Divorce and Blended Families

This is a very hard topic to touch on, but it is one that cannot be overlooked. Divorce and the blending of families is being seen more now than ever. I would never wish upon anyone to go through a divorce. There are times where it is healthy to get out of the marriage both for the spouse and the children. Times when it would be appropriate is abuse, rape, and adultery. I believe most other things can be worked out. I don't want to step on anyone's toes, because I am not in their situation, and ultimately, they know what is best for the relationship. 

There are six stations of divorce that I want to talk about, 

1. Emotional divorce

2. Legal divorce

3. Economic divorce - Divide up the assets (legal separation)

4. Co-Parental divorce

5. Community divorce - divide up friends and family

6. Psychic divorce

Divorce is never something we plan for when we get married. It is unfortunate that it happens, but as I stated, sometimes it is for the best. 

For those who have suffered a divorce because of abuse Elder Oaks said, "Whatever the outcome and no matter how difficult your experiences, you have the promise that you will not be denied the blessings of eternal family relationships if you love the Lord, keep His commandments, and just do the best you can." 

He also says, "To avoid so-called "incompatibility," they should be best friends, kind and considerate, sensitive to each other's needs, always seeking to make each other happy. They should be partners in family finances, working together to regulate their desires for temporal things." 

Elder Oaks says, "Two individuals approaching the marriage altar must realize that to attain the happy marriage which they hope for they must know that mariage...means sacrifice, sharing, and even a reduction of some personal liberties. It means long, hard economizing. It means children who bring with them financial burdens, service burdens, care and worry burdens; but also it means the deepest and sweetest emotions of all."