How to Speak Life Into Your Marriage w/ Dave & Ann Wilson

Show notes

About This Episode Aaron sits down with Dave and Ann Wilson, hosts of FamilyLife Today and married 45 years, to talk about the power of words in marriage and Ann's book How to Speak Life to Your Husband. They share their 10th-anniversary breaking point, when Ann told Dave she had no feelings left and Dave responded by repenting on his knees in the car. Dave recalls a MOPS talk where he blurted out that at home all he heard was "boo," and Ann describes asking God to show her the greatness in Dave and choosing to speak life-giving words that transformed him. Drawing on Proverbs 18:21 and the brain science of "positive illusion," they explain how encouragement heals and connects, while still making room for hard truths and getting help in abusive situations.

About Dave & Ann Wilson Dave and Ann Wilson are authors, speakers, and the co-hosts of the FamilyLife Today radio show and podcast. Married 45 years, they have learned firsthand how speaking life, showing kindness, and embracing humility can transform a relationship. Ann is the author of How to Speak Life to Your Husband, and together they wrote No Perfect Parents.

In This Episode Strong families, strong society — why the foundation of society is built on the family. The 10th-anniversary breaking point — Ann's "no feelings left" moment and Dave's repentance on his knees in the car. "All I hear is boo" — the MOPS talk that revealed what Dave was hearing at home. Seeing the greatness in your spouse — Ann's prayer that changed how she spoke to Dave. Life and death in the tongue — Proverbs 18:21 and the science of "positive illusion." Upbringing and communication — how the homes we grew up in shape the way we love. Timing hard conversations — why when you raise a sensitive topic matters. Truth with love — speaking life while still saying hard things and getting help when a situation is abusive.

Scripture Referenced Proverbs 18:21

Resources from This Episode How to Speak Life to Your Husband No Perfect Parents Dave and Ann Wilson on Instagram Shop Marriage After God Full show notes and blog post

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