About the Book
Book: Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward
Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer
Genre: Non-fiction; Interpersonal Relations; Religion
Release date: April 13, 2023
WHY AM I SO MISUNDERSTOOD? I am only trying to do what is right! Of course, I forgive, but I can’t seem to get past the pain. God seems distant. Does he even care about me?
Do any of these questions hit close to home? It may surprise you that the underlying cause is often hidden unforgiveness. Our closest relationships, emotional health, and perhaps even our faith seem to be crumbling around us, but most of us have no idea that forgiveness is the way forward. If we are honest, we don’t even know what forgiveness is. We may have a vague idea that it has something to do with “forgetting” or “letting go” but would be hard-pressed to come up with a working definition. Worse yet, we have no idea how to practice forgiveness in a way that brings lasting relief from the hurt we carry. Most of us are not trying to hang on to the pain, but freedom is elusive.
Freedom from your pain is within reach! Forgiveness is not a vague, esoteric concept, nor is it a lofty, out-of-reach ideal. Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward digs into the biblical definition of forgiveness, tells real stories of real people who have found healing, clears up some huge misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, and teaches us how topractice forgiveness. If we do not address the wounds of our past, they will shape our future. God has provided a powerful tool to help us find freedom—forgiveness is the surprising way forward!
Click here to get your copy!
About the Authors
Mark Henderson received a Masters of Pastoral Counseling, was a licensed counselor, and served as a pastor of counseling for twenty years.
In Memory of Mark Henderson
Mark David Henderson, co-author of this book, passed away from cancer as this book was being finalized. Mark was a loving husband, father, and friend. He touched lives all over the world through his counseling ministry and often said he had a front row seat to God’s miracles. He always made sure the individual knew it was God’s healing, and Mark was simply the servant. His desire was to take what he learned and share it with others, which is the reason for this book.
Michael Snuffer has ministered as a counselor for more than ten years. Mark and Mike founded Equip2CounselTM, a ministry dedicated to providing simple yet powerful counseling tools globally to ministers.
More from Michael
Challenging relationships, frustration with unfair treatment, bursts of anger, and disconnection from God are persistent problems for individuals who carry burdens from their past. Most are unaware unforgiveness is an underlying cause. Time, by itself, rarely brings healing. Instead, the wounds fester and become more painful. Many feel stuck and see no way forward to joy and peace. For most, forgiveness is the first step to healing.
Modern culture and thinking have muddled the meaning of forgiveness. Most don’t understand what forgiveness is or how to practice it. The result? Relief remains out of reach. Forgiveness is a powerful tool which brings healing and freedom.
Mark and I launched the Equip2Counsel™ ministry to provide powerful counseling tools which bring healing to hurting individuals around the world. We soon realized the limitations of in-person training and began to consider how written materials could extend the reach of these tools. We wrote Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward to provide a clear, step-by-step process. We wanted to share the stories of real people who found hope and healing through forgiveness. Whether you are a hurting individual or a counselor helping others, we hope many learn and apply the practice of forgiveness which brings freedom.
Interview with Michael
What does success as an author look like to you?
Success is measured by the lives set free through the concepts and practices presented in our book. God is amazing and able to bring restoration and freedom to individuals, even after they have lost hope. Mark and I wrote this book because we have seen first-hand the healing power of God through the practice of forgiveness.
Which chapter was the most difficult to write?
The first chapter, “how not why,” was probably the most difficult. Most of us don’t think about the difference between understanding why we should change vs. knowing how to change. In our first revision, this chapter came in the middle of the book. Later, we realized this principle was foundational and moved it to the beginning which required a significant re-write. It is a challenging concept to unpack with clarity, but critical to bring about lasting positive changes in our life.
What inspired this book?
Mark and I wanted to expand the reach of our ministry and decided to write. Our goal is to bring the Biblical principles applied in our counseling ministry to a wider audience. When we considered the subject matter to tackle first, we realized that forgiveness is often the first step needed by most who come to us for help.
Which author influenced the you most?
I personally love Bob Goff’s fearless approach, his transparency sharing his life with others, and the way he teaches spiritual principles through storytelling. In the same way, Mark and I set out to demonstrate the truth of scripture through the real stories of individuals who have applied the principles and practices of forgiveness.
What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12)
I love the transparency and determination Paul expresses in this verse. While he is an Apostle of Christ, he realizes he has not yet achieved perfect maturity. He continues to push forward to become the person Jesus has made him to be. This brings me hope and encouragement to press forward toward the life God has planned for me.
What would you like your readers to get out of this book?
In a word, freedom. So many are stuck in unforgiveness in spite of our best efforts to move beyond the hurts of our past. We all need to learn to practice forgiveness in our own lives if we want to live free of the hurts and betrayal of our past.
God set into motion an utterly crazy and unreasonable plan when he sent his own Son to die. Why would he do this? So we can live free of sin. Not only sins we have committed, but God also gave us the ability to be set free of past sins and hurts committed against us. Mark and I hope and pray that readers of this book will see the clear path God has given to be free of the heavy burdens of our past.
What is your vacation spot?
Anywhere warm, sunny, and near water. The beach, lakeside, or on a boat are all my idea of the perfect way to spend a day.
What are you reading right now?
Irrational Kindness! The Crazy Pursuit of an Extraordinary Life by Kevin Williams. In fact, I enjoyed the book so much we are discussing as a team at work.
What is your most well-loved and well-used house appliance?
Definitely my single-serve coffee maker. Gets used multiple times every day!
Why write nonfiction?
My gifts and passions are around helping hurting people find their way to joy and the abundant life Jesus promises. So many are hurting. Many will never come forward for help. For me, non-fiction is a powerful medium able to bring practical tools and real hope to individuals who may not otherwise reach out for help.
Thank you for all you do for Celebrate Lit!
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22
Simple Harvest Reads, May 23 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24
For the Love of Literature, May 25 (Author Interview)
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 25
An Author’s Take, May 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27
Artistic Nobody, May 28 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 29
Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 1
Blossoms and Blessings, June 2 (Author Interview)
Vibrant Wings by Valerie, June 2
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 4
Giveaway
To celebrate his tour, Michael is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/26263/forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway
Thank you for sharing your interview, author bios and the book details, I have enjoyed reading about you and your work and I am looking forward to reading Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward. I think that your book has an important message for everyone
This sounds like a really good read.