The old firefighting adage: Never leave your partner behind

Fireproof is a 2008 American drama movie from Sherwood Pictures. Stephen Kendrick co-wrote the movie with his brother Alex Kendrick. Fireproof is the story of a firefighter, Captain Caleb Holt, who lives by the old firefighter's adage, "Never leave your partner behind."

However, after seven years of marriage to his wife Catherine, their relationship is failing. None of them understands the pressures the other faces. They drift so far apart that Catherine wishes she had never married Caleb.

As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb’s father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day adventure he calls “The Love Dare.” Wondering if it’s even worth the effort, Caleb agrees, but more for his father’s sake than for his marriage.

Selfishness destroys relationships: Many relationships and marriages break because we often give up too easily. We're so obsessed with our own needs. Caleb claims that Catherine is too sensitive and doesn't show him respect.

At the same time, Catherine tells her hospital co-workers that Caleb is so insensitive; he doesn't listen to her and doesn't understand her needs.

The intentionality of love: When Caleb learns that the book's daily challenges are tied to his parent's newfound faith, his limited interest dwindles even further. Even though he wants to stay true to the promise he made to his father, Caleb becomes frustrated time and time again.

He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who's constantly rejecting me?" When his father tells him that this is the love God shows to people, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God.

With God's help, he begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife. But he is worried it might be too late to rescue his marriage.

Determined love always wins: Are you giving up on your marriage or relationship? Are you now challenged by how far true love can go? It might sometimes take years to restore the failing love. I bet this article radiates a message of powerful determination and hope, even if you've felt like giving up on your marriage.

At last, Catherine halted her process of divorcing Mr Caleb Holt and stayed in her marriage. The relentless love Caleb had developed paid off. He stopped watching pornography and used his entire $24,000 savings to cover the medical expenses for Catherine's mother.

Forgiving someone needs perseverance: This dramatic, inspiring, and elaborate masterpiece teaches us the importance of forgiveness, both in seeking it and offering it. When we're determined, nothing is beyond fixing. True friendship and love come at a price.

Lastly, true love is other-centred. To sail against the odd and persistent relationship adversities like the infidelity and despair that engulfed Catherine, we need this thick-skinned relationship principle Captain Caleb Holt was living by in his firefighting job: "Never leave your partner behind."

Amani Kyala is a counsellor, writer, and teacher; 0626 512 144.