Look Inside: Hope & Healing in Marriage
True Stories of Renewed Love
Nine chapters, with discussion questions.
Eight years had flown by since Mariel’s marriage to Bob. She had lost all news of Greg, her first love and teenage sweetheart. What a love affair they’d had, until breaking up after going away to different colleges. Eventually she stopped holding out hope that Greg would return to her. Mariel met Bob and had trained her heart to love him. She told herself that she was lucky to have such a kind and affectionate husband. Then, a few days before her high school reunion, an old chum dropped a bomb on Mariel’s world: had she heard? Greg had recently graduated from medical school. This discovery rattled Mariel: I could have been the wife of a doctor!
Mariel could envision Greg wearing a crips white jacket, looking serious yet compassionate with a stethoscope around his neck. That white coat would flatter his Latino complexion. Besides, Greg was just plain gorgeous. Mariel gritted her teeth just thinking of how those young hospital nurses must chase after her former boyfriend.
Every woman wanted to snare a rich doctor; no one dreamed of marrying a geologist with muddy boots. Bob’s explorations for oil deposits kept him covered from head to toe in the rosy dust of the desert. Sometimes she found sandy grit speckled on the lobes of her husband’s ears.
Mariel felt like she had been tricked. As the day of the reunion approached, she could not stop thinking about Greg. Would he still find her attractive? Could they still create that special chemistry? Then she would stop herself mid-thought and ask, I am a happily married woman. What’s going on in my brain?
For most couples, it takes time to settle into their marriage. Youthful ideals of romance must give way to mature character traits such as patience, understanding, and forgiveness.
With God’s help, wayward love stories can be turned around!
Book Reviews
Hope & Healing in Marriage
True Stories of Renewed Love
by Pringle Franklin | 211 pages | $15.00
Buckle up for a roller coaster ride of impassioned struggles as couples race to the brink of divorce. Bob’s pretty wife secretly rekindles the spark with her high school boyfriend; Danielle’s husband lashes out verbally and physically; Roberta’s husband craves constant attention and finds it elsewhere; Rick’s wife makes it her mission to make his miserable; Paul’s wife is hiding a shameful secret; Rebecca’s husband moves in with her best friend. Nine inspirational tales.
Because most married people, if they are honest, have contemplated leaving their partner at some point. What enables some couples to survive turbulence and recover? A combination of faith in God and willingness to make personal changes. Now updated with Group Discussion Questions. Suitable for Bible studies, church classes, and book clubs.
