No to Divorce: A Journey of Faith and Commitment

 CATHOLIC HOMESCHOOL LINKS

Marriage is a sacred bond, a commitment that transcends the highs and lows of life. In a world where the option of divorce is often presented as a solution to marital struggles, it's crucial to remember the deeper meaning of this union. As a Catholic homeschooling mother, I believe that marriage is not just a contract between two people but a covenant before God. This belief has been the cornerstone of my family's journey, even through our most challenging times.

Embracing the Journey Together

Marriage, like any journey, is filled with joyous moments and difficult challenges. My husband and I have faced numerous trials, including financial instability, family health issues, and the heartbreak of experiencing two miscarriages in a short span of time. These struggles tested our resolve and commitment to each other. However, instead of seeing these challenges as reasons to give up, we viewed them as opportunities to grow stronger together.

I remember a particularly tough time when we were buried in debt due to consecutive hospitalizations in our family. The weight of our financial burdens was overwhelming, and the stress it placed on our relationship was immense. Yet, we chose to face these challenges hand in hand, believing that our love and faith would guide us through. We prayed together, and made conscious efforts to communicate openly and support each other. This period of hardship became a testament to the strength of our marriage and deepened our bond.

The Role of Faith and Grace

One of the most significant aspects of our journey has been our faith. We see God as our guiding force in our lives. This faith has been our anchor, providing us with the strength to overcome obstacles and stay committed to each other. We've learned that living in a state of grace—seeking to follow God's will and love each other as He loves us—is essential for a healthy and lasting marriage.

In our 13th year of marriage, we encountered our most challenging trial, a moment when we feared it might be the end. However, through prayer and the sacraments, and by making a consistent effort to receive the Holy Eucharist daily, we found the strength to overcome it. We believe that together, we can face any problem. Having surmounted what seemed like the most significant challenge in our marriage, we are confident we can handle the financial issues we're currently facing. We trust that every problem has a resolution when God is at the center of our relationship. Now, we live with God guiding and strengthening our bond every day.

Had we given up during that difficult time, our two youngest children wouldn't be here with us today. Their presence is a constant reminder of the blessings and joy that come from persevering through trials with faith and love. As we approach our 22nd year of marriage, we continue to cherish our journey together, grateful for the strength and resilience we've gained along the way.

In our experience, prayer has been a powerful tool. It has helped us to remain patient and forgiving, to see each other through God's eyes, and to remember that our marriage is a sacred covenant. There were times when we felt lost and unsure, but prayer brought us back to the essence of our vows: to love, honor, and cherish each other, in good times and in bad.

(My teenagers carried this during the NO TO DIVORCE PRAYER RALLY on July 27, 2024, from Fuente Circle to Sto. Nino Parish in Cebu City. I was pleased to know they held onto it throughout the entire rally. It fills me with pride and hope to see them standing up for our values and beliefs, understanding the importance of unity and commitment in marriage. Their participation shows how deeply these values resonate with them, and it encourages us all to continue advocating for the sanctity of marriage.)

The Impact on Our Children

As homeschooling parents, we aim to set a positive example for our children in all aspects of life, including our marriage. We want them to understand that love is not just a feeling but a daily choice and commitment. Our dedication to each other provides a stable foundation, teaching our children the values of perseverance, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

We are not perfect, and sometimes our children witness our misunderstandings. We've explained to them that challenges are a normal part of married life. We believe in being transparent, so our children are aware of the mistakes we've made, even before we got married. We encourage them to learn from our experiences and strive to live holier lives for the sake of their future families.

By witnessing our dedication to each other, our children learn that marriage requires effort, understanding, and the grace of God. We hope that by being open about our journey and imperfections, our children will be inspired to build strong, loving relationships grounded in faith and commitment.

Encouraging Others: The Beauty of Commitment

To other married couples, especially those who may be struggling, I want to emphasize that divorce is not and will never be the best option. Marriage is a beautiful, challenging, and rewarding journey. It's about choosing to stay together, working through difficulties, and growing together in love and faith.

Reflecting on our experiences, I can say with certainty that every challenge we faced has made our marriage stronger. The moments of doubt and hardship were also opportunities for growth and deeper connection. We learned that true love is not about perfection but about commitment and the willingness to support each other, even when it's hard. By choosing to remain committed, we can build a lasting bond that withstands the test of time.

A Call to Faith and Perseverance

As a Catholic, I firmly believe in the sanctity of marriage. It's a vocation that requires us to give of ourselves fully and to trust in God's plan for our lives. For those facing difficulties in their marriages, I encourage you to seek support from your faith community, engage in open and honest communication, and above all, pray together. Remember that God is always with you, guiding and strengthening your bond.

In conclusion, marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be easily broken. It's a journey filled with both joy and challenges, but it's also an opportunity to grow in love and faith. By choosing to say "no" to divorce and "yes" to commitment, we can build strong, enduring marriages that reflect the love and grace of God. Let's inspire each other to cherish and uphold the sanctity of marriage, knowing that with faith and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle and find joy in the journey together.

P.S. A Note on Commitment and Faith

If one spouse is determined to pursue a divorce, it can be incredibly challenging to navigate. My approach would be to remain committed to the marriage, continue praying, and seek reconciliation and healing. It's important to remember that marriage is a covenant, not just between two individuals but also with God. Our goal is to honor that covenant, even in difficult times.

Ultimately, while we can't control the decisions of others, we can control our responses. I would continue to hope for reconciliation, striving to show love, patience, and understanding, trusting that God can work in both hearts. I know this is easier said than done, but nothing is impossible with God; He can work miracles. It's essential to hold on to faith and believe that, in time, healing and restoration are possible. With God's guidance, the bond of marriage can be renewed, bringing both spouses back to a place of unity and love.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your divine intervention in the marriages that are struggling and on the brink of divorce. Lord, You are the source of love and the foundation of all relationships. We ask that You pour out Your grace and mercy upon these couples, softening their hearts and opening their eyes to the love they once shared.

Grant them the strength to forgive and the courage to communicate with honesty and compassion. Help them to remember the sacred vows they made and to trust in Your guidance. May they find hope and healing through prayer and the sacraments, drawing closer to You and to each other.

Lord, we pray for the preservation of these marriages, that they may be renewed and strengthened. Surround them with supportive family and friends, and let Your love be the cornerstone of their relationship. In Your mercy, restore what has been broken and bring peace to their homes.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.