Testimonials

Starting this small group has allowed us to examine what our own church has on these subjects and, surprisingly enough, this message has been in our literature for decades. But [TIP] brought it into a modern, practical light.

"Hi! I am a young mother and wife...our son just turned a year old a few weeks ago. I recently listened to your book Mother and Son. I am so thankful for the principles you’ve shared on respecting both my husband and son, and I am praying God transforms me and helps me meet their needs. I know I have a lot of progress to make, but I also already see how God has started to help me be more aware of my husband’s need for respect, and also prepare my mind to raise my son in a way that molds him into a man of honor and shows him I hold him in a high regard, no matter what mistakes he makes. I know that when I ask for wisdom, God gives it freely. I am so very thankful that I have been given such advice so early in our marriage and parenthood. I know there are many women who wish they would have known these truths earlier. Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing for the kingdom, and ultimately for our Lord Jesus."

I loved this book and recommended it for a book club of moms. It was helpful for each of us...Particularly appreciated the shoulder to shoulder time explanation, and the explanation of using the word respect in conversations with my sons. The book was helpful because it allowed me to see how my communication needed to be different with my sons than it is with my daughters. It made me more intentional in conversations with my guys.

One thing that I just love about The Illumination Project, what makes it unique, is that you have these two different generations being represented in Emerson and Joy. With Emerson, you have his wisdom and years of writing on this stuff and traveling and counseling couples through marriage, and so you have his passion and his truth. But on the other hand, you have Joy representing the younger crowd, and she makes it relevant and brings her passion and charisma, and the real-life context that we young people are up against. And that synergetic relationship working together is really a phenomenal dynamic to watch. Not to mention: People want to talk about this. They want to talk about love and romance and dating and marriage.

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…I have been thinking about doing something for our marriage for some time, but my husband was not in favor. He was always bothered by the method—one on one, and of course, the financial aspect. He decided to try Building Blocks primarily because the course was practically free. After five years this was our first planned and regular time away doing something for the two of us.  At first, I was a bit skeptical about the religious aspect, since my husband has practically no experience or a negative attitude towards religion. But it turned out to be completely acceptable, probably because you do not reinforce it…My husband rarely wanted to think about these things—he thought it was meaningless. He heard things for the first time in Building Blocks and discovered things he never talked about before. Certain truths really inspired him and consequently, me too. We both remember lesson five: My Response is My Responsibility. It made the greatest impression on us. In fact, I think I will write this on the wall in the bedroom! Perhaps the most valuable insight for both is the fact that we are not alone in our troubles and that others have very similar challenges…

This book has been invaluable! My sons are 20 and 22, and my godson is 12. I purchased this book 6 months ago and have been amazed at how much it has transformed our conversations. I make sure to tell them how much I respect them via texts. Because it's not in person, it is not awkward and received well by them…This shows the different way that men communicate and receive love vs how women receive love and communicate. It is a different language. It will feel awkward, just like learning a foreign language. At times you will say it wrong or too often, but with practice, you will know the right way to use "respect" language and the exact words to use. It is worth the struggle. It will open your eyes and you will see exactly how much your son loves you by his actions. My sons now text me simple sentences just to let me know what is going on in their lives. I always thank them for sharing and leave it at that. Simple conversations=more conversations.

"I am finding your emails exceptionally on point for our relationship that was struggling.  We split for about 4.5 months and we have now found our way back to each other by the grace of God. After reading this 3rd email it is as if you were living in our house.  These are the EXACT ways we were both feeling and could not figure out why we could not see each other's perspective.  I - as the female - was doing all the things you describe and he - as the male - was doing all the things you described, and...that is exactly how we both were feeling. Not only have we both signed up for these emails but we have purchased the book and the workbook and have committed to studying together once per week so as to work on our relationship and getting back the the loving couple we once used to be.  So far we have completed chapters 1&2.  We are both excited for this journey.  We have made decisions that our differences can no longer become bigger than US."

The Love & Respect message is so practical and meets everybody where they are regardless of age, gender, or marital condition. Having Emerson deliver a keynote at our global leaders conference was a huge hit and had leaders in tears, inspired, convicted and clear on next steps. He covered a ton of ground in 1 session that will make a lasting impact. CEOs left with a bigger vision for God's call upon their marriage as well as a passion for seeing those they lead understand the insights of Blue/Pink, Love/Respect, and cycles of life and joy.

The Illumination Project shines a warm light on the conversations that all of us should be having. The unique content offering and engagement style makes this a must have, must do resource. Get started now!

Your materials recognize that every person involved may improve their approach to strengthen the team and each has the responsibility to do so.  Appreciate your encouragement to view ourselves from the exterior perspective that we might be more effective and productive in our work alongside people facing that exterior, no matter our role or profession.

For the first time I am using "Respectfully Yours" to facilitate a woman's study in our area. We are just finishing Chapter 4 but I just had to write and tell you what a wonderful study this has been so far. The importance of chapters 3 and 4 is incredible. There is great importance in all the scriptures you give, having accountability partners, and application. The ladies are challenged and have been responding. I am excited to continue on and see what God is going to do in the hearts and marriages of these ladies! Thank You.

The Illumination Project is undeniably going to help our generation understand relationships. Joy is hilarious and has such great insight into the Love and Respect message. I am proud to call her a friend!

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