Married in a Pandemic
I knew that once quarantine season began, it would either cause marriages to either thrive or die. Still, I’d hoped that with the limited social interaction, and being home more, it would be the therapy many marriages needed to survive. I believed quarantine would give husbands and wives time to talk more, to be more vulnerable, to deepen intimacy, make new memories, dream and plan together, and more! And while many marriages did survive, the quarantine only exacerbated issues for others, causing them to end in divorce.
Living in a pandemic is tough. And trying to maintain a sense of normalcy despite what’s happening is tougher. For many, this season has also had a way of indicating your priorities and what matters most. For example, if you spend more time becoming a better entrepreneur or making more money than becoming a better spouse or parent, that may indicate what your priorities are. And not that you can’t be a loving spouse, a present parent and a successful entrepreneur, but now more than ever, make sure you keep the main thing, the main thing. After all, family is your first ministry.
If I intend to stay married, it requires my time, attention and participation. Therefore, I must regularly and intentionally assess my marriage to maintain its health and success. Among many things, we’ve had to:
Give each other more grace. This season has been tough on everyone and stretched us in unimaginable ways. The pandemic has challenged us all physically, mentally and emotionally. In trying to remain safe, we don’t have the privilege of relying on our usual outlets, so we’ve had to find or create new ways to cope. And that’s a journey itself with such limiting options.
Speak up. We’ve had to be brutally honest with each other about needing space, not feeling seen, being anxious, etc. Now isn’t the time to hide your feelings. Instead, look at this as an opportunity for your spouse to gain a deeper understanding of who you are. The only way your needs can be met is if you talk about what you need.
Seek help. This season requires togetherness and partnership to survive. If you need help, ask for it. Our parents have played a huge role in helping us endure this season. Look to your family and friends for help. And if no one is available, hire help.
This season makes me even more grateful to have The Retreat: For Married and Engaged Women. It’s designed to give wives strategies on winning in marriage, while building family legacy and maintaining their peace, purpose, and self-care.
WHO IS THE RETREAT FOR?
Wives who are ready to show up as the best version of themselves in their marriage
Soon to be wives who want to learn the strategies they need to manage their new role as wife and partner
Determined wives ready to ditch marriage by default and create a marriage by God’s design
Tired wives looking for community, encouragement and support to push through the ups and downs of marriage
Wives who don’t have it all figured out and are willing to seek the strategies to change that
THE RETREAT IS NOT FOR:
Wives and soon to be wives who aren’t willing to devote quality time to create their dream marriage
Wives who are using life choices as an excuse for not having the marriage they desire
Wives and soon to be wives who aren’t willing to learn new ways of doing things
Wives who believe that “happy wife, happy life” is the best model to build a marriage upon
Although I intend to build and create all the things God has designed for me to do, I don’t want to neglect one of the first things He called me to be: a Wife. I hope you feel the same.
So, join me for a lavish weekend in a luxurious vacation home in Orlando, Florida, July 8-11, 2021 for amazing speakers, sessions, giveaways, an opportunity to connect with likeminded women, and more! To reserve your spot or for more information, visit www.churchgirlsmovement.com/theretreat.