexts. The publication integrates “What do you think?” sections that encourage readers to consider current issues in popular culture and social media, and diversity in our growing cosmopolitan world. In addition, poignant case studies, contemporary issues for reflection and discussion, illustrations, pull-quotes, cartoons and more help the reader comprehend information presented. See more details and availability here. I am so proud of Shelaine! Her book, But Pain Crept In, was shortlisted for a Word Guild Award in the category Christian Non-Fiction, Life Stories. See full list of shortlisted honorees here: thewordguild.com/word-awards-finalists-listings/ In 2010, my wife went from living a vibrant life as a career and life coach to being sidelined with excruciating pain from crumbling jaw joints. She writes, “But Pain Crept In is about losses and finds. It’s about how pain strains relationships and clarifies values. It’s about the choices pain demands that we make day in and day out, just to cope. Just to survive. Much of the content is straight out of my journals. It’s the unfiltered wrestling and raw processing of living in constant pain.” But it's not a depressing read. In her winsome and honest way, Shelaine tells her story between hurt and hope, from agony to worlds renewed. Through tears and humor, her memoir signals gratitude and perseverance, yet no simple answers to the problem of pain. Shelaine blogs at www.shelainestrom.com. Her book is available at House of James in Abbotsford, BC and on Amazon.ca.  |
Bill Strom, Author
I am a believer by faith, a professor by vocation, a husband by choice, a father by blessing, and a friend by hanging out. Along the way I have learned about close relating through my experiences, biblical models, and social science research. Hopefully my ideas and encouragement show up here in ways meaningful to you. Archives
June 2019
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