"The Voices We Carry" (J. S. Park)

TITLE: The Voices We Carry: Finding Your One, True Voice in a World of Clamor and Noise
AUTHOR: J. S. Park
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Northfield Publishers, 2020, (288 pages).

Many of us have heard about the differences between the head and the heart. The former popularly refers to the intellect while the latter describes the emotions. Using the head means we let our thinking and rationalizing decide our next steps. Using the heart means we allow our emotions to lead the way. Truth is, we need both head and heart for authenticity. Instead of separating the head and the heart into two entities, how about looking at it from the perspective of voices that speak to us, regardless of whether it is to the head or heart? This makes sense because the line between the intellect and the emotions is not easily distinguishable. What is more important is how we listen to the voices, both from outside and from the inside. Author JS Park writes this book with honest inquiry and personal experience about the many different types of voices that come at us, both voluntarily and involuntarily. In an age of social media, we are susceptible to all kinds of comments, both positive and negative. Even the most well-intentioned posts could trigger a whole spectrum of criticisms and trolls. One may claim to communicate facts but others would be quick to clothe all kinds of feelings and judgment on them. External voices create all kinds of inner ripples, some good, some bad. The best way forward is to discern the facts, determine what's helpful and what's not, and to find our own voices. Don't cave in to lies.

"Rising Above a Toxic Workplace" (Gary Chapman, Paul White, and Harold Myra)

TITLE: Rising Above a Toxic Workplace: Taking Care of Yourself in an Unhealthy Environment
AUTHOR: Gary Chapman, Paul White, and Harold Myra
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Northfield Publishing, 2014, (160 pages).

Ever encountered the boss from hell? What about irritating colleagues who absolutely ruin our day? Maybe, there is a negativity so heavy that going to the workplace no longer seems fun or exciting anymore. The fact is, there are many places that have a toxic environment that can discourage and turn off ordinary workers from discharging their best. According to a Gallup poll, seven in ten people work in toxic workplaces. A bad workplace also leads to stress and reduced productivity. Class tensions create divisions within organizations.

Then there is the toxic boss from hell. They cannot take no for an answer. Not only that, they can make life miserable for subordinates who are desperate to keep their job. Some bosses are so abusive that standing up to them may very well be worse off. Greed and envy are the toxic fumes in any workplace. Even those companies that shot to fame based on their ranking in "Best companies to work for" are not immune from toxic workplaces. For what is wonderful for now is no guarantee of the future.

"Growing Up Social" (Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane)

TITLE: Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World
AUTHOR: Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2014, (240 pages).

These days, screens are everywhere. With the popularity of digital tablets and the ubiquitous smartphones, all it takes is to notice people looking down on the phones in their palms, and we can recognize a social phenomenon these days. How do we cultivate relationships in a screen-driven world? The best hope is to begin when they are young. That is why Gary Chapman, author of the famous Five Love Languages and Arlene Pellicane, author of 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Wife have come together to help us ensure that technology does not overwhelm our relationships. According to the authors, "Screens are not the problem; the problem lies in the way we constantly use them." This is the central message of the book. As it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep technology away from growing kids, it is more practical to cultivate guidelines on technology usage.

For all the benefits, the authors remind us again about the problems of technology.

• Lack of real-world teaching moments and family bonding
• Inattentiveness
• Too much technology
• Too early exposure

"When Sorry Isn't Enough" (Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas)

TITLE: When Sorry Isn't Enough: Making Things Right with Those You Love
AUTHOR: Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Northfield Publishing, 2013, (176 pages).

No one's perfect. Neither should we behave in such a way as if we expect people to be perfect. Yet, that happens all the time. Even the best of relationships will fall into bad and difficult times, especially when one's loved one is hurt. What if the offense is repeated? What if the expectation is more than a mere apology? Then what should we do?

Previously released under the title, "The Five Love Languages of Apology," Chapman understands the intricate connections needed for going beyond mere sorry. When authentic apology meets understanding among all, we have genuine forgiveness. The authors assert that because "people are incurably moral," not only do they seek to do right, they are inclined to try righting any wrongs. The key is to learn how to do that. The five types of apology are as follows:

1. "I'm Sorry" - expressing regret
2. "I was wrong" - accepting responsibility
3. "How can I make it right?" - Making restitution
4. "I want to change" - Genuine repentance
5. "Can you find it in your heart?" - requesting forgiveness.