FIREPROOF

Fireproof. "Never leave your partner" - this is the code of conduct among firefighters. At work, Captain Caleb Holt leads his men under stressful circumstances and his men follow without questioning his judgment. However, the same respect - it seems - could not be found at home. His seven years of marriage to his wife, Catherine, seems doomed for divorce. Neither understands each other. When told of the impending divorce, John - Caleb's father - challenges his son to hold off the divorce proceedings but to commit to a 40 days test called The Love Dare instead. Caleb grudging agrees; doing it more for the sake of his father rather than to salvage his own marriage. The first year of marriage had been great, but it went steeply downhill ever since. "Never leave your partner" - as Caleb soon realizes - this cardinal rule applies to marriage as well. But, is it still possible to clear the damages that have been done over the years? Or would he lose his wife and the marriage?



I bought this book last week. Ever since spotting it while flipping through a catalog some weeks ago, I've been eying to lay hands on this book. What I didn't expect is, the author is a Christian - and the love of God is peppered throughout the book.

Everyday, I would read in the train while on transit to campus. It takes an approximate of 30 minutes to reach Outram, and another 30 minutes to reach Pioneer. Effectively, I read about 1.5 hours back and fro. Today, I was reading this book as usual when I felt so touched. The way how Caleb came to realize his mistakes. The way Caleb realized how willing he was to face death to save fire victims, but yet not as determined to fight as fiercely for his wife's heart. The way how an atheist Caleb came back to Christ. The way how Caleb tried to mend the failing marriage by making sweet gestures, only to get rejected blankly time and again. The utter hopelessness and helplessness that Caleb felt. The way how Caleb gave his best, but yet hits a wall time and again. The way how Caleb acknowledges his weaknesses and learned to rely on Him. The hurt that Caleb went through. The way how Caleb lifts up his situation to Him. The point of total abandonment.



I was reading on bus 179. The eyes grew moist all of a sudden. Something shivered inside of me. I closed my eyes and felt, somewhere in the heart, the only one love that is greater than anything.