This man. There are no words to describe how much I love him.
In January of 2015, I went to South Africa with Lisa-Jo to investigate the work there. I thought I was going so that I could see the playground, the water point, and the community garden that our blogs had fundraised for.
I had no idea that I was going to fall madly in love with this country and come back home with a longterm dream and vision of how our business and family could come alongside and support the work of Take Action Ministry.
But that’s what happened. And it was pretty overwhelming and exciting all at once.
When I got back home, I proposed to Jesse that we would fund the operational expenses of the ministry out of our personal budget.
Even though he hadn’t traveled to South Africa with me (yet!), even though he hadn’t met the wonderful folks from Take Action Ministry (yet!), and even though he hadn’t experienced any of the amazing experiences I had or seen anything firsthand, he didn’t bat an eye.
He did the math, rearranged our budget, and said, “I’m all in!”
He has supported me in this crazy dream that God has given me ever since then. However, this is no longer just my dream and my thing. South Africa has become our family’s calling.
Getting to go with my family last October and having Jesse and the kids fall in love, too, was one of the greatest experiences of my life. My friends in South Africa became their friends. My love for South Africa became their love. My strong and burning passion to make a difference in this country became their passion, too.
13 1/2 years ago, I walked down the aisle to the song, Household of Faith. We chose that song because that was our heart’s desire. We wanted our marriage to be a testament to the world of what God can do through two individuals who are fully and wholly sold out to Him, seeking to love others well and give our lives away.
Here we are at the start committing to each other
By His word and from our hearts
We will be a family in a house that will be a home
And with faith we’ll build it strongWe’ll build a household of faith
That together we can make
And when the strong winds blow it won’t fall down
As one in Him we’ll grow and the whole world will know
We are a household of faithNow to be a family we’ve got to love each other
At any cost unselfishly
And our home must be a place that fully abounds with grace
A reflection of His faceWe’ll build a household of faith
That together we can make
And when the strong winds blow it won’t fall down
As one in Him we’ll grow and the whole world will know
We are a household of faith
We had big dreams and ideals of how that was going to look and how we thought God was going to use us. I can tell you, assuredly, that our lives today look nothing like we pictured.
Without any shadow of doubt, marriage and life has been much harder but sweeter and more stretching but richer than we could have ever dreamed.
We’ve experienced high highs and low lows together. We’ve been humbled. We’ve stumbled along. We’ve made many mistakes. We’ve struggled together. We’ve grown. We’ve matured. And, by God’s grace alone, we’ve fought through — even during the many dark and rough patches.
This life right in front of us, this is our happily ever after. Truthfully, it doesn’t look a thing like our wedding day dreams and hopes. Some days, it doesn’t feel happy. Some days, we fight and get irritated at each other. Some days — like this morning — we have to ask forgiveness of each other before the sun is even up!
But we’re in this together. This is the life God has called us to. It’s much bigger and scarier than our wildest dreams. And, looking back, I see how God was preparing us for life that was much different than the life we set out to lead.
And it’s been a beautiful journey — even on the rocky, rough days.
On our recent trip to South Africa, my heart felt like it might burst as I watched Jesse hold and play with the children, interact with the local leaders, encourage those who are ministering here, savor the sights and tastes and smells of this country, strategize with others about how to make more of an impact, celebrate what God has been doing here, and weep over how overwhelmed he is by the opportunity we have to make a difference.
I feel so beyond blessed that I get to do life with this man. He is my best friend, my teammate, my lover, my cheerleader, my counsellor, and my ever faithful husband.
Thank you, Jesse, for loving me even on the (many) days when I don’t deserve that love. Thank you for serving our family so sacrificially. Thank you for walking this crazy, beautiful road with me. Thank you for continuing to fight through — even on the difficult days. I love you!
An Important Note: For those of you reading this who are struggling in your marriage, or who are in the middle of a messy divorce, or whose spouse has left you, or who would love to be married, or who long to have a good marriage but feel like that’s never, ever going to be the reality, please know that my heart hurts for you.
Know that I hesitated even sharing this post because the last thing I want to do is heap more hurt or shame or guilt or disappointment on you.
This post is not about how we’ve done things right. Trust me, we’ve had some really ugly, messy days and it’s a miracle we are still together and that we love each other like we do. But I wanted to share this personal post because I thought it might encourage some of you out there.
If you are struggling in your marriage, feeling incredibly lonely because you aren’t married and would love to be, feeling wounded and hurt broken because of past relationships, or whatever other heavy burdens you’re carrying as it relates to marriage, would you leave a comment on this post or shoot me an email? I’d be honored to pray for healing, for hope, for restoration for you.
Audrey says
It’s such a blessing to be giving back and helping further the kingdom of God. I pray that the Lord would strengthen the two of you and have his hand upon your lives! I would ask for prayer for my husband and I as we seek direction for our lives and are willing to go and do whatever or wherever He leads us! Also please pray for our marriage that we would stay strong and press forward even in the hard times! God bless you and your family.
Amy says
I actually got a little teary when I read this! You are, indeed, very lucky. (As I’m sure Jesse is, too.)
JKR says
Crystal, please pray for me. I’ve always wanted a life partner, soul mate, best friend husband, it has never happened for me. I’m turning 38 this month and struggling with being alone and dealing with the likelihood that I’ll never have a child. I watch my sister and friends with their families and feel envy and feel like a third wheel. I try to rationalize that maybe I couldn’t handle a family or marriage or that I’m a new, independent woman who chooses to be single. But I really haven’t chosen it and sometimes the pain of loneliness is so crushing I feel like I can barely breathe. Prayers would be so welcome.
Crystal Paine says
I am so very sorry. My heart hurts for you. And I just stopped and prayed for you. You are loved.
Taya says
Thank you so much for writing this post. It’s beautiful and something I would love to experience one day. I would love some prayer for our marriage. We’re in the thick of life (young kids, unbelieving husband) and have been struggling for quite a few years now.
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you, Taya!
Amy Looney says
I need prayers right now for my relationship. We’re not married…we only just started, and we had a fight, naturally over something stupid…I was hormonal and prideful and we both said things I’m sure we regret. We’re both Christians, and I’m praying so hard that the Lord will lead us back together if it’s God’s will for us to be together. I love this man, Steven, so much, like I’ve never loved anyone. He feels like my soulmate, the man God gave me. I’m struggling to understand why the Lord would separate us so soon after we found one another. And I know we’re both perfectly imperfect people who desperately need Jesus to fix us as individuals before the Lord can fix us as a couple. Please pray for direction for and strength for the waiting me, and for Steven’s heart to soften. I just can’t imagine my life without him.
Crystal Paine says
I’m so sorry, Amy! I just prayed for you.
Kimberly Crowder says
Please pray for my family that we make the right choices, that God will show us the right path for our future. We have been dealing with job loses after 20 years at the same job. It can be overwhelming at times, but we have our almighty God and we are trying to keep the faith that things can turn around for us and we can be used for him in the good and bad times.
Abby H. says
Kimberly, be encouraged! Trust in the Lord with all your heart. The enemy is a liar, his goal is to destroy. Everything works out for the good…I went through the same thing when I was pregnant. My daugther’s middle name is Faith, we lived by faith for 9 months. During this time, seek him, be encouraged and know he is in control. I will keep you in my prayers..we serve a mighty God, bigger than our circumstances 🙂
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you right now. I’m so sorry you’re going through that. I can’t imagine how hard that must be!
Susan says
Please pray for me. I am totally lost. I don’t know what to do. I have been married for 7 years. We have two beautiful twin daughters who are 5 and I’m struggling to be married to this person. He is a good and kind man but I don’t feel like I can depend on him. I’m not sure how I even feel about him anymore. I want this to work. I”m just not sure how to get back on track.
Crystal Paine says
Susan: I just stopped and prayed for you. Thank you for sharing so honestly.
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family says
It’s beautiful to read about a wife who lifts her husband up. So many of us give in to that temptation to drag our spouse through the mud, and I try hard not to be “that guy”. I understand your concerns for upsetting certain readers, but those of us who are married are hungry for uplifting words about marriage! I thank you so much for sharing them. <3
Jamie Rohrbaugh says
Crystal, this is so awesome. I’m so excited for you about how God is using you in South Africa. I identify with how a heart can be gripped for a people group, and a place. I pray that Abba Father would multiply your effectiveness and influence there many times over. That He would do for you what He promised in Isaiah 54:3: “For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited.”
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so very much, Jamie!
Ashley P says
Household of Faith was our wedding song, too! God bless you for all you do.
Maryalene says
P.S. For all those is a rough place in their marriage, I can’t recommend enough the intercession of St. Rita and the Retrovaille program. My husband and I came very close to splitting at one time, but I credit a novena to St. Rita and a weekend at Retrovaille as our saving graces.
Maryalene says
What a beautiful post and as someone who’s husband has died, I appreciated your note at the end although I hope you’ll never hesitate to share the good things in your life. Just because some of us have experienced sorrow in our marriage doesn’t mean we can’t also celebrate your joy.
That said, I also understand how reading something like this can be difficult for those who are losing or just lost their husband. I know I stopped reading anything marriage related for more than 2 years because it was simply too painful. But now I’m in a better place, and I really enjoyed reading this post. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
My heart hurts for your loss… thank you so much for sharing! Your comment blessed me!
Jo says
My husband walked out on me and my children a little over a year ago, he refused counselling and is now living with his girlfriend in a different country. I live in a country where it will take us a minimum of 4 years to divorce and every month he is emotionally abusive when I ask him for money to help raise our children. I made choices in my life that I am not proud of in order to keep him happy and I feel like I lived a lie every day. I never want to compromise myself again and as such I never want to enter into another relationship. I just want to have peace in my and my children’s lives and to be able to make choices again without second guessing myself.
Crystal Paine says
I am so very, very, very sorry, Jo. Thank you for sharing so honestly. My heart hurts for you. I just stopped and prayed for you.
Jo says
Thanks Crystal. I appreciated it.
SD says
I appreciate both that you are sharing your joys and dreams AND that you are sensitive to those who are broken. I too had “Household of Faith” as a wedding song (reading the words brought tears), and after 25 years am losing my marriage to infidelity. It is the darkest time of my life. Yes, perseverance is a critical trait to lifelong marriage, and it takes perseverance on the part of both.
Crystal Paine says
I am so very, very sorry, SD. I just stopped and prayed for you.
Please know that my heart hurts for you. And YES, a good marriage is only possible when *both* parties work toward the health of the marriage. It takes two… and sadly, that’s often not the case.
SD says
Thanks, Crystal, for taking the time to reply. It is always a blessing to be “seen” in the midst of suffering, and to have someone praying.
Jen says
Love this Crystal! Thanks so much for sharing this post! When I was a single woman I use to love romantic comedies. Just watched one the other night and found it so uninspiring! True, beautiful, breathtaking love, which I thought was at the beginning of marriage, has come after 20 years of sharing so many highs, lows, disappointments, and joys with my husband. I see the same thing in your post. You two have gone through some hard things together and God has brought you to a great place! So great to see how He has given your family such a heart for South Africa and used you to bless so many!
Jamie says
It’s so easy sometimes to get caught up in the day-to-day things that always seem more important than they really are in the bigger picture. Thank you for helping me remember to stop and give humble thanks for the wonderful husband I’m traveling this journey with. We’ve been married for twelve years, and were high school and college sweethearts for many years before that. It is not easy and we neither one are perfect, but things worth having and achieving do not come without effort and sacrifice.
Lauren says
Thanks for offering to pray. Please do. In a really dark part of marriage right now. Home is tense, counseling is tense, and interactions don’t feel safe with my husband’s anger (& he doesn’t think he’s angry). Praying the Lord works a miracle as only He can. Happy to see you and Jesse thriving. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
I’m so sorry! Praying for you right now, Lauren!
Karen says
Would appreciate your prayers for my marriage. It is really difficult right now. Also for my husband to get a permanent, FT job. He has been unemployed for over 1-1/2 years. Thanks so much. Also, please know that I really am happy for you guys and that you have a great marriage. It doesn’t hurt me to read about it. I truly am happy for you and have hope that perhaps one day we can have the same kind of marriage (if we are still together). Blessings to you. Karen
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you, Karen.
S says
I love this post and your blog and am a frequent follower. As a single woman, I am truly touched that you thought to include your ending note. I am thrilled to hear of the amazing work being done in South Africa!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement!
Em says
Any prayers and advice on how to (better) present myself/make myself available to the situations where I might encounter a potential husband would be VERY much appreciated. The last of my single friends who are my own age got married recently and the utter and complete humiliation of being the ONLY single female in attendance between ages 20 and 45 was shocking. It’s genuinely frustrating to try to keep myself composed each time someone comments on how it’s so surprising that someone like me is still single. I’ve been single for years. I’m just not that desirable, I get it, but I’d rather not explain that to any random person who cares to chime in on the topic without offering any useful feedback. Living in a very small town complicates things further. Any advice (besides keep doing what I’m doing and be patient) or prayers are appreciated! Congratulations to you and Jesse for finding each other.
Jess says
Em, you are INDEED desirable, because you are a daughter of the Heavenly King, precious in His sight! (I know, I know, you were being sarcastic, but still – don’t ever joke about your worth!) 😉
I met my husband on a Christian dating site (we are Christian Catholics, and we were both looking for our spouse on CatholicMatch!) Obviously, I highly recommend giving online dating a try (again, on a Christian site – because you want a man who shares your values and beliefs!)
God bless you!
Guest says
Em, I have so many friends who found the loves of their lives much later than the “national average” gets married. One got married at 41 and they are blissfully happy. She is gorgeous by the way and has an amazing career and an even more amazing heart. It wasn’t that she wasn’t desirable. God hadn’t brought her and her now-husband together yet! Another friend just got married at 39 and is also SO, SO happy. A friend from college (sweetest, fun, lovely girl) never even dated. Did missions work in the States for many years then went overseas to do mission work and ta-da, met her now-husband. I’ve prayed for you. Please don’t (as Jess said above) joke about your worth. Pray that you’ll use this time as a single to become more and more of who He wants to be. Enjoy time with your now married friends and also try to befriend other Christian single or divorced women so you can support one another. And never, ever, ever give up the HOPE you have been promised in Christ!
Crystal Paine says
Sometimes I wish I could start a match-making service because I know so many amazing singles of all ages who would love to be married!
I love the advice of the women above. Also (no need to answer to these questions, just some random thoughts — I’m sure you’ve already thought a LOT about these things, but since you opened it up for thoughts, I’ll share), do you feel like you’re supposed to stay in your small town? If you feel like that’s holding you back, are you open to moving or traveling? What about attending conferences or other gatherings where people who might be your “type” would be?
Also, for you and anyone else, this post on Ann Voskamp’s FB page might be interesting (and who knows? maybe you’ll find the love of your life there??): https://www.facebook.com/AnnVoskamp/posts/1318888378123333
Praying for you right now… for encouragement, for hope, and for an amazing spouse for you.
Jana Barclay says
You go girl! It’s never wrong for someone to love the life they have. Even though my 23-year marriage recently came to an excruciating end (looooong story for another day), how could I not be happy for you and yours?
So you just be happy, my friend. Live happy, love happy, and never be afraid to shout from the rooftop that you’re in love with your God-honoring husband.
Crystal Paine says
I’m SO sorry about your marriage. But thank you for your kind words of encouragement!
Anonymous Wife says
It’s been almost a year since I discovered my husband’s infidelity. Things have improved since then, but recovering trust is really, really hard. I never thought this would be my life. Just a few days after my discovery, the affair partner contacted me and my reaction was something I am not proud of, and I ended up in the hospital overnight. I now have an item on my medical record that I cannot take away, and it stares me in the face at every appointment I go to.
I am in a much better place with myself today. I have an autoimmune disease and other health issues that add to the challenge, but I have made myself my top priority the past 12 months. He wasn’t making me a priority, so I made me a priority.
Crystal Paine says
As we’ve emailed, my heart hurts so much for you and what you’ve been through. I think of you often and just stopped and prayed for you again.
I’m so grateful that you are making you a priority.
Anonymous Wife says
Thank you, Crystal.
Uma @ Centsible Indian says
Such a beautiful post dedicated to your spouse. We are about to celebrate our 8 years of marriage and I’m in love with my husband more than ever. Marriage is hard work and if with right person, life becomes much more beautiful.
Sarah says
This is a beautiful post.
I would always appreciate prayer on this subject. I have many (more than a dozen) chronic illnesses and unfortunately spend most of my time lying in bed in pain feeling lousy. My two dreams have always been to become an elementary school teacher and to have a family/be a mommy. I graduated from college just as I was becoming bedridden with the worst of all of this, so I have my degree but am unable to use it. If my health stays the same, I won’t ever be able to use it in the way that I have always dreamed. (I am still praying for some kind of a miracle, but trying to remember that it isn’t God’s plan all the time…) The second part sometimes feels even more impossible. If I never leave my bed, how will I ever meet anyone and have the chance to fall in love? I can’t fully care for/support myself and most people are not jumping at the chance to take that on. I’ve always hoped for 6 children (at least). I don’t think my body could handle the stress of having a baby and plus I am on over twenty five different prescriptions and I wouldn’t be able to safely go off a lot of them while pregnant. Adoption is a wonderful thing, but with my financial and physical limitations, I don’t think I am eligible or a good candidate when there are so many out there who want to adopt. And if I can’t care for myself, how could I care for a child?
This all just breaks my heart because these were the only two dreams I have ever had. I felt confident that when they were (seemingly) taken away from me, that God would give me new, different dreams… but that hasn’t happened yet. So in the meantime I see the days pass. I see my age increase. I see my health stay the same or decline. I see my friends and family get married, have children, find dream jobs, and go on all sorts of adventures (like trips to Africa or a cruise or going ziplining) and I feel stuck and forgotten. I know that God has not forgotten about me… but it is hard to not feel this way.
Rose says
Praying for you Sarah!!
Kristi Pool says
Praying for you, Sarah!!
Trini says
Sarah, my heart ached for you as I read your post. I am absolutely praying for you.
I am thanking God that you have faith. I know it must be very difficult for you to hold on to your love for the Lord with all the crosses He has given you. I don’t know why He has asked you to endure this suffering – all I know is that He loves you. How I wish we could all understand the ‘why’ behind our pain and grief.
Please hang on. Please stay the course. I have seen someone in a situation very similar to yours, and she appears to have given up hope. Despite her family and friends encouraging her, she became bitter and negative and seems to have turned from much of her Christianity. I will tell you that her life is the poorer for it. Of course, I cannot imagine what she suffers, or what you suffer – but I know that turning from God is never the answer.
I am not attempting to give you “false” hope, but please do what you can to get out when you are able, to get to your church (our parish has something called Ride Share to help people come to Mass if they require a ride). Accept all and any help that comes your way. If your church has a meal service where parishioners bring one another prepared food in times of crisis, don’t be ashamed to sign yourself up when you need a helping hand. And if you can bring yourself to do it, check out a good Christian dating site. Be truthful about your situation; even if you don’t meet anyone, then you haven’t lost anything!
I wish I could give you a hug and pray with you in person. I am certain that many, many people will be praying for you today. God bless you, sister in Christ.
Faith says
Hi Sara- Thank you for sharing your situation in your comment. You and I have experienced similar situations but at slightly different points in life. A little over 7 years ago I was diagnosed with Lupus but wouldn’t let it slow me down as I focused on my career. I kept pushing and working and then 6 years ago had a devastating stroke followed by several additional complications and two significant additional health issues- sjogrens and POTS.
I share my story only to tell you that I understand how the days flow into years and it seems as though you are watching life unfold around you. I often feel as though I am watching everyone else live life like a tv show. Some days are more challenging than others but what I have learned through all of this is that G-D has a reason for all of this. I know now that I have learned tremendous lessons that I would NEVER have learned had I been able to continue working and putting a career first in life. I would never have tempered my type A personality with balance and patience. I would not have the relationship with G-D that I am so grateful to have today and I also would never have been able to step back from leading our family and allow (push) my husband to take more of a leadership role. This was not in his nature. I often think that we need to learn something in every situation we are given and once the lesson is learned then and only then does the situation change. I KNOW you will heal and find love. I KNOW that G-D has placed these health challenges upon you not as burdens but as blessings. When you are in the daily struggle it is almost impossible to see the blessing but you will. Perhaps when healing occurs (which you HAVE to believe) you will take a new direction in teaching home bound individuals or a career path that you would never have explored without these experiences. Please try to think only of positives and when you catch yourself thinking of something in a negative way stop yourself and look only for the good in the situation or the person. Taking this step will change you and change your situation. Bless you and keep smiling. Feel free to email me if you every want to talk zimmys4 at yahoo
Crystal Paine says
Sarah: My heart hurts so much for you. I will pray for you right now. You are not forgotten. You are loved.
Debbie says
Thank you for a beautiful story. I am someone who has been divorced for 13 years. I have used the time to raise my 2 beautiful daughters to be strong independent young women who both have chose to have careers in the health fields. I did not want to end my marriage, it was my spouse who walked away. I was hurt so bad that I have never dated or wanted another relationship. As a single women aged 56, I choose to give my time to helping others, and enjoying my creativity. Two years ago my daughter married a outstanding young man. I always feared my daughters would not believe in marriage because of what they experienced when their father left. As I now watch how happy and well adjusted my children are, I feel proud of myself that I fought so hard to make sure they knew they were loved and safe and I would be there for them, no matter what. I worked hard to make sure my daughters had a relationship with their father, although they resisted many times, they wanted to hate him, I pushed through to help them heal.
Crystal, share you love, write about it, shout it from the roof tops. Someone like me knows the hard work you put in, you have never taken the easy way out. I read your blog often and I know the wonderful relationship you have with God, and it warms my heart when I see the love you have for your husband and children. Pray for women like me, that we can find a peace in life and make good of a difficult past!
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you SO much for your kind encouragement! Your comment really blessed me!
Abby H. says
Your testimony is very inspiring, transparent and motivating!!! Praying the Lord will continue to bless you abundantly not only financially but with your family and health. Thank you for your words!
Harmony@CreatingMyKaleidoscope says
This is beautiful and so very inspiring. Thank you for sharing <3
Melissa says
What a beautiful post, and what a lovely note at the end.
Charity says
You brought a smile to my face. Household of Faith was the song at our wedding 20 years ago. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
I love it!
Diane says
Even though I’m divorced, I greatly appreciate that you shared this beautiful post. It gives me hope that there truly are Godly men out there, and it helps me to be able to trust again.
You and your husband are both richly blessed!
Crystal Paine says
I’m so glad that it gave you hope! {Hugs!}
Laura says
My husband and I just celebrated our 10th year of marriage, and I have been getting weepy all week with thankfulness. This was not the brightest year in our marriage. In fact, it was probably the darkest. Nothing major happened, but we each spent way too much time being selfish and pushing our own ways. Combine this with the busyness of one full time job, one part-time job, and caring for three children under age 6, and you have a recipe for disaster. There was more stress, more arguments, and less smiles and laughter. We were both feeling unloved and unwanted, but we were pushing against each other instead of drawing each other closer.
Thankfully, God gave us the wake-up call that we needed a couple of months ago. That wasn’t easy, and we spent many hours talking and crying together. We had some much-needed, heart-wrenching conversations, and we confirmed our commitment to God and each other.
I used to be one of those people who thought the dark days would never come to my marriage, and I was wrong. It doesn’t always take something huge like infidelity or pornography to tear you and your spouse apart. Instead, you can be torn apart day by day if you don’t make an active effort to counteract the effects of selfishness.
God has been so good to both of us, and I am more thankful than ever for a husband who loves me when I am unlovable. He was willing to fight for me and fight for our marriage, even when it was WORK, and he is more precious to me now than ever.
Alicia says
This was so beautiful, Laura. Thank you for sharing a piece of your story.
It was especially meaningful to me because my husband and I are celebrating 9 years of marriage next month. 3 kids and lots of stresses later, our marriage, I hate to say it, has been anything but easy. We have ALWAYS struggled against our own selfishness. Like you said, it’s in the day to day that can deeply tear a marriage apart, and might be something you’re not expecting.
While our marriage has always been a struggle, we are now stronger than ever because of it. And I can honestly say I love him a million times more today than I did the day I married him.
These types of posts used to greatly discourage me….almost feel like bragging about how great some people’s marriages can be. And deep down, I just wanted that SO bad. We all need to be prepared for the dark days of marriage that WILL come. Marriage takes great amounts of daily work. But perseverance has amazing rewards. And God is so good.
Thank you so much, both Laura and Crystal, for your encouragement to those of us out here who are or were struggling in marriage.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Laura! It was beautiful to read!