Yesterday I went to the front door early in the morning to open it up so I could let some fresh air come through the house. I love those fresh air opportunities. But I was horrified at what I saw. Just outside the door, there was blood splattered everywhere —quite a bit of it. It looked like something had died, or had been killed there. Some of the blood was in droplet form —even splattered, and some was smeared in as if something had rolled in it.
Upon closer examination, it was obvious that there was a struggle that had been involved. And yet there was no fur or feathers anywhere to further explain what could have happened. There was also a small blood trail, eventually dissipating down our driveway.
All that my husband Steve and I could think is that some coyotes (we live in the Southwest) had cornered an animal on our porch. We supposed it had killed it there—carrying the body off. I was mortified to think that something this horrible had happened right outside our front door.
Puzzled
But then I wondered, “Why hadn’t I heard anything?” I’m a light sleeper, so why didn’t I hear the commotion that obviously went on? And usually if coyotes kill something, there is a lot of howling going on afterwards. Why didn’t I hear the struggle on our front porch? And then, if that wasn’t enough, why didn’t I hear the howling? I kept wondering how that could have happened.
But then I saw something that explained it all. It filled in the pieces of this mystery. What I came to see is that sometimes, life and death can happen right at your doorstep and you don’t even realize it.
I had thought that the death of something had happened at our front door. But then as I looked around for further for evidence of fur or something, I saw, in the middle of the street, the body of a small animal. As I slowly and woefully (because I love animals) approached the small body, I noticed that it was still moving.
I yelled out to my husband to come help, because this animal was still alive. Upon closer examination, it was a baby Javelina. (This is a type of boar that runs loose around here.) I didn’t know what to do. The thought of an animal suffering like that was horrible. But then as I looked further, I realized that it wasn’t torn up at all. Obviously, an animal hadn’t attacked it. There was no blood anywhere around. And then I saw it. This baby Javelina was a newborn. The umbilical cord was still attached.
The Struggle Made Clear
What my husband and I finally realized is that the struggle at our front door wasn’t a death scene. It was one of new birth. A mother Javelina had given birth at our front door. How many babies she had birthed, we don’t know (there was a lot of blood). It was obvious that the little one lying in the middle of the street wasn’t able to walk any further after being born. It had dropped there, and was now abandoned.
My husband called the police. They came out and concluded the same thing we did about the birth scene at our front door. As we gathered around this baby Javelina, she (or he) started to move about more. It was lifting his or her head in response to us. One of the female officers found a blanket to scoop it up into. She then called ahead to an animal rescue center, reporting that she was bringing this little one to them. Death turned into life for us, right before our eyes.
New Life Opportunities
On a parallel plain, something was happening on our web site overnight that I didn’t realize either. It was new life that began and is now being infused into a marriage because a husband’s eyes were opened. Thankfully, he now “gets it.”
Let me explain. When I wake up every morning, one of the first things I do is to check the web site. I look to see if there are comments that need approval and then posting. Sunday morning, there was one that particularly spoke in a profound way to me/us (my husband Steve and me). It was under the article, “100 Ways to Show Love to Your Wife HER Way.”
The comment came from Josiah from the Philippines. He who wrote:
“I love my wife. We’ve been married for 6 years now. I thought I was already good enough for her. After reading this article, it made me think that I wasn’t really doing a great job in loving her. All this time I was doing things to feed my own gain and habits, which I thought pleased her and maybe the reason why we argue at times. I hate myself for that…
“This will be my mission to try and make a change, and show love to her without expecting anything in return. Thanks to everyone who made this noble effort to help people like me who were blinded but now enlightened.”
Thankful for Enlightenment
To that I say, THANK YOU JESUS!!! The enlightenment Josiah received from the Holy Spirit, our “Wonderful Counselor” is one of the main reasons we do what we do for the ministry of Marriage Missions. It is to participate with God in helping marriages reveal and reflect the heart of Christ. To those who don’t know Christ, the mission is to reveal the heart of Christ. To those who do know Jesus Christ in a personal way, it is to help them to reflect the heart of Christ within their marriages. That way, as others see their lives, they may want to know their Jesus better.
Other God at Work Opportunities
Now, please let me explain another parallel from the hopeless to hopeful situation. You know, we all go through times of discouragement. Last week had been one of them for me. Saturday night, I fell into bed asking God to help me deal with my emotions. I prayed for God to give me the strength I needed for the next day, and a blessing. Yes, I asked for a blessing. I asked God to renew my strength and hope.
As I’ve explained in other blogs, we took my brother into our home to help him after he became homeless at the end of last year. This is because of catastrophic health issues. (The article, This isn’t Fair, explains this a bit.) It has been a series of working with wounds, sores, blood pressure ups and downs. Also, it has been about severe health issues, oxygen tanks, doctors, hospitals, hospital tests, numerous medicines to sort through and give out, and so on.
Since January it has been one thing after the next that we’ve all had to deal with, concerning his health and survival. It has stretched us WAY outside of our comfort zone. But every day, we deal with whatever comes up. God has been faithful in helping us all along the way. But it has all come at a big price on so many levels, that I won’t even go into.
Suffice it to say that it has been tough. But we’re all making it, one step at a time. And truly, we are thankful. Yet, all of this has been happening at a time when Marriage Missions is growing at an exponential rate. We’ve had more people visiting the web site (an answer to prayer) than we ever dreamed possible before. And the number of emailed Marriage Messages continues to multiply each week, as well.
Busy Opportunities
With all of this, there is of course, more work that has to go on behind the scenes than ever before. And amidst of all of this, life is still happening. We have other family matters to deal with, and more. When you put on top of all of this, all that is going on with my brother and the growth of the ministry, we’ve been MORE than a bit busy. I’m not writing this to complain, but rather to explain how God blesses in ways we don’t expect.
This past week has been especially traumatic and busy —especially with the ministry. I worked more hours than I care to count. And some of the emails and comments on the web site have been really tough. There are so many people going through horrible things, and even complaints that we aren’t doing enough. Not only was I tired from trying to keep up with everything here, but overwhelmed by the responsibility, and gravity of it all.
When I fell into bed on Saturday night, I felt that I had spent all that I had. I was tired beyond words, and discouraged. I asked God for a blessing and He sure delivered.
Renewed Energy and Blessing
As I told my husband Steve, when I woke up and discovered what I thought was a death scene had turn into life, it was great. And then I was able to rescue a little one who would surely have died. I then saw the comment that one husband left on the web site —of new life and new actions of love being infused into a difficult marital situation. These opportunities all transformed my energy level. I wouldn’t have guessed it would happen as it did. But God knew what it would take to infuse new hope and energy into me. Thank you Jesus!
So, if you are feeling tired and are lacking hope in your marriage situation, please take heart. God cares. He is able to help you and minister to you in ways that you may never have thought of before.
If you’re tired and feel hopeless, do as Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
This blog is written by Cindy Wright of Marriage Missions International.
Filed under: Marriage Blog
(NIGERIA) Hi Cindy and Steve, After reading your post today, I was deeply moved to write and say THANK YOU! Thank you for the time and effort you both put in to pass across information to your readers like me. Thank you for sharing your time and energy with your readers.
My life and marriage has been positively impacted by this site. Some days I read the stuff you put on and I rebel to it but deep down something stirs in me. I am currently working on being more respectful to my husband and by God’s grace, I will be victorious.
Sorry about your sick relative, you will not be burdened beyond your abilities. God bless you richly.
Thank you AnnMarie, Your gracious words mean so much to us. We count it an honor to participate with God in this awesome way. What you said in your comment affirms God is at work. And thank you for your affirmation of what is going on with my brother. God is good, and we are appreciative, but we DO get tired sometimes. You have blessed us with your kind words and sentiments. I pray the Lord keeps working within you and within your marriage so your love grows and grows and reflects the heart of Christ continually. Blessings to you and your husband! Cindy
(NIGERIA) Dear Mummy Cindy and Daddy Steve, I just want to appreciate God in your lives for this vision and mission. I’m actually visiting this night because I needed some additional insights from your website to help a sister who is going through an abusive marriage (her second abusive marriage at that). Our last sunday school topic centred on all manners of abuse in marriage. And on Tuesday after our Bible study meeting the sister requested to see me (am a pastor’s wife) and in the process she unburdened her heart on the level of both verbal and physical abuse she faces at home.
I’ve got some insights with which to have a session with her but then I decided to check what your opinions on this matter. At first, I wasn’t sure if there’s any article on this but I assured myself that there will be; and sure enough there it is. Thank you for this!
In the past, I have had to read and make notes from this website for counselling sessions with the youths, singles, newly married etc. What a glorious thing to have a couple like you in this age. I pray that more people would visit and learn the way to happy homes and I want to say that if the LORD tarries, happy marriages would never end in your lineage in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
Thank you once again for making this work easier for me and others. I know the LORD is the only Healer and Succour. He will heal your brother and continually renew your strength like an eagle in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thank you Amara, for your affirming words. What a sweet comment you wrote… it means a lot to us. It delights us to no bounds when we hear from those that are able to use the information on this web site to help marriages –especially in counseling. I especially hope you find the information on abuse to be helpful for this sister. We keep on the lookout to add more and more to that particular topic because abuse needs to be put out front and center, to stop abuse to the best of our ability –especially to those within the church. It should never be. Thanks again Amara. May God bless your ministry and bless you in abundant ways!
(USA) I thank GOD for your ministry. I found your site when I was searching help to give to my son and daugher in law. Their marriage has taken a bad turn and although they are saved they are making some unwise decisions for them and for their 3 boys. It breaks my heart to see them go thru this destruction of good lives over, for the most part, simple things.
He has left home and is staying with his sister leaving her with 3 small confused boys. I am praying mightily for them to be restored and to be healed. While seeking for them I have gained greatly from your wisdom. I know that only GOD has shown me your ministry. Please pray for us all. Thank you and GOD bless your ministry abundantly.
Jackie, how I hope your son and daughter-in-law are able to turn their marriage back around. Being a mom and grandmother myself, my heart goes out to you and your family with this situation causing so much harm –especially to those precious little boys. When we marry, we are entrusted with a HUGE responsibility to minister to each other, instead of destroying each other. That is ESPECIALLY true when we are entrusted with children. Our battles hurt who they are and who they become.
I had posted onto our Facebook page the following quote yesterday (which relates to what is happening in your son’s marriage: “Your marriage relationship is a model for your children’s future relationships —dating and marriage. Your sons are taking subconscious notes. They’re asking: What does it mean to be a husband? How should I treat women? Your daughters also have their eye on you. Giving themselves to a man in marriage can be a fearful thing. Your marriage is worth every ounce of effort you can put into it.” -Ken Canfield
It’s so sad, but so true that we are too often clueless as to the things these precious children are witnessing. How I pray for those little boys –that God ministers to their hearts and their lives during this confusing time. How I pray for your son and daughter-in-law –that God makes them aware that all they are fighting about is delighting the enemy of our faith and is hurting not only them, but their children and others who care for them and are watching their lives to see how God’s love is lived out. I hope they have the “heart to” do what is needed to repair their relationship and learn, from the Holy Spirit our “Wonderful Counselor” to resolve their conflicts in healthy ways –because then they will seek out and apply the “how to’s” (many of which we have on this web site). And how I pray for you, as a mom and grandma –that God ministers to your family, because in doing so, your heart will be ministered to, as well. I pray the Lord gives you wisdom and discernment as to how to best help your family. I also pray God infuses hope into your heart that you and your family will eventually experience better days –ones that will bring a smile to your heart.
(UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) A big thank you for opening up so many secrets to creating a healthy marriage in this trying period. I have been divorced four years and am about to get remarried again. I always have felt I failed God in my first marriage but you have made me know I can enjoy the best of God’s plan with a change of heart. Thanks so much.
(USA) I love your heart for people, and the way God helps you in your weakness. What a wonderful story of rescue right at your front door to remind you of the any marriages you’re equipping to be restored for His glory! I’m praying for sustaining grace for you and Steve. Love you!
(UNITED STATES) I have tried to find life and opportunity in the face of the most devastating and hurtful aspects of repeated adultery… after 25 years of marriage I am just feeling dead inside. Is there a point when you should just “face the facts”? I have lost all interest in life. I don’t want to do anything with anyone and I just want to be alone. This is not like me, people have called me the eternal optimist. I try to pray but my heart is just not in anything.
What is wrong with me? My husband appears to be faithful now. He is reading his Bible and he has always been a good father. He puts no priority on our relationship, talked up for months how we were going to do something big for our 25 year anniversary, but then planned nothing. I feel like a stranger living in my house. I have pushed through some of the hardest times in my life and continued to be positive about it. I don’t understand why I feel this way now.
People think we have such a great marriage. I feel paralyzed emotionally. It’s just not in me to be postive anymore, so I just stay quiet. I wish I could find relief and feel hopeful again. I love the Lord, I know He is working all things to my good, but I can’t help it, I just feel hopeless.