By Sylvia Cochran
The Essential 8
Sam and Geri Laing
2011
Illumination Publishers
978-0-9835411-1-0
Christian Living/Marriage
“The Essential 8” is a diminutively sized 100-page booklet. Even so, it packs quite a powerful punch. Seasoned Christian authors Sam and Geri Laing address the need for strengthened marriages with eight essential principles.
Part workbook, part discussion guide for a small group setting, husbands and wives learn to embrace that the foundation of any functioning Christian marriage has to be God. It is interesting that the authors do not seek to diminish individual personalities to form them into a Stepford-like mold. Instead, spouses get a chance to discover their own temperaments -- along with its strengths and weaknesses -- and then also learn about their marriage partner’s temperaments. From there, the authors tackle communication principles, the roles of husbands and wives, finances, romantic love and growing old together.
Do not be deceived by the small size of “The Essential 8.” Some lessons take a bit of time to work through, especially if the marriage is in trouble. Even for blissfully wed partners, there are ample of opportunities for discussion, discovery and growth. The book is ideal for the long-time married couple, the newlyweds, the engaged couples currently in pre-marital counseling and even those who are thinking of getting married.
The book is easy to read and the points are uncomplicated. The text is not written in the sometimes sappy -- but always alienating -- church lingo that turns folks off. Instead, it is vibrant, engaging and fast-paced. If you are married, make it a priority to pick up this little text. You have nothing to lose but a lot to gain.
