IT'S TIME TO GROW

Floyd offers a straightforward discussion of how to focus on one’s spiritual growth through Christianity.

This brief religious guidebook covers a lot of topics in a short time. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, and the work as a whole reads very much as if the author were giving a speech directly to the reader, with a stated aim to assuage their fear, anxiety, and depression; to encourage them to face reality; and to urge them to foster a closer relationship to God while strengthening one’s relationships, and specifically one’s marriage. Through 16 chapters, the author discusses a range of personal-growth-related topics, such as the purpose of reality checks (“It’s best if you have somebody to challenge you. You could be doing more than you’re doing right now, you could have more than what you have right now, you could go farther than where you’re going right now”), the benefits of reciprocity, the importance of listening, and why one must recognize when one has unrealistic expectations. Other subjects include embracing commitment of various kinds, including in relationships; the godliness of good works; and fostering a sense of purpose. At times, the book feels like an extended sermon that one might hear in church, and this dynamic is strengthened by the inclusion of a Bible passage at the start of many chapters, which the author goes on to dissect and discuss, providing readers with a better understanding of the issue at hand. The author sets out specific goals for readers, and whether readers will meet them depends on their personal interpretations and where they are in their own religious experiences. However, the book is always straightforward and to-the-point, and readers are likely to find success with its advice.

A focused self-help book for a religious audience.