“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read…that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or whoever had been alive. Only if we face these open wounds in ourselves can we understand them in other people.”  -James Baldwin

Author James Baldwin observed that we sometimes think our own pain and suffering are “unprecedented in world history”. I’ve certainly felt that way about my own heartbreak. But as we live life, we begin to learn that the experiences, “that tormented us most, are often the very things that connect us with all the people who are alive, or who ever have been alive.”

In my marriage, my wife, Tammy, and I went through what we now refer to as, “a rough patch”. It was so much more than that- it was a time that was very nearly the end of us. That God provided what we needed during that time, and continues to provide for our healing, is something for which we will be forever grateful.

In addition to learning a lot about our flaws- our own and each other’s, we also gained empathy for couples who are struggling through their own ‘rough patches”.  In fact, even though we caused our marital problems in the first place, it was a gracious God who forgave us, healed us, restored us, and then GAVE US A NEW MINISTRY! Sharing what He did in our lives, with other married couples.

No matter what you’re walking through right now, God will guide you through it-He will, if only you will trust Him.  And then, watch as He gives you opportunities to share His goodness with others who are walking through the same valley…