Hope in Hard PlacesIhe Atụ

Rise Up Despite Divorce

The summer I turned twenty-four, I met him. A young servicemember who lived a life of adventure, we had a fabulous summer teaching kids to rock climb, ride horses, and hike through the trails of the Texas Hill Country while he was home on leave.

We married in December. Weeks later, the military sent him from his duty station in Hawaii back to Texas on compassionate reassignment to help care for his dad.

When it all falls apart

As months passed, my role as Program Director at a camp, planning events for visiting groups, unraveled due to the belief that my husband could handle it better. Weekends left me in tears as his "help" overshadowed my responsibilities. My boss intervened to assert that the job was rightfully mine.

Returning to Hawaii, we sought solace in a church community while grappling with the challenges of military life. Despite outward appearances, our marriage remained a struggle, marked by intimidation, belittling, and eventually infidelity. As a Christian woman, questions about the duration of this painful journey, confidants to share with, and God's ability to mend it all haunted me.

After nearly six years, three moves, and a deployment, I returned home to an empty house. He had left, taking everything he wanted and leaving only a farewell note and $200, having cleaned out our bank accounts. Amidst the relief, fear, uncertainty, and grief, two friends from church knelt with me in my living room, seeking solace from God. The grand adventure had concluded in divorce, marking the most challenging season of my life.

God is still good

Yet, amidst the pain, I discovered something profound.

God is still good. His Word is still true.

For those facing similar marital struggles, I offer a resounding message: God remains good and is a redeemer beyond our comprehension. If your marriage feels insurmountable today, commit to rising up with your whole heart, for God is faithful.

Adapted from a Planting Roots Article by Kori Yates.