Confronting Without Offending: Positive and Practical Steps to Resolving Conflict

Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (8/09) Life without confrontation - although it may sound like the ultimate goal of peaceful coexistence, it's simply not reality. Instead, our own perception of events, whether right on or completely skewed, governs our reactions and forces us into a decision: fight or flight. Some people avoid that confrontation at all costs while others meet it abruptly head on. Regardless of which route is taken, intentions - even good ones - are normally misinterpreted, feelings quickly hurt, and relationships permanently (and most often negatively) affected. Author Deborah Smith Pegues hopes to change this with the new release of her book, "Confronting without Offending: Positive and Practical Steps to Resolving Conflict." Previously released as, "Managing Conflict God's Way," Pegues' revised material gives her readers a look at confrontation from a Christian perspective. Although many religious people may see the concept of `conflict' and think `turn the other cheek,' `be a peacemaker,' or `blessed are the longsuffering,' Pegues utilizes scripture to show how alternative responses to this grin-and-bear-it mentality can actually enhance communication and strengthen relationships. The content of "Confronting without Offending" teaches its readers to see the reasons behind the outward reactions and the steps necessary to turn disagreements into constructive and positive growing experiences. Further, it takes into account varying personality types; a significantly influential factor when considering how to approach a potential issue. Already an established Christian author, Deborah Smith Pegues has educated her audiences through previous publications such as "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue," "Supreme Confidence," and "Financial Survival in Uncertain Times." "Confronting without Offending" maintains her usual Godly-focused information with her thorough and intelligent style. Appropriate for the individual as well as group study, Pegues' book is an eye-opening education on personality types and human behavior for any age. "Confronting without Offending: Positive and Practical Steps to Resolving Conflict" is yet another top-notch book from the desk of author Deborah Smith Pegues. Easy to read and quickly absorbed, this brilliant work presents down-to-earth methods based on heavenly principles. "Confront without offending? Is that even possible?" Pegues answers that question with an absolute and whole hearted `yes.'