I recently had a conversation with a friend a few days ago. I asked about what was new in her life and how things were going. Unfortunately, she explained that she was going through a divorce but courageously said that this was indeed for the better. After an abusive marriage of six years she decided to leave. It wasn’t only the fact that leaving her husband took courage but she also never lost her faith. Back when we were in college (and even now) I nicknamed this particular friend my spiritual consultant. She possessed a care-free attitude and very devout faith I had never experienced from anyone else. Even in this very difficult time she still looks to God and letting Him guide her next path. It is every easy to give praise when things are going well but so much harder when it seems as though everything in life is crumbling.

Relationships can be tough on their own but when one person in the relationship is not dealing with issues the correct way the relationship only becomes more challenging. I actually have a few family members that are going through divorces but instead of being down or depressed they seem very upbeat. While I agree that a marriage takes a tremendous amount of work (in good and bad times) there are some times when the relationship is just better when it is severed. It is also important to know that we do not have to let bad things get the best of us. And if they do they do not have to last for long. As people of faith we have comfort in knowing that someone is there to guide and help us. I give my deepest condolences to those who have to struggle through abusive relationships and the effects of those relationships to their families. It truly disrupts things for everyone involved. But having the courage to walk away before the relationship potentially gets worse simply comes from within and also from the higher power we serve.