My friends had a good marriage. They worked at it, shuffling shifts at work, which often meant they saw one another coming and going. There were immediately step-kids, then new babies who keep getting bigger. Fortunately, this family walked their daily lives with groups of friends in a local church. It all changed drastically one evening. Every situation looks a bit different, but this couple both disappointed one another greatly that evening. All in all, it was a disaster and, from this point on, there will be a “normal-life-before” and a “new-normal” after this fateful night.

Their marriage came under serious attack. Both husband and wife were deeply wounded. Words were said that cannot be unsaid. Children heard conversations not meant for young ears. Bags were packed and a family separated.

Enter Christian counseling. Aren’t we grateful for those brothers and sisters in Christ who help us see ourselves as we really are? Even the ugly. Trained professionals who show us healthy ways to handle the relationships in our lives. They help explain why we respond the way we do to all. the. things. When we enter these sacred offices, we stand in the presence of the hands and feet of Jesus. This couple’s Christian friends from their small group, they hung around too. Thank God! It seems if we only turn to our secular friends, divorce is a quick, “easy” answer. It was huge for this couple to have Christian friends who listened and gave feedback with the perfect balance of grace and truth.

I'm honored to share these words over at Her View From Home. To keep reading the story, click here.