Can a Christian marriage survive an affair? Yes, mine did!

When Ron and I got married in 1978, both of us believed that it was the other person's job to "make me happy!" We soon found out -- that was impossible.

I complained and criticized my way through our first year. Then Ron retaliated with the "I'm a bad husband because you're a bad wife" defense. Our anger and resentment grew until it overshadowed our love.

That's when I met Jake. He thought I was beautiful, funny, and smart. He only saw the good in me and he bathed me in compliments. We worked for the same company so it was easy to spend time together. We started meeting for lunches, then dinners, and eventually -- dessert.

In June of 1980, I told my husband what he already knew, "Our marriage is falling apart...we're both miserable." Then I surprised him with, "So, I need some time to think -- I'm moving out." I didn't tell him about Jake.

He begged, "I won't yell at you anymore...I'll be a better husband...we'll start going to church again...please don't go." I ignored his pleas and moved into a hotel.

Jake and I started making secret plans for our future. He was married and had two children, but he was going to leave them -- for me.

I had purposefully kept my Christian parents in the dark about my marriage problems. My mother had a connection with the Lord that made me nervous, and I was afraid she would "know" there was something wrong. Since they lived in a different state, I was able to keep my secret... for awhile.

One day, while Ron was gone for a few hours, I went to our condo to pack some more of my things. Soon after I arrived, my mother called. She asked, "Honey, are you all right?"

"Sure Mom, I'm fine," I lied.

"I don't think you are. I think you're in some sort of trouble because last night, I woke up and felt compelled to pray for you. I want you to talk to your father -- he's on the other line."

I am in trouble now, I thought. I've never been able to lie to my father.

"Hi Daddy" I whispered.

"Hello honey, your mother is convinced that you are in need of her midnight prayers. Are you?"

I hesitated. I knew I was opening Pandora's Box, but since I had to tell them eventually, I said, "Yes. My marriage -- it's in trouble."

"Tell us everything."

I took a deep breath, swallowed hard, and said, "I've moved out of the house, and I'm going to file for a divorce."

Long silence. Then Mom said, "Nancy, we love you. And because we love you, we will not support your leaving Ron. Marriage is a holy bond. Has Ron committed adultery? Has he ever hit you?"

"No."

"Then you don't have biblical grounds to divorce him. You'll be outside of God's will if you do."

I hadn't thought about God's will in months. I felt a wave of panic and the phone was slippery and hot in my hands. I couldn't bring myself to a full confession but I did concede, "I haven't been a very good wife."