"The Respect Dare: 40 Days to a Deeper Connection with God and Your Husband" by Nina Roesner, seems to be a good companion to "The Love Dare" from the movie "Fireproof" drawing from the Bible verses in Ephesians 5:31-33
When I received this book from Booksneeze to review, I decided that I would read and do the book as it is intended, as a 40 day challenge to "experience the intimacy God intended and discover what He can do in my heart and in my marriage when I choose to show respect God's way." It truly seemed like a really wonderful way for me to start this year with the intention of improving both of these relationships and the intimacy being deepened through respect.
I took this book, one day at a time, with the expectation of learning the key to a successful marriage summed up in these two words: unconditional respect, just as a woman desires unconditional love. I actually believe that both love and respect are required from both partners as mutual and needs to be unconditional, at least that's what we strive for in our relationships. I really had high hopes that the application of these Bible verses could turn even my marriage around. However, not being at home with my spouse, made this a bit more of a challenge as I worked through each day's dares, more through reflection rather than being able to actually do the dare. So to be fair to the author's claim of practical advise about "what works" and her tangible ideas, I must be honest in admitting that I only visualized the possibility yet I truly hoped that my connection with God would be deepened in the process anyways. I agree wholeheartedly that "we are called to be a reflection of the life of Christ" as we are made in God's image, and that our marriage represents Christ and the Church, which means it is more about being like Jesus and representing that relationship well. Ultimately, that was my personal purpose for choosing this book and doing it as a daily dare. The "frosting on the cake" for me, would have been if I could have a radical change on me and thus, my marriage as well. Time will tell as I apply what I read.
Nina Roesner enriches, challenges and affirms our journey to changing our marriages through true stories from the lives of real women. Each dare starts out with a Bible verse to focus the lesson through a true situation story, concluding with a "Bottom Line", questions and actions to complete for the 'dare' for that day. I like this format, the spiritual growth concepts and the suggested opportunities to apply them – no matter where you are on your journey. I found most of them to be helpful and applicable. I'm not totally convinced however that all of her well thought out ideas could save a marriage that's in trouble like mine, but I'm sure that applying these practices of showing more respect would definitely improve a good relationship or even one that's struggling because they are based on God's Word and God will bless any effort to strengthen a marriage or relationship as He ordained it to function. I look forward to coming back to this book and improving my relationship by applying these ideas, at least trying. I definitely needed the self assessments and reflections along the way. I would have liked to not have to be reminded so much throughout the entire book of the "Daughters of Sarah" which became a bit annoying, although I'm sure they are wonderful.
I'd encourage you to give it a try and see what God may have in store for you and your marriage relationship, whether for maintenance or improvement. I'd recommend it for any woman willing to work at becoming a godly wife, whether newly wed or struggling to take your marriage and spirituality to the next level. If you are willing to change your attitude and yourself, in a day where respect seems to be dwindling in our culture and should not be, and our society tells us that respect is earned, God will honor that we respect one another and love unconditionally as He loves us.
For more information on Nina Roesner,visit her site or the Daughters of Sarah website. Check out The Respect Dare website, too! I appreciated the resources and that these sites are available to further the motivation of completing "The Respect Dare" and daring to respect more!
| Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” |
