The Power of a Loving Man: 13 Keys to Setting Your Heart Free

Reviewed by Cynthia Baute for Reader Views (2/06) Contrary to the popular image of the male role in relationships, there is more to love than being strong and providing financial support for the family. In his book, "The Power of a Loving Man: 13 Keys to Setting Your Heart Free," author Jeff Jernigan presents a guidebook to developing and maintaining deep, loving Christian relationships. Jernigan resolves the perceived conflicts between being a macho man and being a loving man, showing that men can present God's image in their relationships by learning to love as God intended. Through an empathetic look at American men's struggle to retain their perception of manliness with the ability to embrace loving behaviors, Jernigan encourages and prepares men to begin expressing love in their everyday lives. His book gently and compassionately imparts the thirteen key messages through intertwined biblical lessons and personal stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the writer's style and found it to be an easy read. My only distraction at times was that the insertion of biblical quotations seemed forced; being a bit heavy handed and not always effectively linked to the main point of the chapters. It was easy to relate to the human shortcomings described in the life stories, and feel excitement and enthusiasm when the people were able to pull through and become successful. In the story that I enjoyed the most, Jernigan describes how simply believing in someone, and communicating that support and belief, changed his friend's life. Through a series of keys and supporting life stories, the book teaches that loving behaviors can be learned, and hearts and people can grow and benefit from happier and more loving relationships. Although the book is oriented toward a Christian male audience, the messages offer universal insights on ways to incorporate the goodness and grace of Christianity into everyday lives. In the end, "Power" provides a clear path of thirteen key stepping stones that, if followed, will lead its readers to deeper and more meaningful relationships in all aspects of their lives.

What an eye opener. Not only do I now have a better understanding of how to love, but feel empowered. The real-life experiences are easy to relate to. The Power has encouraged me to love bigger, better and more in God's image. A great book for small mens group/book study.