Marriage Views: A Collection of Eighteen Short Stories Providing Biblical Advice for Common Marital Problems

By Teena Richardson

Married? Thinking about it or just want to understand the complexity of marriage? In short-story format, Marriage Views delivers firsthand examples of eighteen different viewpoints of marriage. It shows how couples deal with conflict, and it provides relevant Biblical verses to help support each couple.

Inspired by real-life issues, these stories provide insight into a variety of different marital situations, such as sex, money, infidelity, disrespect, love, trust, and in-laws. In the story, And the Academy Award Goes To, Randy and Debra appear to be the perfect couple, but in private, their relationship is fraught with violence. Money problems plague newlywed couple Calvin and Rita in the story I Got Mine, You Got Yours. In Outside Children Inside Our Marriage, Candace and James deal with the effects of adultery.

Biblical viewpoints and questions that serve to initiate discussion follow each story in order to help marriages become the way God desireseverlasting. Marriage Views demonstrates that a better marriage is possible through God.

****** What people are saying about Marriage Views: ******

"Marriage Views is a valuable book that will act as a great resource for many. The compelling and relatable stories in the book help open one's eyes to some of the ridiculous and even hurtful situations that present themselves in marriage. The book also reminds readers that, while marriage is always a work in progress, it's definitely worth the hard work -- and having faith certainly helps along the way." Dawne Brooks, Former Development Editor at Prentice Hall Publishers

Cleverly written, Marriage Views makes the reader feel as though they have a window seat to observe couples dealing with conflict. The book touches on many of the issues marriages face today. Its an excellent source for both married and engaged couples. Each story causes a person to think about their own relationship and the biblical viewpoints and questions help to provide insight and encouragement to help them deal with the situation. Wesley T. Leonard, Minister, Pre/Post Marital Counselor

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 4, 2011
• ISBN: 9781450276535

Teena Richardson

Teena Richardson, born in Saginaw, Michigan, is a wife and mother of two. She holds degrees in Computer Science and Communications. She began speaking about marital issues after her first marriage ended in divorce due to extra-martial affairs on his part. After being flooded at marriage seminars with questions concerning various marital issues, she decided to write Marriage Views. Dedicated to helping marriages, and determined to jumpstart a dialogue, Teena encourages couples to discuss the real issues that marriages are facing today. The ultimate goal is to help marriages become the way God desires –everlasting.

Book preview

Dedication

I give God all the glory; through him, I developed all the things written in this book. I am also dedicating this book to my family for all their support.

Special blessings to the following:

My husband, who is my partner for life, my two beautiful daughters, my loving parents, my thoughtful sister, my elders, my minister, and all who have shared in my trials and my triumphs,

May God Bless You All!

Contents

Introduction

Marriage View 1 – And the Academy Award Goes To

Marriage View 2 – In Sickness and in Health

Marriage View 3 – I Got Mine, You Got Yours

Marriage View 4 – You, Me and Mama

Marriage View 5 – Outside Children Inside Our Marriage

Marriage View 6 – Love in an Hourglass

Marriage View 7 – Everybody’s Having Sex but Us

Marriage View 8 – I Don’t Need Another Son

Marriage View 9 – The Stranger in My House

Marriage View 10 – You Don’t R-E-S-P-E-C-T Me

Marriage View 11 – I’ll Be Your Stepmom, Not Your Stepstool

Marriage View 12 – The Grass Isn’t Greener

Marriage View 13 – First Strike and You’re Out!

Marriage View 14 – Where Do We Go from Here?

Marriage View 15 – Can I Trust You?

Marriage View 16 – Unequally Yoked

Marriage View 17 – Spouting Angry Words

Marriage View 18 – The Empty Crib

Epilogue

Introduction

For many years, I have been pondering over the subject of marriage because it is such a fascinating topic for discussion. I have noticed that many married couples tend to hide behind facades and not talk about the real problems in their marriages until it is too late.

After my marriage had ended in divorce due to extra-martial affairs on his part, I started to ask questions. Why is marriage so difficult? Why are there so many divorces? What’s happening in marriages that have caused many to break their vows to God? Then it hit me, and I started to think back on my previous marriage and the many other marriages that seemed to be falling apart right before my eyes. I realized that one of the key elements that married couples or any troubled relationship was missing was the lack of communication. Many divorced couples that I have interviewed have endorsed that statement. They have confirmed that one of the reasons their marriage failed was because they simply stopped communicating – that is, communicating about the real issues in their marriage. OK, so some readers may be wondering how a person creates a line of communication within their relationship. This question leads to the goal of this book, which is helping marriages by reaching every person or couple in order to encourage them to discuss the real marital issues that marriages are facing today.

When flooded with so many questions after my divorce, I decided to write Marriage Views. My divorce was such a public display that many of the people in my social network had known about the affairs before I did. It was the most painful time in my life, but because of my strong relationship with God, I leaned on Him every step of the way. God was my source of encouragement, and his words through the scriptures spoke to me and healed my broken spirit. I also found that when I shared my struggles with others, their response was that my story was such a comfort to them. I spoke to a group of women at a seminar about marriage issues and right after I spoke, many of the women stated that they were inspired by my words. Some wondered how I got through the ordeal and how I was able to forgive a man that had hurt me so deeply. I gave them real talk, then the biblical perspective, and I watched for their responses. The entire room seemed to ignite, and we were discussing issues that usually remained unspoken or hidden in marriages. It was at that moment that I decided to complete Marriage Views. I wanted to tell the stories of various marriages using biblical viewpoints, which would give every reader a selection of springboards for discussion.

During my entire ordeal, God was constantly working in my life and eight years ago, He allowed me to marry my husband for life. My husband and I often discuss the issues in this book, and we are always amazed at how we both get a better insight into one another each time we read and discuss the stories.

My prayer is that this collection of short stories can be utilized as a tool for couples to encourage them to read and discuss the various situations highlighted. I want readers to feel as if they are a fly on the wall, listening and observing another married couple deal with conflict. Some readers may encounter stories that concern themselves or stories of friends, but the purpose of Marriage Views is to jumpstart a dialogue. The questions section is for general discussions that dig deeper into each marriage viewpoint, and may be used for couples, classes, book clubs or for personal study. The ultimate goal is to help marriages become the way God desires – everlasting.

——Teena Richardson

"So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." – Matthew 19:6

Marriage View 1

And the Academy Award Goes To

This couple appears in public as though everything in their relationship is wonderful, but in reality, behind closed doors, nothing could be further from the truth.

Randy walked into the closet looking for his blue suit, but it wasn’t hanging in its usual place. Where is my blue suit? his voice echoed from inside the closet to his wife, Debra. Did you pick it up from the cleaners like I asked? yelled Randy.

Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot to pick it up yesterday; I’ll have to stop by tomorrow.

But I wanted to wear it today, frowned Randy.

Pick another one; you have about 20 different ones – geesh.

Upset that she didn’t seem to care that he wanted to wear that particular suit, Randy got directly in Debra’s face and said, You never do anything right! You’re just useless.

Debra pushed him away as he continued to rant and rave, berating her. He got in her face once again, and after losing control of her emotions, she slapped him. Randy pushed Debra up against the wall and grabbed her neck with all his strength. Debra gasped for air as she looked into his eyes and thought, He wants to kill me this time. As her feet dangled above the floor, she was terrified. Seeing fear in her eyes, Randy let go as Debra fell to the floor coughing, desperately trying to catch her breath. Ashamed of the incident, Randy left the room.

After composing herself, Debra walked down the hall to her eight-year-old daughter’s room to make sure she hadn’t been awakened by all the commotion. Tiffany seemed fine, as if she were sound asleep. As Debra stood in the doorway watching her daughter, Randy placed his hand on her shoulder.

Honey I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I think we just make each other upset sometimes.

Debra turned to look at the same eyes that moments ago were full of anger and rage, but now looked like the eyes of the man she married more than 10 years ago. They hugged and Randy whispered, It’s eight o’clock; let’s get ready for church. We don’t want to be late.

As they silently rode in the car, Debra held her Bible close. She thought about what happened that morning and what occurred between her and Randy on almost a regular basis. The physical fighting, the profanity, the breaking of things, and most importantly, the impact it could have on their daughter who never said anything about any of it.

After they had arrived at church, Debra and Randy smiled as they clasped hands and walked into the building.

Good morning, Roberts family, said the pastor.

Good morning, Pastor Morris, said Randy and Debra.

How’s my favorite family? asked the pastor.

Randy shook his hand. We’re great!

Oh, how I wished we had more families like you here, said Pastor Morris.

You’re too kind, said Debra.

The pastor bent down on one knee. "Good morning,