Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com
He certainly communicates a clear message in Breakthrough Parenting. A pastor for 26 years and now head of INJOY ministries in California, his style represents him well -- it's all "on the lower shelf" Maxwell says.
Although his basic message is about an attitude change, the material itself is very practical. In the Introduction he lays before readers their choice as parents: Breakthough or Breakdown. Defining breakthrough as "a significant advance or change in direction which propels a child closer to his or her potential," Maxwell devotes the book's ten chapters to key insights that parents need to use from day to day.
"If I hadn't had any children, I could be an expert," says this father of two teenagers. Maxwell also draws on his own childhood for many examples in this book. He often tells experiences with his father and his brother Larry that made a deep impression. He keeps in mind his definition of success: "Those who know you best love you the most."
Maxwell closes the book with a powerful story about a ten-year-old who sent him two ribbons -- one to wear and one to give to someone who had made a difference in his life -- along with a moving story about the origin of the ribbons. After reading it, Maxwell decided then and there to have ribbons printed saying "I Make a Difference" and to tell the boy's story in his Church Growth Conference in Toledo. Hundreds of people came forward that night to commit themselves to full-time Christian service, and there was no doubt that the Holy Spirit was at work.
This story emphasizes again what Maxwell does best: he is a communicator. In Breakthrough Parenting, he communicates hope and encouragement to parents and children. Watch for more books from John Maxwell.
Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com