Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 5:03AM Elevating the Conversation
Last week, I wrote a blog post on changing the conversation about marriage around the world and
asked each of you to join me in being that one voice in your group of friends who refuses to "husband bash" or speak poorly about marriage. I asked you to commit to being the one to elevate the conversation.
That blog post received close to 2,000 views and we had hundreds and hundreds of women join this Club that day. The message resonated. It struck home. And I'm so glad it did.
Our words are powerful. Every word that flows from our mouth contains the power to grant life or death. We can speak life into our marriage. We can speak life into our friend's marriage. We can speak life into every leaving creature simply by parting our lips and allowing an audible and understandable sound to depart.
What so many of you promised last week is that you'd elevate the conversation in your core group of girlfriends. Among your family members, you would build your husband up and speak well of marriage. You didn't say you wouldn't 
face challenges in your life, you simply committed not to dwell on them. You'd focus on the positive and view marriage through the lens of gratitude and grace.
I consider it a blessing and honor to be a member of this Club. And I'm so grateful to each of you for making the choice to change the conversation and elevate the discussion about marriage around the word.
Question: So, are you in? Will you help us elevate the conversation about marriage in your immediate group of friends and family?
Until tomorrow...make it a great day!
Reader Comments (15)
I absolutely whole hearted agree with this! J and I made this commitment when were in pre-marital counseling. We don't bash each other with our friends, family, or each other. It's sad that there are many, many, many occasions where I was in the middle of a bashing session and I started talking positive. Sitting around bashing your marriage or your hubby its not helping or solving a problem. Your being selfish and licking your own wounds. Talk to your husband with your hurts and concerns. WORK on your marriage. I wonder in our society are many women and men trained to be good husbands or wives? Do they have the tools? Like you say our society does not promote healthy marriages, it thrives on un-healthy ones. This truly breaks my heart. Sorry didn't mean to write so much! =) But its something close to my heart. =)
@Lauren- I completely understand. This is an area I'm passionate about in, as well, and probably would have written just as much (if not more :)). I love that you made that commitment in pre-marital counseling. Once of the greatest blessings with going through counseling before getting married is you're able to solidify how you'll handle things in advance of saying "I do." Keith and I are so thankful we went through a 12-week session with a premarital counselor because as things come up, we're able to mentally return to those conversations pre-marriage and recall how we promised to handle them. It's a huge blessing. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to post a comment.
It's so encouraging that this challenge to "elevate the conversation" has gotten such a positive response! We have more influence than we may think and kindness and kind speech is truly contagious! I'm really excited about the commitment we Happy Wives have made to this. Thanks for the reminder again this week Fawn. Let's keep it up!
Thanks, Angie M, and I'm happy this is what you already do on a regular basis! What a blessing it is to know you and to be your friend :). Awww...
It's crazy how shocked people are when you do speak highly of marriage and your husband, almost like you're the odd ball. But, if you keep with it, it will soon rub off. Either people ask you on how you maintain a great marriage and will be more open to your encouragement in doing so. Let's protect our marriages, especially for our children, and our other married couples in our community.
@JSW, I understand. I have felt the odd one many times. Like, "What? You like your husband" I've received many responses. One of the ones that get me a little edgy =) is "Oh your still a newlywed, it will wear off" This hurts my heart. Why does you admiration or love for your spouse have to wear off? So I guess my husband and I will be 'newlyweds' when we are celebrating our 60+ wedding anniversary =)
Fawn, as you know, I speak, write and blog about women who are struggling with real issues, pain and grief in their marriages and single life. This can often times cause me to forget or minimize the great joy and happiness that I have in my own marriage. It is liberating to be given "permission" to speak freely about the happiness you have in like-minded company. Coming over here for a friendly visit is a welcome relief and water to my soul. Bless you sister, the journey continues!