Title: A Christian’s Guide to Overcoming Sexual Struggle
Author: Michael Clairborne
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 9781616639761
Pages: 201, Paperback & Audio
Genre: Self-Improvement/Christian Non-fiction
Reviewed by: Barbara Miller, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
Why hasn’t Jesus sent me my lifelong love? In my particular case, He has. I’m one of the lucky ones. But for many, the struggle for a relationship, then nurturing the relationship once joined, with all of the emotional and sexual ramifications of behavior so innate in humans becomes overwhelming. A guide, a tutorial of lessons, a handbook for this struggle is what Michael Clairborne so openly wrote in his book, A Christian’s Guide to Overcoming Sexual Struggle.
Needing to cope with the reality of life’s circumstances while following the teachings of Christ brings to mind such fundamental questions like: How to control sexual sinful impulses; how to handle loneliness; how to handle homosexual feelings or coping with others of such persuasion; should one take back a cheating spouse? Each topic is discussed openly and honestly, with examples he gathered from his years of work within these areas. He uses only the first name of people in his stories, for obvious reasons of confidentiality, but by doing this, his writing becomes very thought provoking with regards to defining the strengths and weaknesses of those individuals. To follow Christ’s teachings with perfection, the path is revealed as people know right from wrong. God gives us free will, but everyone isn’t perfect, Christians nor non-Christians. Following the Bible’s teaching is a difficult course filled with challenges. How far should forgiveness be granted? When must we draw the line and how should we do it? These very fundamental questions are discussed in A Christian’s Guide to Overcoming Sexual Struggle.
Having a contemporary understanding of society’s trends, along with knowing the many pressures subjected to individuals in today’s culture, Michael Clairborne is no prude, nor a fool, when it comes to his understanding and reason. He has an inner knowledge gained by his conviction in his faith, and he is able to explain these many situations with enlightenment from his understanding of the Bible. Possessing an understanding of human sexual behavior, he writes candidly about where to put one’s strength of will, and where to rest one’s faith in God. He describes a sexual maturity that will lead the way to have one become eligible to gain what most all people seek, an honest loving spouse with a satisfying monogamous sexual bond.
Having Christianity referenced throughout his work, Michael Clairborne differs from the conventional relationship icons such as Dr. John Gray, Dr. Ruth, or relationship gurus such as Dr. Laura Schlessinger, or even Oprah Winfrey. His work is easily assimilated and although focused on his faith teachings, provides a healthy foundation for mental stability and honest living. God doesn’t give you more than you can handle, and handling the strength necessary to guide yourself to sexual maturity within a relationship is something we all have within ourselves. This book is an excellent guide for keeping the course, for helping achieve the goal, a lifelong love under God, with God, and with your spouse.
