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After being married six short months Jason and I moved to Downtown Orlando, in July 2009, to plant a church. God took us on a much different and more winding path of ministry than we had planned. During the same time I was unemployed for eleven months while Jason got offered a job without even trying.
In October of 2010, we reached the point that most everyone does...It was our line-in-the sand moment. That time in marriage where you are forced to decide if you'll keep going or throw in the towel.
I don't remember 2011 very well. Perhaps because it would prove to hold the least tragedy of all our years of marriage? I did begin this blog as I finally discovered what my part in Downtown ministry would look like.
2012 was a hard year that included unemployment again, along with depression, and a devastating personal trajedy.
I'm still processing 2013. I oddly have a somewhat positive perspective following another very hard year that left us suffering two great additional losses.
So what have I learned?
In October 2010, by God's grace we made the decision to honor our commitment to one another and keep moving forward. It wasn't easy. It took lots of professional help and we still have lots of work to do. But I'm so thankful God saved and redeemed our marriage.
Eventually in every marriage (if you're honest with yourself) you'll come to a place where you must decide whether to continue or not. You'll ask yourself if the positives really outweigh the negatives. As someone who has come out on the other side my answer is a resounding, "YES!" It will not be quick or easy but it will be worth it.
If you're feeling particularly brave today, I'd love to hear your story, in the comments below, of choosing to continue with marriage even when it would have been easier or even acceptable to divorce. What have you learned during your years of marriage?
(Note: if abuse or infidelity exists in your marriage please seek a trusted friend, a professional, or the proper authorities.)
