Start Here

Yes, read this, but then go to the website:  TheRespectDare.com

The Respect Dare is many things.  

Primarily, it is a book based on true stories from real women with real struggles who are just on the journey of trying to be a godly wife.

It’s more of an experience than a book of theory.

And like marriage, for some women, it can be a difficult experience.

It’s also probably not the “final word” or “BEST THING EVER” out there on the topic.  But it is helpful.  And we continue to be amazed at what God does with a marriage when a wife’s willing heart collides with obedience to His Word. 

It might even be helpful to you. 

God’s basic principles are pretty simple and they prevent divorce.  They honor His name. And they’re all in His book, the Bible.

What most of us fail to realize is that those of us who choose marriage are choosing to reflect something that matters a ton to Him: Christ’s relationship with the church.

Ephesians 5:31-33 reads as follows: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you must also love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” A pastor at our church, Brian Bell, spoke recently about this and reminded us that we are never more like Jesus than when we are laying down our lives for someone who doesn’t deserve it. I hope you know that your marriage is important to God. It’s a reflection of Him to the world.

The problem is that most of us simply struggle with what applied respect actually looks like in a marriage from a practical standpoint. It’s dying to self, yes, but along with that is finding God’s blessings. And then there are the tangible things that one actually “does” that communicate respect.  The book covers both of these things.

We hold a course for married women called Daughters of Sarah. The results from the class are truly amazing, but we’re not nationwide – so the book is a way for women who can’t participate in Daughters to have just a taste of what is learned on the topic of respect and growing your relationship with God (the course covers so very much more). The e-course (information available at http://www.TheRespectDare.com ) provides accountability and some teaching. The book is the only one of it’s kind, where real Christian women, who understand what God teaches about respect and who want to honor Him with their lives, give examples of ways to actually do that.

It’s also over 200 pages of:

• True stories of application from the lives of real wives who’ve seen radical change in their own marriage and relationship with God
• Practical advice about “What Works” – to increase the connection between you and your husband
• Tangible ideas that can save your marriage if it’s in trouble or simply improve it if it’s already good
• Spiritual growth concepts and opportunities to apply them – no matter where you are on your journey
• Self-assessment and reflection along the way
• 40 dares in daily format to take your marriage and spirituality to the next level
• Access to free additional marriage information to keep you motivated when you are done with the book

Order The Respect Dare from Amazon.com now.

We’re also excited to now be offering an E-Course for the program!  Visit us at http://therespectdare.com  to find out more!

What Christian Leaders Have to Say about “The Respect Dare:” Dr. Kevin Leman, best-selling author of “Have a New Husband by Friday:” “Nina’s insightful steps in The Respect Dare help you along the path to a better marriage. Walk along this successful path traveled by many women to find growth and fulfillment. Take the first step, I dare you.”

Shaunti Feldhahn, best-selling author of “For Women Only: What you Need to Know about The Inner Lives of Men:”

“Believe it or not, most men need respect so much that, if they had to, they would give up love to get it – and respect empowers them to be the caring man you most need. One of the most important things you can ever do for your man – and thus for yourself — is to read this book. From the first page you are an active participant as you go through daily scripture, self-reflection, prayer journaling and lots of ‘now I get it!’ examples. Think Nike slogan “Just Do It:” each day you find yourself DOING respect – not just thinking, praying, talking or reading about it – but DOING it. You will find your habits seamlessly changing into new ways of relating that will feel as wonderful and life-changing to you as to him.”

Pastor Mark Gungor, best-selling author of, “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage:” “Women need to affirm, encourage and respect their husbands with their actions and words—and sometimes it is with the lack of words that is most powerful, if you catch my drift! Respect can be shown both by what you say and often times by what you don’t say.

Many times when I speak of this to women, they launch into 20 questions: What does respect mean? What does it look like? How do I show it? What if he doesn’t deserve it? The list goes on and on. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, or no recipe or steps to follow, understand that the whole concept of respect has more to do with you than it has to do with him.

I encourage all women to accept this respect challenge and find out if I’m right. What do you have to lose except a whole lot of selfishness, bitterness and unrealistic expectations? On the other hand, you have a great opportunity to gain greater understanding, self-confidence, joy and a better relationship with God and your husband.

Go ahead, I dare you. You won’t regret it.”