Impossible Marriages Redeemed: They Didn't End the Story in the Middle

by Leila Miller

it is possible to repair your marriage if you stay true to your vows and remain focused on Christ—no matter how badly you or your spouse have sinned.

although things can be at their absolute darkest, there’s always a way to make it work.

I knew that divorce was not what God ever wants for families.

I discovered powerful spiritual truths about marriage—even marriage to a partner who did not share in the marital contract anymore.

I rejected my boss despite my incredible loneliness and desire to be loved by a man, because all I saw was my husband’s adulterous spirit in this man, too.

Marriage is my vocation; as a Christian, this requires that I indeed pick up my cross and follow Jesus. I can tell you without reserve: He is mighty to save, redeem, and restore, but we must say “yes” in obedience and never count the cost to ourselves.

If you struggle in your marriage, seek out those who know God and know the real power of sacrificial love—a love borne of suffering. They will be your allies and cheerleaders as you run your race for the crown of life. Your vocation is your path to holiness, and the cross is your ladder to heaven.

As is common with children of divorce, I was an emotional support for her. She depended on me.

I spoke with priests and looked into the Church’s teaching on marriage and family. Divorce was not an option for me. I enlisted close family and friends to pray for us.

Don’t lose hope, and trust in God’s timing.

When you talk to your wife, be kind, respectful, and loving, and don’t be afraid to share how you feel.

Trust in God. God doesn’t want you to get divorced. He worked miracles

Funny enough, his desire to convert came about because of the Church’s stance on divorce.

We did learn by example—by her example: Sometimes you love people who are acting unlovable. Who don’t deserve it.

We learned that loving someone isn’t all roses and greeting cards. It’s often hard times and heavy crosses.

Had we sought divorce, we would have been seeking a permanent solution to a temporary problem

We don’t give grace a chance. We don’t give life a chance. We don’t give God His time to work.

I realized that I really do love my husband.

life is best, and most pure, when we stay the course despite difficulty.

as a devout Catholic, divorce was never an option for me—and nothing we appeared to be dealing with seemed to call for such drastic measures.

But one person, a priest, challenged me to honor my vows.

I knew that the vows were not for the easy times in a marriage but for times such as these.

For better or worse. In sickness and in health. Until death do us part. There are no exceptions listed when you state your vows before God and witnesses.

Our vows are “for better or worse.” Period.

Love is a choice.

I’m so grateful that I chose to stay and fight for my marriage, as it is often the case that the better comes after the worse.

All I ever wanted was for my parents to stay together.

Yes, despite the troubles, the marriage vows won!

Had my parents divorced, it would have made it so much easier for us to do the same.

Divorce—literally “to turn aside”—severs and ends.