“I have met with couples who have only ever tried to resolve conflict by raising their voices, and with others who have only ever tried to resolve it by going silent. I have met with some who have only ever relied on text messaging instead of speaking face to face, and with others who have long since given up and don’t even bother trying” - Challies
“A new IFS report, The Devout Difference, examines two institutions—faith and family—that have long been among America’s most reliable antidotes to isolation. The evidence suggests both remain signal sources of social solidarity even as they have lost ground.” - IFS
“The percentage of female survey respondents in very happy marriages declines steadily for women with more than five premarital partners.” - IFS
On a gushing Facebook post, a parent proudly proclaims with an abundance of heart emojis, “I love my kids to the moon and back!” Do you, really?
Scrolling through Facebook, I sometimes see a Christian friend whose wife does not look the same as I remember her, or else she has mysteriously disappeared from all of his pictures. I then realize that his old wife is gone. Divorce has struck another home! It breaks my heart to see so many marriages dissolving within the body of Christ.
At the end of the day, the adults will give an account to God for their choices. However, what bothers me the most is the blank, hurt looks on the faces of their children.
“When people with moderate incomes are brow-beaten into spending like they are rich, they remain poor forever.forever. The same goes for the wedding and reception.” - P&D
“Since 1950, the average age at first marriage has increased by about eight years, to roughly age 28 for women and 30 for men. Most Gen Z (81%) value marriage but are rethinking family.” - Barna Research
“To those who have had to conclude that they married poorly, I offer my sympathy. I am glad you are admitting what you are admitting, as it can be helpful to simply state this, even if only in your own mind. Of course, the main matter is what you intend to do about it. How will you live within your difficult marriage?” - Challies
“There is no debating that women’s confidence in and devotion to marriage is falling…. Theories about young women’s declining interest in wedlock typically fall into two camps. The problem is either 1) the boys, or 2) the (feminist) girls.” - IFS
By David Huffstutler. Read Part 1.
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found myself asked to present my view on divorce and remarriage.” This paraphrase of Jude 3 reflects how I feel as a Christian and pastor who has dealt with the difficult topics of divorce and remarriage after divorce. Perhaps you feel the same as I do. Divorce involves a broken marriage, broken hearts, suffering, and sin. And even if one allows for remarriage, painful memories linger. Can we talk about salvation instead?
