May 26, 2009

Jon and Kate Plus 8, Mel Gibson and The List Goes On

DIVORCE. I'm sick of it, and I'm not even the one going through it. Every time I turn on the tv, or tune into a radio show, I am bombarded with the fact that one in two marriages end in divorce. It doesn't even seem to matter if they're Christians or not, it is still happening every where and every day.

Since my parents divorced after 24 years of marriage, I have a personal negative feeling when I hear about about a couple splitting up. It is not that I don't love the new step parents that I have (because I do so much), it is just the family unit is never the same. Every time we have a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or anything we want to share with the family as a whole, I always get a small sick feeling in my stomach. Will everyone get along? Will everyone feel equally loved and comfortable in the surroundings? Will anyone not come because of who will or will not be there? This is just a few of the questions that divorced families have to consider. I can't even imagine if my parents would have divorced when I was young, but a lot of my friend's parents have and there were often serious problems that stick with them even today.

Unless you live under a rock, you may not have heard about the Gosselin family's recent marriage problems. My kids absolutely love Jon and Kate Plus 8. In fact they know each of the Gosselin kids so well that they could pick them out of a line up, describe each of their personalities, and tell you what their favorite things to do are. I never watch Jon and Kate with them unless they beg and last night, they begged. What I was not expecting to see was the reactions I got from each of my kids. The emotions ranged from sadness to anger, complete silence to confusion. My kids have grown to love this family and look forward to spending time with them each week via the television. It is hard to watch this family they love so much go through the struggles they are now facing.

I guess my kids are going through some of the same emotions I faced recently as I've watched some of my closest friends recently seperate. It is hard to understand, it is hard to believe and it is often hard to find sympathy. I feel immediately for the children and not my friends. I know it's wrong, but it is the truth. The kids are not the ones responsible-Period! However, they will have to pay the price for the parent's decision. You see, I know what happens down the road. I know on a small level, but I know. I also have close friends who have been through a divorce and have shared with me how very hard the road is ahead. Even when they know they made the best decision they could, it still is tough. Divorce is hard, plain and simple.

Since the Gosselins have not yet divorced, we are going to continue to pray for a miracle, a change of heart. We want that for every family who is struggling right now over a possible divorce. I know only God can truly heal a marriage and bring a couple back together when it seems impossible. Luckily our God is a God who specializes in the impossible.

If you are going through a tough time in your marriage, please get counseling, please share your struggles with your christian friends who can pray for you and encourage you. Don't wait until it is too late to be open and honest. Most of all, give your marriage over to your Saviour who is ready and willing to do a mighty work. Let Him in and believe that things can change through His power and strength. God bless!

7 comments:

Sue said...

Amen, Susie!

It breaks my heart to see the enemy taking down so many who call Jesus, Lord, especially in this area.

My sister left her husband after 25 years of marriage and my hubby & I were there to pick up the pieces of her late teen/early 20's kids and it was ROUGH! I can't imagine how difficult it must be for children who can't begin to understand the marriage relationship in the first place.

I do pray for Jon & Kate that they remember where they started and that God will touch them and humble them back to Himself so He can save their marriage. It is so disgusting how the entertainment world eats their own, even though Jon & Kate probably never intended to be "celebrities".

And don't get me started about Mel! lol

Have a great evening! Hugs

Lori said...

Amen! I thought about writing a similar post, instead I will link to yours on Saturday.

Hugs.

Shawna said...

It is so true and so sad. I don't watch Jon and Kate Plus 8 every time it is on, but I watch it every now and then. I did watch it this weekend and last night.

I haven't been able to get them off of my mind. I am praying that God will restore their marriage, and that they will put Him first.

A lot of people think divorce is a quick fix because the grass is always greener on the other side. They think, when in reality it has consequences that can affect generations. The cavalier attitude about divorces by the majority of people is similar to trading in cars for a different model. I am sick of it, too.

Susan said...

I'm not familiar with this TV family but I can tell you for a real fact......I am so thankful I did not divorce after 25 years of marriage. What a wonderful 25+ uears of joy I would have misses. I also know I would not be where I am with my walk with God if I had given in to the flesh wanting to run....rather than sticking with my vows of "tell death do we part".
Susan

BrittenRoost said...

Thank you so much for your post. You took the words out of my mouth.
Katie Jean

Anonymous said...

I could not agree more.

My husband and I know way too much about this subject. We divorced before we had children, but the LORD healed each of hearts, brought us back together, and blessed us with two beautiful children. No matter how thankful I am for the relationship we have now, I ache over what we went through.

I have four half-brothers and sister's from my dad's first marriage and the family dynamics have been incredibly difficult. Not only have I watched my dad, mom, and siblings struggle with these issues, but I have been negatively affected by it as well.

Divorce is a horrible thing.

I continue to pray for the Gosselins as well. I have watched their show forever and have ached over what is happening.

Thanks for bringing this into the light. I know many of us are thinking about these things right now.

Linda said...

This was so thoughtfully written Susie. I'm with you. I get so saddened by the seemingly endless list of divorces.
I would imagine there are seasons in every marriage where it seems like it would be better to walk away. The blessing comes when we have the grace and strength to work through it.