Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging

Read by the authors.

A husband-and-wife team put their philosophy of “We don’t quit on family” into action, demonstrating how to combat isolation, build healthy relationships, and fight for (not with!) the ones you love, right where you are.

When Chris and Julie Bennett and their four kids decided to move from Norman, Oklahoma, to Los Angeles, California, they knew they were setting out on a great adventure. They’d be leaving behind the church Chris and Julie had pastored, the comfort of their community, and the familiarity of their daily routines, but the new city promised to bring some much-needed change. Most of all, they looked forward to connecting with others in one of the most disconnected cities in the United States.

What they didn’t expect was how this adventure—complicated by a cancer diagnosis, a relapse, and a worldwide pandemic—would challenge their notions of what it means to care for each other well, both as a nuclear family and as part of a broader community. It turns out that becoming family is stressful, messy, exhausting—and absolutely, totally worth fighting for.

In a time when so many suffer from loneliness and it feels like developing authentic relationships is impossible, Chris and Julie invite you to step into their story to discover the fundamentals that lead to healthy, thriving families and friendships. You’ll discover the power of embracing vulnerability, accepting imperfection, and extending forgiveness, while finding fulfillment through enforcing boundaries and honoring and serving others.

Whether you are looking to build your own community from scratch or strengthen your existing connections, Fighting for Family will inspire you to go all in on your relationships, no matter what your circumstances.

Questions for reflection can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.