Love & Respect

A good friend gave me this book in January or February after a church retreat.  I read a little of it at first... then life got crazy...then I got on a fiction/book club only kick.  Finally after my latest round of books and being caught up for book club in December, I told myself there was no starting another fiction book until I finished this one.

Now don't let that fool you... this was an amazing book.  It is just hard for me to sit down and read any nonfiction book quickly.  I always have about 3 books going when I read nonfiction.  Even when I love it.  I am so glad that I finished this jewel though.  It just got better and better with each page I read.

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs has been in marriage counseling for years and give conferences based on this book.  The premise is simple.  Women need love, men want respect.  It all comes from Ephesians 5:33 "Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."  Wow, this simple little revelation blew me away.  It got me thinking a lot about previous relationships and the lack of respect I had...

The beginning of the book talks about The Crazy Cycle that many marriages are in, then the middle is about The Energizing Cycle, and finally the best part is The Rewarding Cycle.

 I have to tell you I loved the part about The Rewarding Cycle.  It was all about how even if your spouse doesn't give you what you need, give them what you should.  Know that God sees what you are doing and will reward you.  I think that really resonated with me because of where I am in my spiritual journey.  When we love and respect our spouse, really we are loving and respecting Jesus.  That really got me thinking beyond just my marriage to family and friend relationships.

I think for a long time I didn't read this because Aaron and I have a pretty darn good marriage.  But you can always improve and gentle reminders are always good.  Sometimes I have a bit too much pride.  I felt like if I read this, it must mean I have a "bad" marriage.  Don't let pride get in your way!  Y'all I really, really, really encourage you to read this book.  Even if you have a great marriage.

Read: mostly December 2011
Pages:  303