Where Do We Go From Here?

It was the shot heard around the nation. I didn't watch (simply because we haven't had cable for 6 months) but I definitely heard the news. Jon & Kate are splitting up.

Though we don't watch them anymore, we can't seem to get away from them. Some photograph of Jon or Kate (or both) stares at me every time I buy anything at the supermarket. And though I no longer watch their series, this family has been heavy on my heart for months. I have found myself awake at 3am praying for them. Last night I restlessly woke up several times, with immediate thoughts of and prayers for them.

I am not star-struck by their celebrity. I am frustrated and disappointed and sad that a couple who have portrayed themselves as faith-filled Christians before the watching nation has "dissolved" their marriage because things got hard. Because "we're just different people now."

I've only been married for (almost) 6 years, and we definitely are different people than we were on our wedding day. You roll with it. Grow with it. You don't shrug and say "oh well, we have no choice." But the truth is, none of us are above where Jon and Kate find themselves. That's why marriage takes work every day.

I'm frustrated and disappointed and sad that these used-to-be-everyday-parents have bought into the illusion of the American Dream. And now they can give their children everything money could possibly buy - everything except two parents who show love and kindness and forgiveness to each other. This separation is NOT what's best for the children. What would be best is to cut the show, get on their knees, and seek the Lord and show their children the good example of kindness, repentance, commitment, faithfulness, and utter dependence on God.

So, what now? One friend asked me last night how we should pray - what should we pray for?

I am praying that both Jon and Kate will remember the vows they made (um, twice, since they just renewed their vows on the show last year) and be struck with the reality that they DO have a choice - that they CAN choose to do the right thing; they can choose to work it out instead of walk away. Right now they are deceived by the enemy that this decision will bring "peace."

I am praying that each of them will see the error of their ways (none of us are perfect!!) and be willing to humbly submit first to God and then to each other.

I am praying that the scales will fall off their eyes and that (Kate especially) will be faced with the truth that she must depend on God. She must relinquish control. Money will not secure her children's future. Or hers.

I am praying they will both have the courage to forgive as Christ has forgiven us.

I am praying that they will come into agreement that it is BEST for all of them to quit the show immediately. And that they will fight to win their family back.

I am praying that TLC will have the decency, the guts, to stop it now.

I am praying for reconciliation. For victory for this family. Is it too late for God to save their marriage? Absolutely not. Not long ago I witnessed a re-marriage of some of my friends some months after they had divorced. God is in the business of reconciliation.

Finally, I am praying for God to open my own eyes to seeds of discontent in my own marriage. That He will reveal to me any way I am not patient or honest or loving towards my husband.

Pray with me, will you?

- shannon