Is there anything more special than the relationship between a mother and daughter? There’s no question that the ties that bind a mother to her daughter are powerful. Author Kristin Armstrong has written a devotional specifically for the purpose of strengthening that bond and creating a platform from which to build a tighter, healthier connection between moms and their girls.

TIES THAT BIND includes a year’s worth of meditations to read together. There are two devotionals per week, one that speaks more to the mother and the other to the daughter. Each of the weekly entries starts with the same Bible verse, followed by a page or two of a reflective meditation, concluding with a brief weekly thought or goal. All focus on subjects that are relevant and significant for today’s female. For instance, Week 19 begins with Ephesians 4:26-27: “In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” The “Mother” entry talks about the fact that many people have considered anger to be wrong, when anger, in and of itself, can be healthy. It is, of course, what we do when we’re angry that could potentially turn to sin. The author goes on to talk about self-control (which many mothers struggle with!) and how to keep our anger “in check.” The closing thought instructs moms to pause in their frustration and intellectualize their emotions to work in tandem with their hearts rather than against it.

"Whether you’re looking to repair a damaged relationship or strengthen a healthy one, TIES THAT BIND certainly has the potential to change the dynamics of mother-daughter bonds in a remarkably positive way."

Correspondingly, the “Daughter” entry for Week 19 talks to girls about not being controlled by their feelings (which many young girls struggle with) and explores ways on how they can get a more focused grip on their thoughts, as well as on the truth of God’s Word. The closing thought reminds girls that their feelings of anger aren’t “wrong,” and encourages them to pray for the ability to problem-solve in ways other than lashing out or giving in to their emotions.

Other topics covered in TIES THAT BIND include gossip, forgiveness, relationships, comparison, body image, contentment, purity, perfection and healthy friendships.

Armstrong’s writing style is candid, easy and natural, drawing the reader in with stories, applicable illustrations and wisdom. The book is meant to be read individually by mothers and daughters, opening the gateway for real and honest dialogue about important issues that may not be easily communicated in busy, everyday lives. For those with younger girls, it may be beneficial to read the “Daughter” entries aloud, with pauses for explanation and discussion.

Personally, I have been longing for a devotional such as this to share with my own daughter, who is now 16. We already have a wonderful relationship, but this book will only serve to strengthen our bond and allow for deeper thought, more intense and meaningful conversation, and give us a reason to set aside time to spend together to focus on God’s Word.

Whether you’re looking to repair a damaged relationship or strengthen a healthy one, TIES THAT BIND certainly has the potential to change the dynamics of mother-daughter bonds in a remarkably positive way.