STORIES
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11/3/2008
A month ago I found out that I had driven my wife to find a friend. For years I had walls around me, I shut her out of my life, I pushed her to a breaking point. She still stuck by me. When I finally realized what I had done, I stepped back looked at what I have done. I opened up, I let her in, we began talking, we began to communicate, I began to realize that the love of my life was almost ready to leave. As I began to open up, I began to feel better, I began to see what life was really about when you love someone. My wife picked up a copy of the 40 Day Love Dare and we decided to see the movie Fireproof prior to starting the book. I knew the movie was about relationships, she did not. As we sat and watched the movie we both saw ourselves on the screen. There were so many similarities to our relationship including the "friend". We cried more that day then we ever have. Because of something that happened as a child I have had hatred in my heart. I was using that hatred to stay away from God. After the movie I realized that I had been a fool all of these years. Blaming him for something that he had nothing to do with. I finally found it in my heart to forgive those that I could not forgive in the past. Upon forgiving I felt the world lifted off of my shoulders. I am now ready to get back to God and to continue to work hard on our relationship. We started the 40 Day Love Dare today and we are both committed to completing it and continuing our relationship with each other and with God in our lives.
11/3/2008
My husband and I saw the movie on 10/30/08. I saw my marriage in that except for the fact that I am already saved. At first I wanted to watch the moving hoping that my husband would change but honestly it helped me to be the wife GOD intended for me to be to win my husband over. One part in the movie that really touched my heart very much was when Caleb's father said: "You would never understand what love really is until you come to know CHRIST". It opened my eyes to understand why I continue to fight for my marriage after my husband cheated, lied, broke my heart, disrespected me etc. It's because I have the love of CHRIST flowing in and through me. That's the very thing CHRIST went through when HE died on the CROSS to reedeem us back to HIM so those are the things that we have to endure in order to win back our spouse. I continue to pray for my husband and sometimes it's an emotional battle but with GOD's help I can overcome the struggle. I know my husband will change because just like GOD didn't give up on me I know that GOD hasn't given up on my husband. I hold on to GOD's promises everyday. Even though with my natural eye I see no hope but with my supernatural eye I see all hope and HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST. I pray that GOD will touch each married couple that's going through the struggle and remember to keep your eyes on things above. Don't focus on the problem but on the problem solver!! :0)
Letitia
11/2/2008
My wife and I went and watched fireproof tonight and it was like watching our lives on the big screen. A family member told us we needed to go see this movie knowing that we are having a great deal of trouble in our marriage. All I can say is wow,
This was a great movie and couldn't have came at a better time in our lives. I was teary eyed the whole movie thinking about all the things I have done wrong.
I was thinking on the way home what I would do for a copy of that journal in the movie. I just ordered one and I hope it will let me show her how much I really do love her and want her to stay in my life forever.
Thank you so much for the movie and the love dare.
11/1/2008
My ex-husband and I saw this movie tonight. It was wonderful. It told our story, except they chose not to end their marriage. We did. I didn't know then what I know now. Instead of fighting for the marriage and my husband, I opted to file for divorce and let adultery end my marriage. Forgiveness was not even a consideration. I have questioned this decision for the last three years, while working on forgiveness. I still love him very much, but the wounds are still very deep. I am praying that God will heal this or show me what his will is for me.
11/1/2008
My husband and I saw this movie lastnight. We are just married now 4 months, but we have had a rough time through some of it so far. We are from two different cultures and countries, so some things are difficult sometimes. We love eachother so much though. We have talked about divorce about a month ago... it was scary to see that almost happen. God put us together for a reason... to spread the word of GOD together. My husband is a preacher, and that was different for me to end up with a preacher for a husband. I wouldnt change it for anything though. We saw this movie together and both cried..we saw a lot of us in it. How we treat each other sometimes. Made us really think and thank GOD for what he has done in our lives. This movie has really changed how we think now and we want to share with others how this movie is such an impact. Thank you to Sherwood Church for making this movie! We give thanks to GOD for the love he has given us as well. God bless those of you who read my story! We will keep all couples in these situations in our daily prayers!
Thanks..Liz
11/1/2008
The other day me and my husband saw fireproof And early in the movie I could relate to so much in that movie The things that they were going thru hit home so hard I felt tears in ny eyes and my heart just fell to the floor and I am telling my husband during must of the movie Baby thats how I feel. So after the movie that when we realized thatb we have so much to work on but before I thought that we were just fine with the key word being just and we were everything but just fine. If it was not for my boss and this movie I would have left without trying to fix what was broken it might take sometime but when it comes to my marriage I have akk the time in the world to fix it.
10/31/2008
My husband and I just saw Fireproof the other day. I haven't cried that hard in a movie for a long time. Like some other reviewers said, it was like watching our marriage on the big screen. I could relate to the time early in our marriage that my husband was incredibly selfish and I felt worthless next to beer, his friends, and pornography. Every time that our marriage was in this situation, I experienced attention from someone else that made me feel good about myself and made me feel like a woman who was appreciated. When I came home I came home to someone who didn't care about my feelings. Eventually I succumbed and had an affair with a co-worker (he doesn't know to this day). I hated myself for it and have regretted it every second since, but it was so easy to draw closer to someone else as my husband pushed me farther away. Eventually our marriage got better, especially when my husband became a Christian and really started to change. It is so vital for two people to work as a team in a marriage, or there are bound to be problems. It can't be "mine" or "yours", it has to be "ours", in everything. We are finally happy in our marriage, even though it's not without some hiccups in the way we communicate or with misunderstandings. I urge everyone to go see this movie, whether you are happily or unhappily married, engaged, or even if you're single. Knowing what a healthy marriage is supposed to look like before getting married is just as important and renewing your marriage years later. I am so thankful to the creators of this movie and to God for giving us talented loving people who are willing to step out in faith and reach millions for His sake.
Thank you!
10/30/2008
My husband and I saw Fireproof about three weeks ago. We are working through the Love Dare book and are at different points due to having only one book and passing it back and forth. The movie impacted us both and I believe it touched my husband more than I knew. He has been bringing up scenes from the movie and mentioning it during our day together. I am intrigued by this as he is used to be so preoccupied and our time together was usually brief and he was looking toward the time he was with his friends. He has made an intentional effort to spend quantity time as well as quality time with the kids and I. He is working through the book and is much more attentive to my needs and desires. Our son remarked, "I don't know what you and Dad are doing but it seems to be working. You all are not so angry with each other all of the time." My husband is more physically affectionate and attentive than he used to be as well. We have had a lot of water under this bridge that we call a marriage. Two children born with birth defects within the first five years of our marriage, a couple of affairs, and some other serious infractions that should of torn us assunder. I won't lie there are battle scars from these but the wounds are finally healing and this is in part thanks to this movie and the 40 Day Love Dare. I praise God for his work in our family and am looking forward to our 20th anniversary with anticipation and not dread. I didn't know a few months ago how things would be by that time. Now, we are discussing renewing our vows, at some point.
10/29/2008
I also can't thank the creators of this movie enough as well as this website. As a career firefighter and firefighters being a major part of both our families this movie has turned my other half completly around. She as minister had lost her faith in God and our relationship when I gave everything I could to save it. After seeing this movie she realized how much I was trying and that she was not. It has been like falling in love all over again. People cannot imagine what it is like being a fierfighter/paramedic and the day to day stress that goes along with the job. Its just not running into burning buildings and saveing lives, Its constant non-stop training, reports, shift duties,vehicle maintenance,the decisions that you make all through your shift depends on wether a person lives or dies and the decision you make could be the wrong one and you have to live with this the rest of your lives. then you have your brothers and sisters that you work with and the responsability of keeping them safe and if you send them into a burning structure the possibility of it colapsing on them is always in the back of your mind. Those of you who choose firefighting as a carreer must be mentally prepared at all times to see the worst any human can imagine even in your realtionship at home. Dont try to live with it alone or be the tough guy, communication is vital with your spouse, pastor and or couselor.
James
10/29/2008
My wife and I went to see movie yesterday and I can honestly say it was the best movie I have seen in a long time and all the facts were what so many couples are facing today with so many people not living in the now and not spending quality time together . I also know that this movie came at such an important time in our life and a true blessing from heavenly father.
Thank you!!!!
10/29/2008
I read April's story and found it to be very touching and inspiring. I would like to comment that me and my husband have been separated for about a month now due to problems that we had in our marriage, but most of all, due to his unfaithfulness. I forgave him and continued to stay in our home for a couple of more months but then discovered that he had never stopped commmunicating with this other woman who lives in another country. When I found out, I made the decision to move out and did. We have been married for 12 years and have a 6 year old. The problem is that during all of this month, we still talk to each other and the phone and I even seen him once. I asked him if he is still communicating with this woman but he said "No, because I wanted to you and myself another opportunity." However, he also tells me that he has doubts. I asked him about what and he never responded. The problem is that I am getting full of anger, hurt and resentment towards him because I don't feel like I should have to put my life on hold for him or until he can make up his mind as to what he wants to do. He plays the victim, when in reality, I am the victim! I was invited to go see this movie and absolutely LOVED it! I am willing to fight for my marriage but don't know how since I no longer live in the same house. I thought of doing the 40 day love dare but don't think that I should be the one to do it since I am not the one that was did the act. I would really to receive other's comments as to what they would do if they were me. Please help me!
Desperate!
10/28/2008
My husband and I went to the movies yesterday to watch another new release. We purchased our ticket, and was walking into the theatre. When I looked up, and saw that Fireproof was playing in the theatre next to it, something was pulling me in. I mentioned that I had been wanting to see Fireproof to my husband as we continued to walk into our original destination. The previews came on, he looked at me and said, "Lets go." He thought Fireproof was an action movie, where a fireman lost his life, etc.
We sat down to watch Fireproof, and from beginning to end, it was like watching our marriage on film. From the candle issue, lack of groceries, bill paying, disrespect, to the internet porn addiciton. I even work in a hospital. It was amazing how that movie spoke to us. We had no expectations and walked out overwhelmed and moved by the experience.
I can not help but to share our experience with friends. Any married couple can walk away with tools, motivation, and a better understanding of what the endless possibilities and the gift of marriage can provide.
We are on fire and excited about renewing the intamacy and respect in our commitment.
Jami
10/28/2008
I can't thank the creators of this movie enough. My husband took me to see it on our 13th anniversary. He started crying almost at the beginning of the movie. I thought something was wrong with me, as I didn't cry until the scene where he found out that she knew about the book.
This movies could have been made about our marriage. Things that the couple was saying about and to each other were things that we had said or done.
I pray for God to fix us and heal our hearts.
Thank you!
10/28/2008
My husband and I have been together for 13 years, married 9. A little over two years ago, in September 2006, we split and started divorce proceedings. For two years we fought through lawyers and with each other. We went to court 3 times and had hearings scheduled and cancelled over 9 times within that year and a half. It was a nasty divorce.
In May of 2008, my husband called me and asked me if I would be in prayer with him. He wanted to work on our marriage, I was floored, I started crying and really felt that God was answering almost two years of constant prayers.
About two months after we decided to try to work things out, my husband was listening to a local Christian radio station. He heard about this movie and heard they were giving away tickets for a sneak preview. He called in on the next chance to win and won the tickets for us to view the movie early. That was our first day out together. I was a little nervous but excited as well. The movie was very touching. I LOVED IT! I haven't got the 40 day book yet but I am looking forward to getting it and working through it, if nothing else, for myself.
I don't know what my husband and I's future holds for sure. I do know that after two years of hate, arguing and bitterness, three court dates and over nine continuances, GOD IS NOT GONNA LET THIS MARRIAGE FAIL! We have to hold true to his promise and find a way to bring the love back. It takes two in any marriage to make it and only one to break it. You have to be UNITED! Remember it's not a separation, it's a tear, you were once one, when you decide to divorce you tear not only yourself but the other one in half. I wish everyone the best in their marriage and I truly believe a marriage truly built on God will never fail. GOD BLESS!
10/28/2008
I loved the movie and the way it moved the heart of both myself and my husband. I cant wait til the movie goes on sale because just like anything else the excitement wares away after a few weeks and I have to keep pulling myself back and remember why I watched the movie in the first place until it becomes second nature.
Love and good luck to all who watch -Mandi
10/27/2008
I HAVE BEEN TO SEE THE MOVIE "FIREPROOF" AND IT HAS DRASTICALLY CHANGED THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT MY MARRIAGE. MY HUSBAND WAS AT WORK , ME AND OUR DAUGHTER WENT TO SEE IT. I CALLED MY HUSBAND AFTER THE MOVIE AND WAS TELLING HIM ABOUT IT AND HOW I FELT ABOUT IT. I THINK HE WAS SHOCKED ABOUT THE WAY THE MOVIE MOVED MY HEART, IT HAS MADE ME FEEL EXCITEMENT ABOUT MAKING IMPROVEMENTS WITH MY LIFE PARTNER. I WAS ALSO GLAD MY DAUGHTER WAS THERE TOO SHE WAS ALSO MOVED , SO I HOPE IT LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION ON HER, ABOUT HOW MARRIAGES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AND KEEPING GOD IN HER LIFE.
10/27/2008
Oh my goodness. This movie is so true to life. My husband and I actually had to laugh because we experienced a big argument on Saturday. If anyone had come to my house Saturday, they would have thought we were practicing a scene for the movie. Hurtful things were said and I said we should just call it quits. Although, I didn't mean it, he told me words can be very damaging and hurtful. I agree. I love my husband and only want what God has planned for our lives. We have since agreed to take 60 seconds once we become angry to K.I.S.S. (keep it (words)soft and sweet) before saying anything. Try it. This movie is so true to life the things couples go through. It is amazing how satan can ease his way in so subtly and make your spouse seem to be your worse nightmare. Stay in the WORD and ask God DAILY to sustain your marriage. We have only been married a short while but with God's help we will continue to love and grow in our committment to each other and to God.
10/27/2008
I went to see the movie yesterday with my husband. We have been married 13 years and have 2 children. The road has not always been easy, and we have had a lot issues that we have always tried to work out. On my part, i had become overbearing over the years and bitter even though we were going to church. A lot of our words would always be hurtful to each other. I myself found that i was becoming paranoid and extremely jealous and suspicious of him. I was tormented by my fears and would express it by throwing up in his face an incident that he had done to me 12 years back. Seeing the movie, made me realize that I needed to seek God for myself. I had let him go, and therefore, had let myself go as well, and the enemy was tormenting me. It made me realize that my husband is a good guy and have always tried to be good to me. He also is a firefighter, so the movie spoke loud and clear to us but mostly to me.
Another issue, is i always hated my mother-in-law with blazing hatred. I would say it and not even hold my tongue to my husband. I didn't realize how my words hurt. In the movie, i realized she truly knew her husband had changed when he paid for her mother's medical needs instead of his own need (the boat). This made me realize that the best way i could really show my husband that i loved him was to truly love his mother as well. The way i have behaved for 13 years have always been wrong, and I have always torn him apart by making him choose sides. I am going to buy the book, and try it out. I am afraid, because i have a lot of hurt and ghosts that i need to clear out of me, and i would be stepping out on the line. But I am going to change.
They should make more movies like this. AWESOME!
10/27/2008
My wife and I have been married for over 17 years. She was my high school sweetheart and we married before we finished college. We have 5 children (13,12, twins who are 3 and a 2 yo). Our marriage has probably been unlike many of yours with periods of pure bliss and periods of extreme stress, anger, bitterness disappointment.
We are currently in the most extreme winter season we have ever encountered. We relocated two years ago to a city we had never even visited prior to my promotion. Our kids have settled in well and have found great relationships. We finally found a church (this past summer) that we all feel at home in, but my wife and I have continued to grow further and further apart. My new job is less flexible than my previous roles and our older kids are also extremely active with their sports so I am often away from home and my wife from 600am to after 900pm as I coach my kids sports and do a lot of the carpooling, grocery shopping, etc. My wife, in the meantime, is at home...away from immediate family and friends, isolated with our 3 little kids. We are so blessed to be the parents of all 5 of our children but there are times where my wife needs a break.
As you can guess, we have read Gary Chapman's books (working on the Four Season's of Marriage now) and my wife's love language is the Gift of Time...just being there, listening to her, being attentive, but not trying to solve any of her questions, just listen...which is incredibly difficult for me as my love language is Acts of Service and I run around the house when I get home speaking my love language (not hers) by picking up, helping with our little ones, cooking, etc.
To get to the point, my wife asked me to go to the movie yesterday. I had NO IDEA what it was about...I thought it was another action movie like Backdraft. It did not take me long to get into the movie as it hit so close to home. To see the disrespect, the anger, the lack of love between to the two of them. It was our home...I cried many times as the pain of each of them is felt first hand. I love my wife and think she is an incredible mom, the best friend a person could have, but she is utterly bitter about my lack of time at home (even if it is with our own children at practices, etc)...I don't take the time to schedule a date night, I don't send flowers, I don't make a big deal out of birthdays, etc. So she "doesn't feel picked" (by me) and her reaction is anger, bitterness and words that cut deep (even in front of our kids). I came away from the movie hoping that she would want to visit about it but no conversation was to be had. I tried to hold her hand afterwards and she would not reciprocate. We are surely in winter and I pray that we can get to spring. She has told me she wants out...I am going nowhere.
Thank you for movies like this...it gave me hope. I can only pray that it spoke to my wife too.
10/26/2008
Just wanted to let you know that my husband and I saw Fire Proof tonight. This is a movie we wish every married couple would go so and also any couple thinking about getting marriage. We truly believe that the world now honors divorce instead of marriage. My husband is a retired fire fighter and he went through 2 marriages before we got married and he says he can relate to Caleb. We are lucky that our marriage has grown in God and God has strengthened our marriage and love. Bless you and this movie. We will encourage all our friends to see it. If their marriage is solid then it will only remind them of how to keep it strong.
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