Ebony and Redbook - 10/20/06

[Smartmarriages]

- TRIUMPH: LEADING BY EXAMPLE
- REDBOOK & THE SMART MARRIAGES DIRECTORY

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- TRIUMPH: LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Hello Diane:

I just read the most inspiring and candid article about gospel composer Kirk
Franklin and his wife Tammy and their triumphant battle to save their
marriage in the Nov issue of Ebony Magazine. Kirk was addicted to
pornography.  

Its good to know that he was able, as the young folks today say, "be real"
about his struggles.  I am sure black men young and old around the country
both in and outside of the church will be immensely affected by his
confession. Franklin is a pioneer with blending hip hop and gospel music.  I
am sure his testimony to this generation in particular will go a long way.
It is also great to see a wife who is standing by her man even in the midst
of what some may consider betrayal as opposed to sexual addiction (learned
that from a class at Smart Marriages). As a woman of color, I know first
hand, women of color don't tolerate much from their men.  So, kudos to her!
The article is not available on-line yet but it is on the news stand and I
encourage everyone to read it.
Tammy Greer Brown 
President/CEO 
Celebrating Real Family Life
Staten Island, New York 10314

Reminds me of two quotes:
> Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.
> Albert Schweitzer

> New love is the brightest, and long love is the greatest, but revived love is
> the tenderest thing known on earth.
> - Thomas Hardy 

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- REDBOOK & THE SMART MARRIAGES DIRECTORY

I knew Redbook had hit the stands last week when I started getting the
emails. They included our Smart Marriages Directory website address.  While
you're in the checkout line, flip through the Nov issue (Selma Hayek on the
cover) to page 93 to "Lessons in Lasting Love". The article asks three
questions: 1) What is Marriage Education? 2) What exactly do you learn? 3)
How do you find a class?  What amazes me are the number of men emailing to
ask for classes.  And, what hurts is when people ask for a class near them
and I have to say there are none listed. Auugh.  I do encourage them to find
a weekend course and make a "marriage education vacation" out of it - tell
them it's worth a trip.  But, we have to connect YOU, the educators, up with
the couples in need.  I know there must be more of you out there teaching
than are listed.  

DIRECTORY: 
Which reminds me, NOW is a great time to list your classes on the Directory.
Only $50 for a 100 word listing from now (Nov 2006) through Dec 2007.
Includes a live link to your website.  This doesn't even cover the
administrative costs, but the point is to try to help couples find classes.
You can also list cruises, retreats, on-line & phone coaching, DVD's to use
at home, etc. 

Visit the Directory at http://www.smartmarriages.com/directory_browse.html
and click HOW TO LIST YOUR PROGRAM near the top.  Basically you send me the
100 word description via email and mail a check.  And, yes, the website is
under revision.  But the process seems endless.....  - diane

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11th Annual Smart Marriages Conference, Denver Adam's Mark Hotel,
June 28-July 1, 2007
Pre-Conference Training Institutes June 26-28
Post-Conference Training Institutes July 2-3
Details: http://www.smartmarriages.com/conferencedetails.html

List your program in the Directory of Classes at
http://www.smartmarriages.com

Order conference audio & videos/CD/DVD/MP3s: 800-241-7785 or at
http://www.iPlaybackSmartMarriages.com

Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, LLC (CMFCE)
Diane Sollee, Director
5310 Belt Rd NW
Washington, DC 20015-1961
http://www.smartmarriages.com
202-362-3332 
diane at smartmarriages.com