Yes, my faith played a significant role in helping me navigate challenges in my marriages:
- First marriage:
My first marriage ended in divorce after 18 years when my wife left me and our four children. This was a devastating experience that deeply affected me and challenged my faith. However, it was my relationship with God and His prevailing grace that provided me with strength and resilience during this difficult period. - Single parenting:
After the divorce, I faced the challenges of raising my children alone while trying to maintain my career and provide for us. My faith and mentoring from other believers help guide in parenting and decision-making during this time. - Healing and growth:
My faith was instrumental in my healing process after the divorce. I continued attending church and wrestling with his beliefs, which eventually led to rekindling my faith and experiencing spiritual growth. - Second marriage:
Several years after my divorce, I married Shelley, a single mother of two teenage boys. Our shared faith and love became a foundation for our relationship and eventual marriage. - Blended family:
Our faith helped us navigate the challenges and complexities of blending families. Our shared commitment to serving others and growing spiritually strengthened their relationship. - Ministry involvement:
Our joint decision to move to Raleigh, NC, to help plant Hosea Church, and later to move to Nashville so I could serve as a ministry intern has helped demonstrate how our shared faith influenced major life decisions and strengthened our marriage.
Throughout these challenges, faith, particularly by relying on the truth of God’s Word, has provided guidance, strength, and a framework for healing and growth in my relationships.