In the first year of our marriage, my husband and I joined a multi-level marketing venture. The company had a training program that consisted of tape cassettes and books (it was a long time ago…). At the same time, we got custody of our two oldest kids (Ed’s bio-kids), ages 8 and 10 at the time, out of a high-risk situation.
I found myself gravitating toward the marriage books, and I’m certain that I read at least 15 or 20 books on marriage from a Christian worldview. I grew up in an all-female household in the 70s and 80s, and the first time I read about submission, I threw the book across the room. No kidding. It took me days to pick it up again.
The network sales business wasn’t for us, but I still think God used that MLM to provide us with a list of Christian marriage books, and as the means to save our marriage. God’s providence is a mysterious thing.
The Best Marriage Book I’ve Read
Originally written in 2016.
It’s been a long, long time since I threw a marriage book, and I’ve read a lot of them. My husband and I are happy, committed, and pursuing God together.
Out of all the books I’ve read about marriage, I am convinced that Hal and Melanie Young’s My Beloved and My Friend: How to Be Married to Your Best Friend Without Changing Spouses is the best I’ve read. This is my new go-to for wedding gifts. (I do give books as gifts. I mean, the china bowl is going to get stored in a cabinet and will be broken by a not-yet-existing preteen, but sound marital counsel? That’s forever.)
My husband Ed and I had the opportunity to meet Hal and Melanie Young at the OCEANetwork homeschool conference in Portland this summer. We knew each other from a couple of groups online, but met for the first time in real life when we spent two days helping with their booth. They’re lovely people, with eight children, and mission-oriented hearts. If you ever have the chance to hear them speak, jump on it!
Anyway, they gave us a copy of My Beloved My Friend, and I loved it so much, I vowed to review it for you.
My Beloved and My Friend by Hal and Melanie Young
The book is 257 pages of down-to-earth stories, advice, and biblical counsel. I love how the Youngs bring their counsel to the light of Scripture over and over. I also appreciate how practical and applicable they make it. Reading My Beloved My Friend is like sitting under the mentorship of an older couple.
The book is divided into five sections with two or three chapters per section:
- It is Not Good for the Man to be Alone
- Leaving and Cleaving
- How to be Married to Your Best Friend
- A Helper Suitable for Him
- In Sickness and in Health
- On Submission
- Fidelity and Loyalty are Not Mutual Funds
- Fill the Earth and Subdue It
- The Physical Aspect
- How to Have the Right Number of Children
- Have Dominion
- Money–Yours, Mine, or Ours?
- The Division of Labor
- In the Image of God He Created Them
- The Spiritual Aspect
- Being of One Mind
- How to Fight So You Both Win
I appreciate that each subject is illustrated with personal stories, experience, and other anecdotes, but Hal and Melanie Young also point to Scripture throughout. In each area of advice, you will be able to determine how they arrived at their conclusion–whether it be by Scripture, common sense, or personal opinion.
My Beloved and My Friend is a fabulous resource for Christian couples, and I highly recommend it!
Purchase My Beloved and My Friend
Hal and Melanie Young gave me a copy of My Beloved and My Friend as a gift. No review was expected.
Hal and Melanie Young’s Store: My Beloved and My Friend
Christian Book: My Beloved and My Friend: How To Be Married To Your Best Friend Without Changing Spouses
More Books by Hal and Melanie Young
Hal and Melanie Young are popular speakers on homeschooling and parenting. Their books are imminently practical.
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Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible
You want your kids to learn and love the Bible.
You want to teach the Bible…
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