The Power of Influence

What a great time we had this morning in Session 2 of the Love Dare! We had the opportunity to share love stories and lots of laughs. We did lots of reflecting on the events of the week, along with the dares, and it sounds like we are all having great experiences. What I like about this whole process is, it's just as much a self-assessment as it is a couple thing. Based on the conversations that took place this morning, I think it is safe to say we are making some self discoveries that are helping us grow too.
Today's session was about influence. The power of influence is strong and surrounds us daily. The people that we surround ourselves with, the media, our own selfishness, and our own experiences play a part in how we view relationships. Sometimes we have to step back and evaluate how the things and people in our lives are influencing us. Are they pushing us towards the right things, or pulling us away? Often times friends, though they have the best intentions, plant seeds of doubt that can effect our marriages. They see things from an outsiders view and issue opinions based on protecting us, their friend. In reality, this can be a dangerous situation. If your friend is only looking out for you, and not your marriage as a whole, then they can pull you away from your spouse. This will only lead to more tension and bigger problems.
In addition to people, there are "things" that can pose a threat to our marriages as well. Other relationships, debt, work, schedules...these are all things that end marriages everyday. But in the Fireproof movie, Michael tells Caleb something like; Fireproof doesn't mean the fire doesn't come, it means that when it does you can handle it. We all know that there are negative influences out there, so we have to be prepared to recognize them and deal with them as they expose themselves.
The good news is there are also positive influences that we can attach ourselves to. We all have people in our lives who we respect because they have the same beliefs that we have, and have somehow made it work in their marriage. Seek those people out and spend time with them. Surround yourself with people who are like you, and think like you. That is why today everyone got "couple buddies". Hopefully you and your buddies will be able to chat throughout the week and make sure all is going well, and if not share it with them. Ask them to pray for you. Go to dinner, whatever will build that relationship so that you have two more people to add to your positive influence list!
The dares get more intense with each week but DON'T QUIT! As Dory would say, "Just keep swimming".