FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS: Strong marriages are the key

We have done a number of interviews with faith-based organizations that serve the homeless, addicted, foster children and incarcerated and we always ask the basic questions: What is the main cause of the problem? and What is the answer? Without exception the answer is the same. We need marriages that stay together and families that provide love, stability and direction. Most of the cases are from broken homes.

Here are some eye-popping statistics about Idaho. Over 40 percent of children in our area are not living with their biological father. Idaho has the second-highest divorce rate in the nation. So, just how high is the divorce rate? Nearly 22 of every 1,000 married individuals got a divorce in 2016 the most recent year for statistics.

What is the effect of divorce? Psychologist Judith Wallerstein followed a group of children of divorce from the 1970s into the 1990s. She expected to find that kids bounce back from divorce, interviewing them 18 months, five, 10, 15 and 25 years later after the divorce. What she found was amazing: 25 years after the divorce these children continued to experience substantial expectations of failure, fear of loss, fear of change and fear of conflict. Twenty-five years! The effects in relation to poverty, addiction, incarceration from divorce is astounding.

There is an organization called FamilyLife, a CRU ministry (Campus Crusade formerly) that is seeking to strengthen marriages and give new life to existing marriages. Engaging speakers share their real-life relationship struggles and successes. The practical tools and resources will have an immediate impact on relationships at all stages. Couples enjoy romance and relaxation while improving their communication skills and intentionally moving toward oneness.

Here’s what one couple said:

“Our relationship was so bad, I rode in the back of the car to the conference because I didn’t want to sit by him. Yet over the weekend, we began to have hope for our marriage. The practical tools, encouraging and engaging talks from marriage experts, and private time with your spouse to apply the concepts cannot be underestimated.”

“Weekend To Remember” is a Family Life event at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Friday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 28. For registration or more information, visit WeekendToRemember.com or call 1800-FL-Today (1-800-358-6239). You can save $100 off your registration with promo code: 100off the regularly priced at $349.98 per couple.

Beginning Friday evening and concluding on Sunday afternoon, attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the hotel setting and check-in for the weekend, maximizing their time away from distractions and daily life as they reconnect with one another.

Idaho has always made marriage easy and the “no-fault” divorce movement has made divorce too easy. Families are the bedrock of our society and strong marriages are a key. Grandparents and churches could consider gifting this to some young couple. These weekends are held around the country and not just in this area. Anything that keeps families together is worth promoting!