4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
If you are like me, you probably do not like being told that you cannot change your spouse or that you should be the one to change. It is always easier to place the blame on someone else and expect them to change. Still, it is such a frustrating perspective as experience has taught us that people rarely change out of coercion. For us to be truly happy, we can only change ourselves and our role in relationships.
How to Build an Enduring Marriage by Karen Budzinski is a book written from a Christian perspective on matters relating to marriage. Budzinski’s book is written mostly for women who would want to see their marriages succeed. The book covers various topics that revolve around, cultivating a godly character, effective communication, giving up control, role-play, change, having the spirit of joy throughout marriage life as well as other insightful themes.
One of the things that stood out for me in the book, How to Build an Enduring Marriage, is the fact the author appreciates women’s concerns. She does not just brush them off. Instead, she recognizes them but offers an alternative to having a critical mindset. The alternative, in this case, is to focus on your spouse’s strengths. This frees the relationship off of strain and gives the other partner the liberty to express themselves. As Karen Budzinski puts it, “Some behaviors do not change, but our attitudes can.” Further, she asks the reader to be realistic and to remember that their fulfillment comes from God alone.
The information contained in How to Build an Enduring Marriage is also expansive covering many important areas of marriage. Budzinski’s advice is wholesome and reflects on the institution of marriage from a spiritual, emotional, financial, social and physical outlook. There is not any form of interaction between spouses that the author does not address. Her advice is also backed by scriptural passages from the Bible. To give the message even greater depth, Karen Budzinski adds real-life illustrations sometimes including her own experience of marriage, as well. These stories along with the advice in the book ultimately create an impactful read.
The author’s message is also current and recognizes the challenges that face marriages in today’s world. Every reader needs to connect the message of a non-fiction book to their world, I am no exception. In this aspect, the themes contained in How to Build an Enduring Marriage are on point and directly relate to what we go through or what we see happening around us. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars and I recommend it to any woman who would love to truly build an enduring marriage.
******
How to Build an Enduring Marriage
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like EmunahAn's review? Post a comment saying so!
