Counseling Article
March 2011
by Donna Ridge

I have learned in whatever state I am, therefore to be content. Philippians 4:11

Today in church the choir sang as part of the song “today I put my past behind me”. Whatever is in your past is in the past, unless of course you have brought it into your future.

Yes the past is the past, but we have memories. I remember January 27, 1986. I sat before a judge in Freehold and he declared my marriage over. I was surprised at the sadness that came over me. My ex-husband and I had been separated for six years and now just by the words “divorce granted” I was no longer married in the eyes of the law. It had been a long journey and the ending was not what I had hoped nor prayed for. However, only God can change hearts and one thing I learned is that the other person must want their heart to be changed.

There was an empty feeling in my heart. I had not seen nor spoken to my ex-husband in most of those years by his choice. Yet I hoped. By a series of events God showed me that my husband had hardened his heart and I had to let the “unbeliever, go in peace” as He says in I Corinthians 7:15.

It has been twenty-six years since that day. As I reflect on the past not to relive it, but to see all that God has brought me through and done for me I can see God’s promise that He knows the plans He has for me. Because I know the pain that divorce can bring my desire is to help others who have walked are walking the same path. If there is enough interest in the Divorce Care seminar, I will begin it in March. Know that I am always available on an individual basis also.

God has answered my prayers and I am again going to be available in the evenings during the week starting March 14. To God be the glory

Donna Ridge