Fireproof

It has been quite some time and I am sorry. I suppose I was unsure that any one was reading this blog until today when I noticed a comment to be posted. As I checked this blog, I was surprised to see that there were 4,124 visits to this site.

My heart was full.

As I know this is a topic that is essential to a healthy and full filling life, I also know it is a difficult one for some to read about. Thank you to all of those who have taken time to read anything I have offered here. This has given me a renewed desire to jump back on this train and record my thoughts. And so...today I have a few.

Last night Mr. Napes and I watched the movie "Fireproof". For those of you who have never heard of this film, it is a Christian inspired story about a couple who is struggling terribly in their marriage. It is fantastic! Low budget? Maybe. Poor acting from time to time? Perhaps. Inspired and full of truth? Absolutely. The main character is played by Kirk Cameron, and for those of you wondering who he is...let me fill you in on a small secret of mine. He is the star of the old show "Growing Pains" and the heartthrob I used to have on my wall- poster form- in the 5th grade. I thought he was beautiful and still do, though the reasons are largely different from those in elementary school. He is a stalwart, faithful, Christian who now spends his time doing what this simple and humble blog has tried to do...strengthen marriage.

I think every one should watch this movie.

I was watching another show called "18 and Counting" (which I adore) and this very large family went to the premiere of this film. After watching it on the big screen, they were taken into the green room off to the side where they met Kirk Cameron and had some "question-answer" time. One of the questions the young Dugger boy asked Kirk was about a scene in the movie when the characters- who were married-kissed. He asked Mr. Cameron why he kissed the actress in the movie when it wasn't his real wife, and I was interested to hear his response as well. It went something like this: "I didn't. I value my marriage so much that I won't even share a kiss on screen with anyone who is not my wife. Not even if it is my job. And so...when that scene came, my wife put on the same dress and stepped in. I want you to know that I really feel strongly about this film- about fighting for marriage. I believe it so much that we worked around that."

Hmm.

Beautiful.

I add my voice to that of the film. To keep our marriages "fireproof", we must dedicate our hearts to the one we chose from the beginning. Which takes effort and forgiveness. Which takes reflection and hard work. Which takes...

....intimacy and love.



Feels good to be back.