So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:25, NIV It was August 2012. And the evidence … Continue reading “When will you believe it?”
Category: Grief
The “Remind-Yourself-To-Eat” Phase
A picture of DM sometime during “The Phase” When people think about adultery and abandonment, they rarely understand just how traumatic these experiences are for the faithful spouse. I truly believe fewer Christians would respond with the Shared Responsibility Nonsense if they understood the consequences faithful spouses suffer due to their cheating spouses’ sins. Certainly, if … Continue reading “The “Remind-Yourself-To-Eat” Phase”
Others Judging Your Healing
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” -Matthew 7:1-2, KJV A common annoyance I encounter–and suspect other faithful spouses encounter as well–are Christians giving their unsolicited assessment of my state of healing. “You … Continue reading “Others Judging Your Healing”
Like A Broken Bone…
All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said, “I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave.” So his father wept for him [i.e. Joseph]. – Genesis 37:35, NIV When a broken bone heals, I hear that it is stronger in … Continue reading “Like A Broken Bone…”
Having a cat helped!
Mr. Pickles, the cat I am sure having Mr. Pickles, my cat, greatly helped my sanity. He made my apartment a home. I was able to come back to a living creature who actually was excited to see me. Unlike the bad reputation often given to cats, this cat actually waited for me at … Continue reading “Having a cat helped!”
Mailbag: Conquering Anger
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. – Psalm 145:8, KJV Hi DM. I still have a lot of anger toward my mother-in-law for many of the same reasons you had for your father-in-law. She has enabled my stbx’s sin so much that even my children … Continue reading “Mailbag: Conquering Anger”
Breaking Up With Your Church
Forgive the corny Oldies reference here. I grew up listening to this sort of music as a kid, and I could not help but think of the opening line when processing this–albeit–serious topic of leaving a church. Breaking up is truly a hard thing to do. This past week Mrs. DM and I decided we needed to … Continue reading “Breaking Up With Your Church”
Innocence Lost
DM on his first wedding day (2006) None of my immediate family experienced divorce. We were a sheltered family system–i.e. from grandparents down to first cousins. Divorce had not visited its devastation directly upon us. That was until my marriage was shot in the head on December 12, 2012. I was raised that marriage was … Continue reading “Innocence Lost”
Major Catholic Church Development Regarding Annulments and Adultery
Big News Reported On CNN: “Pope Francis makes annulment of marriages cheaper and easier” by Delia Gallagher and Daniel Burke (click on article title above for link) I am not Catholic. My understanding of marriage is more in line with Protestantism, of course. I am an evangelical and a Lutheran minister, after all. In my … Continue reading “Major Catholic Church Development Regarding Annulments and Adultery”
I know you want your marriage to survive this…
Speaking to myself three years ago: “I know you want your marriage to survive your spouse’s infidelity… …but the fate of your marriage does not hinge on your decision(s).” When my marriage unraveled and I discovered the Other Man, I wanted so badly for my (then) wife to repent of her unfaithfulness and stop the divorce … Continue reading “I know you want your marriage to survive this…”