Date: 10/27/2009
<br>Author: Devin
<br>Title: Fireproof
<br><br>In the 2008 movie “Fireproof”, Captain Caleb Holt is a firefighter in Albany, Georgia who firmly keeps the cardinal rule of all firemen, "Never leave your partner behind". But, Caleb's home life is an altogether different story; his seven-year marriage to his wife Catherine is on the verge of implosion.   Neither one understands the pressures the other faces, and after a heated argument in which Caleb screams in Catherine's face, she declares she wants out of the marriage and takes off her wedding ring.  While Caleb claims to his friends and co-workers that Catherine is over-sensitive and disrespectful, Catherine simultaneously claims to her peers that Caleb is insensitive to her needs and doesn't listen to her. Further cementing Catherine's motivation for divorce is Caleb's addiction to Internet pornography and a large sum of money he has saved up for a fishing boat he intends to buy, ignoring the fact that Catherine's disabled mother is in need of hospital equipment that she cannot afford and which insurance refuses to cover. Caleb tells his father John about the impending divorce, and John challenges Caleb to commit to a 40-day test called, “The Love Dare". Caleb reluctantly agrees to do the test, but more for the sake of his father than his marriage. Catherine initially sees through Caleb's half-hearted attempts to win back her heart, which deepens Caleb's frustration. But with his father's encouragement, Caleb continues with The Love Dare, and eventually makes a life-changing commitment to God, unbeknownst to Catherine.  Through the guidance of The Love Dare, and as a result of his commitment to Christ, Caleb begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife. He begins pulling more of his own weight at home doing household chores and running errands for Catherine. Soon, Caleb even finds the motivation to destroy his computer and everything on it.  However, Catherine is still intent on filing for divorce, much to Caleb's anguish.<br><br>Unmoved and not willing to give up, days later Caleb finds Catherine at home sick in bed and does everything in his power to take care of her. Bewildered at his new bedside manner, Catherine asks Caleb what's happening to him. Caleb starts to tell Catherine about The Love Dare, and she pulls Caleb's book out from underneath the blanket next to her. Caleb kneels before Catherine and tearfully apologizes for his selfish behavior and asks her forgiveness, which in turn begins a series of events that will change the course of their lives forever.  <br><br>In the next couple of weeks, we will begin the “Fireproof Your Marriage” class, which is based on the 2008 movie mentioned above.  This marriage enrichment study will take place on Sunday mornings during the Bible study hour and is open to anyone whose desire is to have the best marriage possible.  We again want to thank Naomi Bailey and the Bailey family for spearheading this good marriage building effort.  We will also continue the Dynamic Marriage classes at a later date on an alternating schedule as needed.  It has been determined by many, that part of the strength of any congregation can be a direct correlation to the strength of the relationships within it.  I would ask that you now begin praying for those who will take part in this study ..... for in praying for their success you pray for the success of this congregation of God's people.  <br><br>       <br>See you this coming Sunday at Homecoming!     Go the extra mile - Devin    <br><br>