The Surprising Way to a Stronger Marriage: How the Power of One Changes Everything

by Michael Smalley, Amy Smalley

The most significant act of love we can do for our spouse is the single act of taking personal responsibility―or “the power of one.” We cannot reach satisfaction in our marriage relationships if we don’t first look at ourselves and see where we need to change. Personal responsibility is the fuel that drives the actions of a healthy marriage.
Usually, each spouse blames the other for their problems; this attitude only leads down a path of unfulfilled expectations and heartache. But marriages can be transformed, literally overnight, when a husband or wife learns the power of one. By accepting personal responsibility for their own emotions and reactions, spouses can learn how to love their mates to the fullest and create a stronger marriage relationship―with the power of one.

Genres: Marriage

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept of personal accountability or responsibility. I teach my children that they are responsible for their actions and their choices. Michael and Amy Smalley share this same belief in their book. There are two people involved in a marriage (well, actually three including God), but individually we can strengthen and improve our marriages.

With short chapters, and challenges and scriptures, the Smalley's have written a terrific book full of wisdom and insights. The power of one person is really remarkable.

[Michelle Padrelanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are things that God brings our way at just the right time in our lives. That’s what the book The Surprising Way to a Stronger Marriage by Michael and Amy Smalley is to me. At a time when hubby and I are going through some struggles, this book arrived. It did not look too interesting to me at first. In fact, I wondered why there’s a mirror in the cover. Since this is a book about marriage, shouldn’t the cover have a picture of a couple in it?

After reading the first chapter, I was hooked. I couldn’t stop reading it because it actually opened my eyes to the reality of our marital problems. I learned that I don’t have to wait for me husband to act on our problems. What I needed to do was to start taking responsibility for our problems, to stop blaming him and looking to my husband for solutions, and to start looking at how I also contributed to the problems and how I can start the change in me.

Authors Michael and Amy Smalley have been married for 15 years and “specialize in teaching couples the principles of loving well and loving for a lifetime.” Their teachings are biblical and realistic, making you look at yourself to start making a difference for your marriage.

I plan to read The Surprising Way to a Stronger Marriage by Michael and Amy Smalley all over again for the stuff I missed because I read it so fast. The mirror on the cover was actually just right because they say that the solution to your problems is staring at you when you look in the mirror. I’m not claiming that my problems are solved after reading this, but it has made me take a different perspective, not only in my relationship with my husband, but also in relationship to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House as part of their Book Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Mim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a good book with a lot of principals pack in to a short read. Some of it is written light hearted. I love the transparency of the authors in their own marriage. Ultimately we must remember in order to change anything in our relationships we only have the power to change ourselves. In taking personal responsibility and focusing on changing ourselves instead of our spouse, we give him/her the freedom and inspiration to change too.

[Emily Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome book!! A great, well-needed slap in the face. Reading an ouchie book, and applying the principles, means there will be personal growth! Definitely one to keep on the nightstand to refer back to as needed.

[Dave Stadel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with an emphasis on personal responsibility & change. The book was written by Michael and Amy and each would each interject a personal story, at seemingly random times. This gave the book a loose, conversational feel which I liked.

[Bryan Vashus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. This might be the best first book to give someone wanting to improve their marriage. It establishes the right mindset and thinking towards marriage. Then all other books just might work better after this one has been read.

[KKHedge2015 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit religious for me, but uses quotes from the Bible that can be related to everyday life. Good relationship strengthening ideas.

[Cathy Ankenman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very easy to read and is very helpful with issues in a marriage that are misunderstood. I personally prefer the King James version of the bible, but to each their own.