This week is National Marriage Week, and that naturally takes us again, as it does every year, to Valentine’s Day. It’s a wonderfully romantic time of sharing with those we love and cherish most deeply and intimately – our marriage partners. (Go to http://www.nationalmarriageweekusa.org/for more information about “National Marriage Week”.)
Why Marry?
So what makes marriage so special? Where does it fit into God’s plan for us and for our culture? What does the Bible say about the “Purposes” of marriage? There are at least eight of them, and they all begin with “P”! And if it is so important, what are the secrets to a happy marriage?
The Causes and Costs of Broken Marriages
Also, what do we do when romance fades, reality hits, and our marriages show signs of fraying around the edges and even threaten to break down? Does it matter that 50% of our marriages end in divorce? How does that affect each partner, our children, the larger culture, and yes, even the economy? For example, did you know that family fragmentation costs the Virginia taxpayer over $775 million each year?
In addition, what are the primary causes of broken marriage? What role does pornography play? And does it matter if two people live together in an intimate relationship outside of the marriage covenant? Or if those two people are of the same gender and demand that we recognize their relationship as a “marriage”? And if we do, then can three or more people demand the same recognition for their “marriage”?
And whose business is it anyway, as long as I am happy, I get what I want when I want it – and I don’t hurt anyone else in the process?
Our Guests
Our guests this weekend will be talking about the importance of marriage in an encore performance of an earlier interview about “I Do!” Secrets to a Sacred Covenant – for Life.
Karen Montgomery works with Journey Counseling Ministries in Bridgewater to support and strengthen marriages and families, and holds degrees in social work from UVA and Syracuse University. She and her husband Greg been married for over 41 years and have four children.
Harvey Yoder is a pastor and counselor with the Family Life Resource Center in Harrisonburg. He is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary. He is also the author of Lasting Marriage: The Owner’s Manual. Harvey and his wife Alma Jean have been married for over 52 years and have three adult children.
Valley Faith in ActionVFIA airs five times on WAZT-TV, the Faith Network, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, again at 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sunday, and finally at Wednesday midnight. That is on Comcast Cable Channel 13 in Harrisonburg and Rockingham but varies in other areas, including on WIAV-TV at 8:00 p.m. every Friday in Washington DC. You can also watch it online HERE anytime.
Crossroads: In addition, you can hear more about the “Eight Purposes of Marriage” from our Crossroads radio team this weekend on the following Valley stations: WBTX at 4:00 p.m. Saturday and repeated Sunday at 7:30 a.m., followed by WSVA (550) and WSVA/FM (92.1) at 8:30; WHBG/ESPN (1360) and ESPN/FM (101.3) at 9:00; and on WNLR (1150) at 11:30.
We value your prayers, your encouragement, and your support, so if you would like to help with a tax-deductible gift, please send it to the Valley Family Forum at 3465 Izaak Walton Dr., Harrisonburg, 22801.
With Best Wishes for a Wonderful Valentine’s Day Celebration!
Dean