Military Marriages

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We got to go see Fireproof Friday night. ABSOLUTELY AWESOME MOVIE! If you haven’t seen this movie you need to. I was not disappointed.

There are so many issues that are raised in this film, and it really does a great job of opening up dialogue and communication between couples afterwards. Cliff and I were able to talk about several things in our own marriage, the good and the bad, and he really liked it as much as I did. In fact, he had actually bought the “Love Dare” book that’s used in the movie, before we even saw the movie. (Still waiting to see if he’s going to read/do what it says… I’ll keep you posted )

As a leader for Wives of Faith, I’ve recently received several contacts from military wives who are struggling with their marriages. Some husbands are deployed and want out – some husbands are here and want out. Other marriages are on a strictly neutral course – not failing, but not flourishing either. I don’t know the full extent of any situation and I know there are always two sides to the story, but it breaks my heart hearing about these couples who are about to lose it all, many with young children involved as well.

Military marriages (and frankly, any marriage) cannot survive without a foundation of love, trust, respect and God in it all. It’s impossible. Because we’re human and we’re imperfect and we make mistakes. But God can heal the cracks, put salve on the wounds, and comfort the bruises. When you’re married and in the military, things can often be compounded with long-term separations. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder…or forgetful” – a quote I’ve always remembered from Disney’s animated Robin Hood movie that came out many many years ago. (I know – I’ve just showed my age and my affinity apparently for Disney movies.)

Life in a military marriage does not come completely without choices! We make choices every day how we will respond to something – whether we approach it with love, a benefit of the doubt, a second chance – or whether we approach it with something that’s the opposite – anger, hate, suspicion, deep grievances. I wrestle with these emotions too sometimes.

This week we will look at marriage and some of the ways we can do some preventative maintenance before our marriages are completely broken down. There are ways that you can really make your marriage “Fireproof.” Hope you can join me!