A Dad-Shaped Hole in My Heart

One of the things I'm learning from this book that a lot of people have a lot of father issues. Some people have had fathers who have left them, died, weren't there for them and the list of things can be extensive. It's understanding how these father issues have impacted us and to learn, change, so they do not further damage us. Though I had my father around growing up, he had his own father issues, which I didn't even know to the extent until recently. Things of the past cannot be changed, but wounds and hurts can be healed. Ignoring things are not a good issue. Though mothers are very important, fathers have such a significant role in the lives of their children -- whether good or bad. Wright is an excellent author and I have many of his books. God has really blessed him with tremendous insights into relationships. This book is helping me to have a more compassionate understanding of my dad, to perhaps learn more about my dad and have grace & mercy upon where he is, where he came from. We all have levels of brokenness and perhaps to help really hear my dad, to learn about him. I'm only part way through the book, and am looking forward to also learning more from Wright about my own dad. Perhaps this will help me with understanding my former spouse more and forgiving him for what he's done to me, because of his own father issues he could never admit. This book is also giving me better insight into other people with father issues and as God puts various men into my life, how that impacts my kids and I

Every girl knows how important "Daddy" is. When Dad disappoints us, it can affect us for the rest of our life. Whether Dad has left us, was abusive, or neglectful, the result is an emptiness that cannot be filled. In A DAD-SHAPED HOLE IN MY HEART, Dr. Wright helps the reader to face the hurt and find healing. A DAD-SHAPED HOLE IN MY HEART addresses topics such as: Losing your father through death, divorce, or abandonment Seeing denial for what it is--and how it holds you back Discovering how to improve your relationship with your dad Finding your real--and perfect--Heavenly Father Plus much more. Dr. Wright uses Scripture, true-life testimonies, and insights shared from his many years as a family counselor to help you move past the pain to find joy as you realize, that in spite of what your earthly father has done, your Heavenly Father has always been there for you. A DAD-SHAPED HOLE IN MY HEART is a small book that packs a wallop. I was able to read through it in an evening, but I recommend that the reader who is truly suffering take it slower, journaling their thoughts, answering the questions, and recording any healing they may find in the pages of this book. There are some lines available in the book for recording thoughts, but not nearly enough, and some of the questions have no spaces available to answer in at all. The book would have been better if there had been more space left to answer and record thoughts. My father died when I was a teenager, so I was especially interested in the chapter about losing your father through death. Unfortunately, the book didn't minister to me in the manner that I thought it would. Maybe it would be different if the reader isn't sure of their salvation, or their father's salvation, because that would make the situation a lot different. For me, my father has simply moved on, and I will see him again someday. If you or someone you know has lost a father due to death, divorce, neglect, or abandonment then pick up a copy of A DAD-SHAPED HOLE IN MY HEART and thumb through it and see if it's right for your needs or your friend's needs. $12.99. 187 pages.

I bought this book shortly after my Dad passed away from cancer. I had a difficult time in the months prior to his death as I found myself trying to bargain with God for his health. While certain parts of the book about dealing with an abusive or neglective father didn't apply to me, I found solace and comfort in it's pages. I told everyone I knew who'd lost their father about it and I would highly suggest anyone (women especially) who've lost their Dads to read it. Treasure it - as it will help you. Each day is just a step closer to healing.

We all know just how important 'dad' is, and how deeply we hurt and how profoundly we are impacted throughout our lives when he isn't there for us, or betrays or disappoints us. So for all the women who carry the burden of the wounds left by fathers who were/are absent physically, emotionally, spiritually or through abuse, please read A Dad-Shaped Hole in My Heart. Dr. Wright, through narrative, case studies (stories), survey/assessment, scripture and written exercises helps daughters bring to the forefront their experiences and disappointments with their fathers - in order to resolve them and be healed. I found the chapters on fatherless daughters (physically or emotionally absent or abusive) to be particularly powerful. The symptoms are worth reading to see if they fit you or someone you love. The chapter on daughters of divorce and the Adult Child of Divorce Characteristics (ACOD) is a must read. Then ask yourself, do I fit into any of these characteristics? No doubt any daughter of divorce will see themselves in some of the nine traits. But it is the chapters on grieving absent fathers, facing the past and how to change your relationship with your dad that is so compelling. But the most important chapter is about God as your real father-God, the father who loves you unconditionally and has been and will always be there for you. I believe that this book will be helpful not only to daughters but to their fathers as well. Daughters read the book and prayerfully follow the suggestions. Dads, read the book, see yourself and learn how to change and help heal that "dad-shaped hole" in your daughter's heart. Armchair Interviews recommends this book as a significant and helpful resource.