Throughout chapter 8 it continues the theme of perseverance as it was introduced in the previous chapter. But with a little bit of a different angle. Mainly that our natural tendency in relationships is to avoid conflict. However, conflict is the very thing that causes us to grow as a person, as a couple, and builds faith and character over the long haul of life. If things in life are easy, they’re not usually as meaningful as something you had to struggle for. Of course, that doesn’t make it fun. Gary Thomas uses an illustration of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. When Anne married Charles, she was unaware that for the rest of her life, everywhere she went, everything she did or said, would be an open book. Anne was a private person who enjoyed writing, especially about her thoughts and feelings. She couldn’t even write letters to her sister about Charles without being able to use a code name, and certain words because she was afraid the letters might get stolen and have the chance to be put in the media. In order for …show more content…
Maybe, maybe not. But that is not really the point. Nobody know what lies ahead of them when they get married. There’s good and there’s bad. Thomas points out that’s probably why wedding vows include “richer or poorer, sickness and health” and “until death do us part.” Because human nature is sometimes to quit, change, or run when things get hard. As Christians who make those vows to each other and a Holy God, we believe quitting isn’t an option. Early on, Anne had written in a letter to a friend, “…if you write me and wish me conventional happiness I will never forgive you. Don’t wish me happiness – I don’t expect to be happy, but it’s gotten beyond that, somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor – I will need them all.” A profound statement from a young woman who had no idea what trials life was to bring. Yet, it’s not