The Zimzum of Love audiobook

Appropriate that I finished reading this book on Valentine's Day. This book was hard for me to rate, because it didn't fit into the boxes I expect. It wasn't a Christian book about marriage. It wasn't a scientific or sociological study on marriage. It wasn't a self-help book on marriage. It wasn't purely anecdotal. It bridged a number of genres and format. But I found myself mesmerized by it. There weren't a lot of new ideas in the book, but I appreciated the new presentation of the ideas, the way that sacred, exclusive, dynamic, and responsive marriages was framed in accessible, simple, and profound ways. I appreciated the honesty between Rob and Kristen, and yet the overarching theme that marriage is good, and it is worth it. I think this is an interesting book because of it's accessibility, and I wonder if that's the whole point.

Twenty-two years ago, we got married and I refused to take part in the unity candle spectacle, much to the chagrin of my, then, future mother-in-law. I was not going to blow out my candle after joining my flame with his. I liked my flame. I liked his. And I didn't want either of them extinguished. FINALLY, someone else with a bigger voice shares this same feeling.I spent about an hour and a half reading this little book. I've been a Bell Ringer for a long time. He's the first spiritual writer, after Anne Lamotte, that I could identify with. I don't believe in hell either, dear Rob. If you're not familiar with Bell, he talks about the stuff that most pastors gloss over in the name of offering plates. The uncomfortable stuff that unites us as humans. The stuff that goes undiscussed. The stuff that keeps true connection to our Teacher. The stuff that is real and relatable and is why people are leaving "church" in numbers.I think God every day for the two leaders at my church who introduced me to Bell a few years back. One of his Nooma videos is my go to when things are really rough. Now, in The Zimzum of Love, Bell and his wife have crafted a book that is mostly just refresher course for an old married woman like me. But, there are some gems contained within. First, the very word Zimzum. How did I live without that word? Thanks. And I loved the commentary about public expressions of love on Facebook and the like--that they put people where they shouldn't be: between the two of you. Hmm. That's good teaching for all of us. I had to set aside my preconceived notions of Bell being blessed by Mother Oprah. You know we all do that when someone we've followed for awhile wins the Oprah lottery. I am so pleased, though, that this great teacher is getting a wider audience. I do not believe his authenticity will change. Well, I've gushed, and so now for the cons. It's a little hard to relate to someone riding mopeds in the South of France and hanging out in a shark cage in South Africa. It's even harder to relate with the Oprah blessing. I know, I know, let it go. But, you have to look past this and focus on the same sort of magical connecting moments in your own marriage--or in the marriage that you want to have. Take off those jaded green glasses and just go with it. I loved it. I think he and Kristin could have delved into it a bit more, but I liked it. His book on suffering and art made me want for more too. Maybe it was the rush to publish, but I think it was mostly because the message can get absorbed by more if the text is short. Highly recommend.

I find marriage books have been so cheesy and condescending but this book was inspiring and comforting to read leading up to my wedding. The concept of Zimzum resonated with me so deeply, and I think protecting and considering the space between us will be something we carry with us into our marriage.

Short Review: The Zimzum of Love: A New Way of Understanding Marriage by Rob and Kristen Bell - it seems most of the negative reviews are about not liking Rob Bell instead of not liking the book. The book is a helpful, short, encouraging book on marriage that is exclusive, holy, and dynamic. I think it is too expensive right now, but that the content is good and it is the right length for small group discussions.(Note: The kindle version at least keeps going on sale for around $4. At that price it is worth picking up.)My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/zimzum-love-new-way-...

Like all rob bell books, you either love or hate them. I find his writing style resonates with me and as such I found this book a great reminder of how to make marriage work. I loved it. The simple yet tangible reminders, albeit not entirely new concepts for me, of the importance of protecting my marriage.

So nice to find an egalitarian book on marriage.

A Zimzum is creating a space for another to thrive.In marriage it's important to have a vision together. If you bring something to the space of your marriage that you haven't dealt with it will continue to negatively affect you and your relationship until it's resolved. The score card is at the heart of a number of extraordinary fights. I loved the thoughts on the scorecard. In marriage there's the combination of three loves: spark, substance, and sacrifice. What are the Asians thoughts and philosophy on marriage? I never hear about it.You know there's an issue behind the issue when your reaction is way out of proportion to the thing you're fighting about. Sarcasm is rooted in unresolved issues. I hate sarcasm so much and it does no good at all.Marriage is good for the world because love overflows past a couple to others. Spirituality isn't about escape from this body from the world, it's about being fully present. Creation always involves risk. They ripped off the train poem from Inception!

Here is an interesting little story. Once a man named Rob wrote a book about how love will bring together the whole universe. Some conservative Christians were offended at this concept and called him a heretic. So Rob tried again. This time he wrote a book about how love will bring together a husband and wife. Though it takes persistence and sacrifice to live out that claim, this time even the most joyless Christians had a hard time refuting it. Really, the book is a great reflection on the sacrament of marriage, co-written by a couple who has been married for over two decades. A lot of it resonates for me and my wife, who have been married for around one decade. Big idea from the book: think of your marriage as a charged space (zim zum) between you and your spouse. Keep igniting the positive charge--by communicating, sharing experiences, displaying affection and gratitude, etc.--and the space will respond disproportionately well.

Simple, fun, and heart warming“[Be] intentional about your own health because your marriage will only be as healthy as the least healthy one of you”This isn’t a book to save your marriage. But if you’re in a good place and want to just make it better and deeper there’s some neat thoughts and ideas here that you’ll enjoy. It’s not the deepest book on marriage you’ll ever read, but if you love your partner why not take the 90 mins it takes to read this book and enjoy thinking about how to love them more deeply.

this certainly is a new way of understanding marriage. one that values the individual and marvels at what is created when love overflows out of the commitment to one another. read this to see why marriage is good for the world

I don’t know much about the Bells, nor do I care whether or not the book is rooted in biblical theology. It made sense. And I felt less alone reading about their experiences, the good parts and the bad. The illustrations make it cute and easier for a visual person like me to understand. I liked the down-to-earth language. A great before-bed read. Made me feel valid and happy. ☺️

Really interesting and fresh way to look at marriage. All about the space you create between you and how it affects you and the world. I highly recommend it. Would be great for people in a serious relationship or newlyweds especially.

This was a great marriage book for anyone who is looking for general maintenance. It's not necessarily for anyone in "turmoil" but it's a refreshing way to look at the mystery we call marriage. A great read for couple prior to marriage.

Really enjoyed this interesting take on marriage. Full review to come, but I would suggest to this couples, married or not, as a better way to understand each other -- and love each other more.

This book was a great conversation starter. Nothing super earth shattering or new, but it gave a lot of language to things my wife and I are experiencing in our marriage.

A beautiful and honest book with a lot that isn't new, but that's really good and true and made wonderfully accessible.

Good concise book for married couples or couples in general from both a male and female point of view.

An easy, quick read. Not Bell's best, but interesting and fun. :)