Marriage 101 Book Review

April 17, 2009

by Karen Litchfield

In Marriage 101, Jewell Powell lays out the keys for resolving marital conflict. Christian marriages should be a model for the world, but too many are struggling and/or ending in divorce. Powell points us to the Bible to find the root issues of the problem.

Powell identifies the spiritual battle involved, emphasizing the need for scriptural self-denial and me-centered change. She is very transparent about her own failings, and unapologetic about her strong belief that no Christian marriage should end in divorce. After reading this book, one can relate to the struggles that all of us have in giving up our rights, but there is hope in knowing that Christ will help us do it. By going to the Word for answers, Powell was able to salvage her own marriage from ruin. She is now a marriage coach, a happy wife, and mother of two. As an educated, Christian, African-American woman, she can relate to a wide range of women.

Scriptures are not just referred to in this book; they are written out in their entirety. The author emphasizes that life is not about us, but about God’s purposes. “Your focus in life should be to please God and not yourself” (p. 52). Self-denial is essential regarding what we think, want, and feel. This opens the door for God to order our steps and to keep us from sinning. Powell quotes Luke 9:25 from The Message, “Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?”

Marriage 101 is an excellent, solid book on relationships. Jewell Powell holds the reader to nothing less than the biblical standard. At the same time, she exposes her own weakness and human nature, which have tripped her up in the past. When finished reading the difficulties she and her husband had to overcome, one feels, “If she can do it, surely I can do it by the grace of God!” Any married person who is having difficulties in his or her relationship would find this book very helpful.

– Karin Litchfield, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com