I dedicate this book to Sarah, my wife, who gave voice over the years to those who attended our Love and Respect Conference: “Had I known earlier about the Respect Effect on sons, I would have been a far better mother to my sons.”

Though as a mother she was twenty-five times better than I was as a father, the Respect message, nonetheless, deeply affected her, and she in turn affected our sons, who have voiced their appreciation. It worked!

I also dedicate this book to my mother, now in heaven, who always showed me respect, even into adulthood when I pastored a church—she attended all four services each weekend! Sarah says, “I think that’s why you have endearingly and regularly said since 2001, ‘I miss my mother.’ ”