They Changed Their Minds, Why Don’t We?

We are now living with the consequences of two significant societal changes that have occurred in my life time: no-fault divorce and abortion-on-demand.  Perhaps you were unaware that two people who fought hard for each of these changes have lived to see the consequences of each and were then honest enough to change their minds.  Our nation should understand why they changed and then join them.

Cohabitation and the Gospel of Grace

The New York Times Sunday Review had a guest article that popped my eyes.  Meg Jan, a clinical psychologist at UVa, was the author.  In the article, she summarizes the growing body of research that studies the impact of cohabitation on people and their marriages.  She then illustrates that research movingly by placing it in the context of real lives that she has worked with in her counseling practice.  Her perspective is by no means faith-based, yet it expresses well, and with independent research, what I have observed over decades of pastoral ministry.

When Jennifer started therapy with me less than a year (after her wedding), she was looking for a divorce lawyer. “I spent more time planning my wedding than I spent happily married,” she sobbed. Most disheartening to Jennifer was that she’d tried to do everything right. “My parents got married young so, of course, they got divorced. We lived together! How did this happen?”

Grace and Prayer for the Gores

Let me be honest: I am not and never have been a supporter of the politics, policies or perspectives of Al Gore.  I voted against him every chance I had, and would do it again without reservation.

That said, I am still saddened by the recent announcement of the separation of Al and Tipper Gore.  Forty years of marriage. Four kids.  Best of times and worst of times, usually lived the brutal glare of the public spotlight.  That's a lot of life and relationship, so I am saddened to see it come to a season of stepping away.  Not only am I saddened, but I've been praying for them regularly.  And praying for the other marriages in my circle of relationships - including my own.  It is a tough world out there if it can bring the Gores to this moment.

I am hoping there is hope though.  And it is because they are separated, not divorced.  Here's what I am hoping and praying for.