The Healing Path Study Guide: How the Hurts in Your Past . . .

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DON'T WASTE YOUR PAIN. None of us escapes the heartache and disappointments of life. To live is to hurt, and we all have the wounds to prove it. Regardless of how we've been hurt, we all face a common What should we do with our pain? Should we stoically ignore it? Should we just "get over it?" Should we let it "make us stronger?" Should we optimistically hope that everything will work out in the end? If we fail to respond appropriately to the wounds that life and relationships inflict, our pain will be wasted; it will numb us or destroy us. But suffering doesn't have to mangle our hearts and rob us of the joy of life. It can, instead, lead us to life-if we know the path to healing.
Healing is not the resolution of our past; it is the use of our past to draw us into deeper relationship with God and his purposes for our lives. We don't have to be held captive by the hurts of our past. We can move from feelings of powerlessness, betrayal, and ambivalence into faith, hope and love. The Healing Path takes us beyond self-discovery to God-discovery, giving us the tools to excavate the riches that lay beneath the surface of our pain. If you're ready to use the experiences of the past and present to shape a future characterized by love, service, and joy, now is the time to step out onto The Healing Path.

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1999

About the author

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Dan B. Allender, Ph.D, is a fly fisherman who also serves as president and professor of counseling at Mars Hill Graduate School near Seattle, Washington. He is a therapist in private practice, and a frequent speaker and seminar leader. Dan received his M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University. He is the author of To Be Told: Know Your Story / Shape Your Future, How Children Raise Parents, and The Healing Path, as well as The Wounded Heart, Bold Love, and Intimate Allies. He and his wife, Rebecca, are the parents of three children.


Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 80 votes)
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80 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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This is the first book by Allender that I have read, and I truly relished it.

The author's approach of inspiring us to embrace our narratives, to be cognizant of our suffering, and how this can lead us towards healing is a truly novel way of thinking and perceiving suffering in the life journey.

I adore the manner in which he combines his personal experiences with those from his profession as a therapist and then engages them with a theological/biblical perspective.

We all lead lives in which suffering, hurts, and pain are inescapable. The query is how do we traverse those times and what do we extract from them?

It is indeed an outstanding read!
July 14,2025
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Wow!

This is an absolute must-read for any follower of Jesus.

The words within these pages hold great significance and inspiration.

It offers profound insights into the teachings and life of Jesus, guiding believers on their spiritual journey.

Whether you are a new convert or a long-time follower, this book has something to offer.

It challenges you to deepen your faith, to love more deeply, and to live a life that is pleasing to God.

With each turn of the page, you will be drawn closer to Jesus and His message of love and salvation.

So, don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to grow in your faith.

Pick up this book today and start reading.

You will be glad you did.
July 14,2025
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Beautiful, insightful, challenging, and full of hope.

This is an amazing picture that depicts leaning into your past. It shows holding onto its pain and isolation, which are often difficult to face. However, it also presents the idea of creating a path towards wholeness. This path embraces the fullness of your own history, not shying away from any part of it.

Moreover, it integrates this history into a life that is anchored in an intimate community. This community provides support, understanding, and a sense of belonging. It allows you to share your experiences, both the painful and the joyous, and to learn from others.

By leaning into your past and integrating it into your present life, you can find a sense of wholeness and fulfillment. You can create a life that is rich in meaning and purpose, and that is connected to something greater than yourself. This is a truly amazing picture, one that offers hope and inspiration to all who see it.
July 14,2025
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I am truly finding it extremely difficult to establish an emotional connection with this book. Logically speaking, everything that Allender is stating makes perfect sense to me. However, at this juncture, it all just seems like a collection of words. Maybe I am currently in a state of hardcore denial? I might have to go back to the beginning and approach it more slowly.

***

After completing the book: I found the last couple of chapters to be significantly more engaging than the remainder of the text. I am still uncertain as to why I felt it was such a laborious read, but that's precisely how I experienced it. It's rather disappointing because I have truly valued some of Allender's other works. I had high expectations for this one, but unfortunately, it didn't quite meet them. Nevertheless, I will still keep an open mind and look forward to seeing what else Allender has to offer in the future.
July 14,2025
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Amazing!

For anyone you know who is hurting, it is truly a remarkable thing to offer them a helping hand or a listening ear.

Often, when people are in pain, whether it's emotional or physical, they feel alone and helpless.

But by reaching out to them, we can make a world of difference.

We can show them that they are not alone and that there are people who care.

Sometimes, a simple act of kindness, like bringing them a cup of coffee or sitting with them for a while, can be enough to ease their pain.

And when we take the time to really listen to their problems, we can offer them valuable advice and support.

So, the next time you see someone who is hurting, don't hesitate to reach out and make a difference in their life.

You never know how much of an impact you can have.
July 14,2025
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This article is truly very applicable to anyone who has endured hardships or is currently facing difficult trials.

It is not only encouraging but also convicting, and it is filled with hope.

The author has done an excellent job of demonstrating how God employs pain in a redemptive manner within our lives.

Moreover, it shows how the pain from the past can drive us to hope for and live in accordance with the future glory.

It is an easy read that can have a profound impact on the reader.

Whether you are in the midst of a difficult situation or have overcome hardships in the past, this article offers valuable insights and inspiration.

It reminds us that even in the face of pain and suffering, there is always hope and a greater purpose.

God can use our experiences to shape us and lead us to a place of greater hope and glory.

So, if you are looking for some encouragement and a fresh perspective on your trials, this article is definitely worth reading.
July 14,2025
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Simply put: read this!


This short and concise statement holds great significance. It is a call to action, urging you to engage with the content that follows. Reading is a powerful activity that can expand your knowledge,开阔 your视野, and stimulate your imagination. By reading, you expose yourself to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. It allows you to learn about different cultures,历史事件, scientific discoveries, and much more. Whether it's a book, an article, or a blog post, reading has the potential to enrich your life and make you a more informed and well-rounded individual. So, don't hesitate. When you see the words "read this," take it as an invitation to embark on a journey of learning and exploration.

July 14,2025
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I'm still kind of unsure about my feelings.

There are certain things that were just beyond my comprehension, leaving me a bit confused.

On the other hand, there were also aspects that were truly very good and poignant. They had a certain depth and significance that really struck a chord within me.

Some of it was so touching that it brought out emotions I didn't even know I had.

It's a strange mix of confusion and profoundness, and I'm still trying to sort through it all.

I guess only time will tell how these feelings will evolve and what they truly mean.

For now, I'll just have to keep reflecting and see where this journey takes me.
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