We Dare You!

Travis and I decided that one of the best things we could possibly do for our child is make our marriage as strong as possible. We will then have a great foundation for our growing family. When our child comes home, the safer and more loving environment we can create, the easier his or her attachment and transition will be. With that in mind, we embarked on...The Love Dare!

Some of you might be familiar with this from the movie Fireproof. The Love Dare is a Biblically based 40 day challenge for spouses that includes a short chapter to read with words of wisdom and advice on how to love better as well as a "dare" for that day. The dares range from "complete a thoughtful gesture toward your spouse today" to "make a list of positive attributes about your spouse" to "tell your spouse three things about them that make you feel uncomfortable or irritated." (Ouch. The truth hurts sometimes!) So far, we are learning a lot about each other and being convicted of our own failures and weaknesses. It's not an easy challenge and involves a commitment and a lot of willingness to be vulnerable.

The book also emphasizes the importance of having Christ in your heart and at the center of your marriage. Before Travis and I met, he wasn't really a practicing Christian--that is, he believed in God but didn't attend church. He likes to say that I showed him God's love, which showed him how to truly love me. We believe that's true. Unless you know the powerful, neverending, and unconditional love of God, it's difficult to have a deep and true love for another person.

We've both noticed a difference in our marriage since we began. We felt like our marriage was strong before, but now we are learning more about each other, taking the time to talk without distractions, and praying about our marriage and for each other daily. It's such a great challenge that we dare anyone to try it!