This month, June 2014, marks the five-year anniversary of the end of the period between December 2007 and June 2009 that the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) officially dubbed the Great Recession. While we certainly have seen some economic recovery in both corporate profits and the stock market, the feeling on Main Street remains pessimistic. Family relationships are buckling under the strain. But, are economic or relational deficits more responsible?
It is true that stagnation in both unemployment and housing markets continue to heavily weigh on working and middle class America. In fact, a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showed that the majority of American adults (57%) believe that the U.S. economy is still in a recession despite what the NBER reports. These economic strains have significantly impacted family life.
Countless couples cite financial problems as a primary reason for their family struggles—especially marital strain. It is difficult to listen to the stories of sorrow that come from many of these couples.
These stories, however, have led me to believe that relational rather than economic deficits are the truer source of our sorrows.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts |
Show Agenda
- Spotlight Segment: Joe Beam, Marriage Helper
- Featured Presentation: Is Your Church Losing Your Family?
How can you raise your children to be among the 40% that have a sustainable Christian faith? Yes, only 40%. How does your marriage thrive among a cacophony of stressors that leave more than 50% of them broken? The answer to each of these questions for many of us is rooted in one common denominator—the church. But, for many of us the church has lost our family. I can relate.
The statistics are staggering.
Recent research suggests that 60% of Christian children raised in the church will stray from active faith engagement during early adulthood. Few things are more devastating to a devoted parent than watching their child struggle to translate the faith of their youth to the significant decisions of adulthood. Yet, this is what is happening to epidemic proportions.
For decades, we have seen marriages of churchgoers fail at the same rate as non-churchgoers. Only about half of them will survive.
Singles—whether parenting, dating, or just trying to find like-minded community—feel isolated in their faith journey—even while many of them sit among thousands in the church pews.
Does it sometimes feel like there is a disconnect between your faith and your personal and family health?
On yesterday I celebrated my birthday. It was my 49th. And, it was absolutely the best birthday that I ever remember having.
I mean EVER! Why?
Because I received this message from a young man who has fought for his marriage and now his family. I’m so proud of him that it nearly brought me to tears. Honestly, I’ve been speechless ever since.
I asked his permission to share this because his story speaks loudly to all of us who work with marriages and families. It’s hard! Sometimes, it’s thankless. But, your work transforms generations. Keep doing it with excellence. You will never know your impact. But, they will.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts |
Show Agenda
- Happy Father’s Day
- Featured Presentation: Are you a father or a dad?
If you’re looking for an opportunity to join with other ministry leaders at a private, intimate 3 day, 2 night retreat that promises to elevate your ministry and your marriage to the next level, visit HaroldArnold.com/ignite to learn more
