Surviving Divorce and Single Parenthood

The permanence of marriage is one of our foundational principles here at Focus on the Family. We believe that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God that benefits not only husbands and wives, but society as a whole.

That’s biblical. Matthew 19:5-6 says, “A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh … what God has joined together, let no man separate.”

That said, we acknowledge that we live in a world that’s broken by sin, where the potential always exists for marriages to self-destruct because one or both spouses walk away from their commitment and aren’t willing to restore the relationship.

Divorce leads to terrible consequences. On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Surviving Divorce and Single Parenthood,” we’re airing a conversation with author Susan Birdseye, who shares about the heartbreak she endured after an unwanted divorce made her the single mom of five children.

Susan was blindsided by the news that her husband was having an affair with one of his employees. Up to that point, Susan believed she and her husband had experienced 17 years of happy marriage, an active church life, and many wonderful memories with their children. She recalls no conflict or clues that her marriage was in trouble.

Hear our conversation as well as updates about her life on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If you’ve experienced the pain of a divorce and would like to talk to someone, 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).

Or if your marriage is in crisis right now, I want to remind you about Hope Restored. Even if you’re on the brink of divorce, these marriage intensives can go a long way toward facilitating healing between you and your spouse and bringing restoration to your relationship. The intensives take place in three locations: Branson, MO; Greenville, MI; and the WinShape Retreat Center in Rome, GA. The number for Hope Restored is 1-866-875-2915, or visit online.

Susan Birdseye’s book When Happily Ever After Shatters: Seeing God in the Midst of Divorce and Single Parenthood is available through our ministry for a gift of any amount. Visit our website for more information.