Wisdom From the World
“Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” – David Augsburger
“I do not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” – Voltaire
“The most important marriage skill is listening to your partner in a way that they can’t possibly doubt that you love them.” – Diane Sollee
Wisdom From the Word
“A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything – or destroy it! – James 3:3-5 (The Message)
“Answering before listening is both stupid and rude… wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insight.” – Proverbs 18:13,15 (The Message)
Keep Me Real, Lord!
“Lord, help me to create a sacred space in our relationship where my mate will feel safe to express their deepest concerns, their confusion, their desires, their hopes and their dreams. Help me to maintain my awareness that my spouse is a unique person, who has his or her own perspective. May my highest goal be to understand their world in such a way that they feel truly known. Keep me curious, not critical.” Amen
