Creating boundaries

I have had the immense pleasure of getting to read several wonderful books this summer. I've only read one novel, which is strange for me. The rest of the books I read have been more "educational." Here's a couple of the most memorable ones:

The best, most helpful book I've ever read is "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. I don't even know what to say about it--I actually ended up taking several pages of notes on it, because it was so good and needed. It's basically how to set boundaries (not build walls or let people walk all over you) with people for much healthier relationships. Since I can't explain it very well, just take my word for it, and read it! It's only a couple of dollars on Amazon.

Another powerful, but heart wrenching book is "The Price of Honor," by Jan Goodwin. Goodwin compiled four years' worth of observations from living and traveling in 10 different Middle Eastern countries. She interviewed countless women (and men) about the resurgence of fundamentalist Islam in those countries, which is affecting women in really terrible, negative ways. I appreciated this book, because Goodwin was brutally honest in what she learned and observed. It was also really informative, as she explained each country's history and culture. The Middle East was never my focus when I was in college studying just about every other region in the world.

I don't know why I'm reading so many books about Muslims. (I think my sister has influenced me). I also read a book called, "Miniskirts, Mothers, and Muslims," about a Western believer who has lived in the Middle East for many decades and is married to an Arab. She talks about relating to the Middle Eastern culture in an honoring way. It seems a lot less depressing than the other book, "Price of Honor". But sometimes I did feel that she was sort of sugar-coating how women are viewed and treated in the Muslim cultures.

Overall, it's been a very educational summer. Now only 12 days until China!