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The newest section of this site that I am so pumped about (besides the Unicorn Poll, aka: vote and believe) is the “Ask Joy” section. This will be a spot for people to submit questions, and I will respond in a video post.
I’m still trying to figure out some type of legal disclaimer for my advice. I keep envisioning how 30 Rock’s Liz Lemon had the advice from her “Deal Breaker” book come back to haunt her.
I have been working for my parent’s marriage ministry, Love and Respect, since June 2005. Since early 2008, I have been doing research to understand and help serve the next generation of relationships:
Dating/newly-married/single
Just a small demographic, huh?
In 2005 when I began working for Love and Respect, I directed the live conferences where my parents would speak. During that time, I would hear attendees say over and over again, “If I only knew then what I know now!”
That got me thinking very seriously and I asked myself this question: “How can I help my generation know themselves, communication and what it means to be obedient to God’s word now, as oppose to 2 years or 20 years down the road when they are disillusioned and wishing they were better prepared?”
As I have researched, four major components have come to the surface:
None = Distraction to the point of never assessing who we are. Unhealthy amount = Narcissism.
Do we know who we are, let alone who we need to be with?
Because of our transient life-styles, we don’t have much accountability or older, wiser counsel in our lives. It is very easy to live an autonomous life.
Do we have any areas in our life where we submit or are held accountable?
Our overly indulgent or overly suppressive responses to our sexuality are both having an effect on our marriages.
How has the church affected us? What do we believe about our sexuality?
From social networking, to video games, to the inability to ignore sound and advertising, we live in a state of constant distraction often coming under the guise of “information.”
But what are we learning?
I believe these areas are the core of many of our relationship problems. If you are a follower or Christ, I also believe there is a crisis of faith issue playing into how we respond and act towards relationships. I will be addressing that as well.
Long story short, anything I can do to help facilitate us talking about relationships, communication and faith excites me. Hopefully we can figure out NOW what the Lord is asking from us, instead of someday saying, “I wish I had known then…”
Lastly: A special shout out to Katie, Kathy, Dane, David, Hunter, John and Stephanie who are all smart and talented and went above and beyond. e-fives all around!!
(I just made that up, it’s a combination of electronic and high-five. Incredible, Joy…incredible.)
Stay Connected
Don't leave just yet. Besides these articles, sometimes I send out extra special stuff. Don't miss out. Sign up here.
Love and Respect (Now) is a division of Love and Respect. Please be considerate.
Michelle thinks...
Well done, Joy, well done.
By the way, I do believe in unicorns and I will hunt down all those who call you a liar.
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