course materials

1. Parrott, L. & Parrott, L. (2012). Real relationships. Introduction: Our
Longing
Parrott, L. & Parrott, L. (2012). Real relationships.Introduction: Our Longing for
BelongingChapter 1: The Compulsion for CompletionChapter 2: Keeping Family Ties from
Pulling StringsHealthy BoundariesDuring this first session, we will learn about masks and
boundaries. We all have events and situations in our lives that influence us. In order to help
and impact others, we must first be able to understand ourselves and who God made us to
be. Looking deeper at our lives and analyzing what drives our responses allows us to walk
in greater freedom and understanding, in order to have better relationships with our
families, spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and supervisors.Describe masks worn and
discuss their impact.Assess the masks and boundaries they experience and share a self-
evaluation of their health.Compare and contrast the impact of family of origin with the
impact of biblical worldview on masks and boundaries.Deuteronomy 32:7-9 and Psalms
74:16-17.God set boundaries for us for a reason; we need to learn to set healthy boundaries
as well.In Deuteronomy, when God was dividing up the land between the sons of Jacob, He
had specific areas for each one and made clear boundaries. We tend to read those sections
of the Bible and skip over parts, wondering how that is important for us today.As you read
these scriptures this week, think about why God set boundaries for the different tribes and
why He set boundaries for the earth. Did those boundaries help the people? Did God have a
purpose? If He did, does He have a purpose for teaching us about our own boundaries and
how we relate and interact with others?God never does something without a reason behind
it. Let’s begin our journey in this course looking deeper at our relationships, consider some
of God’s reasons behind what He did, and see how we can integrate some of His heart into
our own interactions.This week think through your own relationships and interactions, and
note areas you may need to change in order to walk in increased faith and virtue with every
step.Completion and MasksGod talks a lot about boundaries and interacting with one
another.Chapter 1 of our text discusses our drive for completion.One specific statement
says, “If you try to find intimacy with another person before achieving a sense of identity on
your own, all your relationships become an attempt to complete yourself.” (Parrott &
Parrott, 2012, p. 20).Using specific references from the text, Scripture, and life examples,
discuss different masks you put on depending upon different roles you may experience at
the time (ex: work, family, friends).How do masks influence the boundaries you have? Are
these healthy or unhealthy boundaries?