Week 2

Divorce is such a tough topic to cover and one that affects families and individuals in such a personal way. In some situations of divorce it can hard, difficult and stressful. In other situations divorce can be liberating, a way to get a fresh start, and even a blessing. I think in most situations it can be a mixed bag of emotions. For my sister who is currently going through divorce, I know she felt free and excited to start a new better life without the pressures of her husbands addictions affecting herself and her children, but also her sadness of a separation between her and her best friend, her children without their father, the judgments of others against her. I can only imagine the complexity of emotions she was feeling. I think having the gospel during this situation would be an incredible asset in anyones life who is going through such a struggle. I loved how Elder Oaks speaks about divorce and how he has such a unique viewing of it given his background. I love the part where he says “In contrast, the couples who followed this bishop’s counsel and stayed together emerged with their marriages even stronger. That prospect began with their mutual commitment to keep the commandments, stay active in their Church attendance, scripture reading, and prayer, and to work on their own shortcomings. They “recognized the importance and power of the Atonement for their spouse and for themselves,” and “they were patient and would try again and again.” When the couples he counseled did these things, repenting and working to save their marriages, this bishop reported that “healing was achieved 100 percent of the time.” As we live our lives understanding we are not perfect and our spouse is not perfect we can understand that we are all being perfected thanks to Jesus Christ and His atonement.  I think about the analogy of gaining muscle, its a constant grind to work out and exercise our bodies to build that muscle, any laps in our work can hinder our progress. Just like any marriage it needs constant nourishment and love, a commitment to always work things out. The end result helps us become in a much stronger and united marriage.