Not much can exploit a couple’s differences like Hollywood. So, when Kirk and Chelsea Cameron married in 1991, they knew they were attempting to build a life together in a place notorious for tearing marriages down.
They spent the first several months on the lookout for outside dangers to their relationship. But a conflict one night in their kitchen taught them that the culture surrounding them wasn’t the most significant influence on whether or not their marriage would be successful.
Chelsea was putting their wedding crystal into a cabinet. What happened next depends on who’s telling the story.
According to Kirk, he heard the glass shatter and feared that she’d hurt herself. So, he said to her with concern, “Honey, you’ve got to be more careful.”
Chelsea says his tone was more like, “Honey! You’ve got to be more careful!” She was so upset that she’d been scolded like a child that she picked up a second piece of their wedding crystal, held it over the sink and – while staring Kirk in the eye – let it shatter into the sink below.
On this point they agree: It was at that moment that they both thought, “Who have I married?” They also agreed that to move forward they needed to be more aware of their differences and to learn how to address them in healthy ways. Trying to change each other never works. I am the only person I can control.
Kirk and Chelsea are sharing about their journey together on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Making Your Marriage a High Priority.” Listen on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.
Recorded at a Focus on the Family marriage event a few years ago, Kirk and Chelsea share how they discovered that the answer to a strong marriage wasn’t moving farther away from Hollywood. It was moving closer to each other and to their relationship with God.
If you’re struggling with the differences in your marriage, we have caring Christian counselors on staff, and it would be their privilege to offer you a free consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you just as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
And don’t forget: we have an online store that offers helpful digital and print resources in the areas of marriage, parenting, faith, and issues related to many other life challenges.
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Lois says
– I’m struggling as my husband who’s a Christian is voting for Biden although he says he’s pro-life as he just can’t stand Trump and is voting for other republican parties. It really bothers me as we are both believers in Christ. How should we handle this situation?
Holly FOTF says
– Thanks for sharing, Lois. If you’d like to talk with one of our counselors (at no cost to you), call 855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays between 6 A.M. and 8 P.M. (MT). Just give your number to the Family Help Center staff member who answers the phone. They will pass along your phone number to one of our professional counselors, who will return your call just as soon as they’re able. We hope to hear from you soon.