Winning Ways: “An Opportunity for Marriage Enrichment”

Hollywood gets it more than you realize. Your marriage relationship will be better if you get it, too.

I’m talking about the profound differences between what men and women fundamentally need in a relationship. The romances in popular films aren’t just “love stories”--they’re “respect stories,” too! In Aladdin, the boy hero asks Jasmine, “Do you trust me?” She says “Yes,” takes his hand, and thus begins their magic carpet ride. In Titanic, Jack stands at the bow of the ship, offers his hand to Rose, and asks, “Do you trust me?” She says yes, and their romance begins at the ship’s prow, flying over the waves. It’s even in National Treasure, where Ben shouts to Abigail on the collapsing platform, “Do you trust me?” And that question forms the closing line of Blade Runner as Rick and Rachael run away together.

You need to discover in your marriage what Hollywood has figured out: the best romances are formed where you see the combination of a man’s love for his wife and a woman’s respect for her husband.

That’s what Ephesians 5:33 teaches us: “Each of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Starting September 9, Diane and I will host a seminar designed to teach this fundamental truth about marriage.

The DVD conference is called Love and Respect, by Emerson Eggerichs. His skillful use of straight talk and humor will drive home the biblical insights that can enrich your marriage. You’ll learn how to “stop the Crazy Cycle of conflict,” initiate “the Energizing Cycle of change,” and enjoy “the Rewarded Cycle of new passion.”

We’ll meet every Sunday from 5:30 to 7:00pm starting September 9 to discover that unconditional respect is as powerful for a husband as unconditional love is for a wife. Forward this edition of Winning Ways to your friends and invite them to the first night of the “Love and Respect” seminar. This class is for married couples as well as couples who are thinking about getting married.

The “Love and Respect” seminar is one of several classes in our Hillcrest Institute. This Fall our church is also hosting classes on spiritual warfare, money management, healthy weight management, another other topics. You can learn more about these classes and register online by clicking here.

One more word about healthy home relationships: Spread the news about this Sunday’s special event! We’re holding one combined worship service at 10:30 to experience the musical presentation, Love Will Be Our Home. See you then!
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Each Wednesday I post my article from "Winning Ways," an e-newsletter that goes out to over 830 subscribers. If you want to subscribe to "Winning Ways," sign up here.