The promises of wedding vows made with the best of intentions get tested when life — past and present — shows up. We are dynamic individuals growing and changing as we navigate life. Sometimes, a relationship cannot sustain under the pressures of change, struggle, illness, betrayal, and differing desires to make a marriage work.

Much is invested in preparation for the wedding while the statistics of divorce are a stark contrast to wedding day bliss. Many marriages do not survive today. Some statistics have that number between 40-50% for first marriages and the odds of divorce increase for second and third marriages.

When a marriage is in crisis, love is stretched. Faith is tested. Dreams feel like they become more distant.

A Note From The Editor: October is the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Violence can come in many forms. Breaking the cycle of violence involves awareness, education, advocacy and resources. Domestic violence does not discriminate. We think it’s extremely important to take some time this month to learn more about this pervasive issue and think about how you can be a part of changing the statistics of domestic violence in your circle of influence.

Connection is to our soul what oxygen is to our lungs.

The impact of feeling seen and understood by someone we love is immensely powerful.

Yet, sometimes the deep desire to stay connected in a meaningful relationship clouds the signs that the relationship has turned toxic and abusive.

“All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming.” – Helen Keller

A Note From The Author : It is hard to do justice to the devastating impact suicide has on our communities in a handful of paragraphs. The hope is that this post will serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and connection around a topic plagued with stigma and misunderstanding. Behind the statistics are countless stories of heartbreak, confusion and deep soul pain. Thank you for reading and daring to join this important conversation so, together, we can change the statistics and save lives.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th is dedicated as World Suicide Prevention Day.

Suicide leaves a path of unanswered questions, regret, stigma and blame — especially when suicide claims the life of a loved one. Talking about the hard issues which leave us brokenhearted, confused, and afraid creates space for healing, hope and understanding. Awareness empowers hurting souls to discover they can write a different ending to their story of struggle.

Since eating disorders are the deadliest of mental illnesses and also the most misunderstood, we asked Rebecca Bass-Ching—Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an expert on disordered eating, trauma, identity, shame and relationship issues—to clear up the myths surrounding the spectrum of eating disorders. In

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