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!