Reflections from the Marriage Table: Our Experiences of Love in Marriage Family and Ministry

In the midst of hectic and fast paced families one stable element that can bring grace love and joy is the table. Biblically the table was a place of mercy unity and hospitality. Marriage also is a uniting of male and female to complement and partner to create a new family ministry and community. When the marriage table becomes a central element sacred and safe spaces are created for individuals couples and families to thrive and mature as God intended. Ron and Lori Clark share their experiences as a couple in ministry working with family violence and creating safe spaces for their marriage and children to mature and develop healthy self-esteem. This book with discussion questions is designed to help couples find partnership peace and grow together in relationship and love whether in ministry or simply seeking to be who God called them to be. Ron and Lori bring joy insight depth and wisdom for our hopes for healthy marriage. In sharing their marriage experiences family stories and metaphor of table they revive a splendid tradition of communication and understanding so often missing in todays marriages. I love reading their insights about relationships life and love. What a fun encouraging way to learn about strengthening marriage and family! --Ed Gray Professor of Counseling Harding School of Theology; Author of Marriage Mentoring: 12 Conversations Reflections from the Marriage Table is a beautiful testament to the Holy Spirit in marriage. Through the vulnerable sharing of their story Ron and Lori invite us to be an active participant in Gods purpose to grow and become all God wants us to be by respecting each others differences and creating a safe and sacred space. A must-read for couples who want to live out Gods design for marriage. --Harville Hendrix PhD and Helen LaKelly Hunt PhD Sit down pull up a chair and prepare to feast on authenticity insight and years of wisdom. In a world full of chaos and struggle Reflections from the Marriage Table offers readers a still and sacred space to both stabilize and stimulate couples and families toward the development of relational depth over breadth. Ron and Lori transparently remind us that there is always room at Gods table for one more. --Clint and Penny A. Bragg Authors of Marriage on the Mend--Healing Your Relationship After Crisis Separation or Divorce Ron and Lori Clark have been married and in ministry since 1987. They planted the Agape Church of Christ in downtown Portland in March 2007 and continue to serve Portland in ministry domestic violence education and working with various marginalized communities. They have three sons and love living together in Oregon.