itsawonderfilledlife

There was a moment this school year, while sitting across the table from a student, when I heard the words that I hear at least once every year, the words which tear at my heart and my soul,

“my parents are divorced, and that makes me very sad.”

How am I supposed to assist with math, or language or science or any other subject, when their very own history has been altered …

and they know it!

Every year that I have worked in schools, I have encountered similar disclosures, similar expressions of loss and sadness … and I come away from those conversations determined to stay married, even when it’s difficult … and some days,

it’s difficult.

I heard it once, and shared it many more times that,

when I cannot love my husband

I choose to love the father of my children.

I heard of a movie releasing (in the US) next week. The movie is called

Irreplaceable

and it is a documentary that asks “What is family?” and “Does ‘family’ still matter in today’s society?” Questions that we need answers to, in this world where marriage is constantly being re-defined as well as devalued.

Many sociologists believe that the family is a microcosm of society, that if the family unit is healthy, respected, respectful, and if the vows of the wedding day are honored … society too will be healthy, respected, respectful, and promises will be honored.

I am not totally sure what the movie, Irreplaceable, will reveal, but I’m going to be so bold as to state my own opinion …

the institution of marriage (and, conversely, family) is in deep trouble for one reason, and one alone,

our promises to love, to honor, to respect each other, and to do it all ’til death do us part,

have failed.

As individuals, and as a society,

we do not value or keep promises

we do not honor the life others

we do not respect others as children of God

we do not love, as Christ loved.

Check out the trailer!