Caught in the Middle, Stronger Than Ever — Christian Marriage Encouragement for Busy Seasons

Part 12B of Two Become One: The Prelude to a Joy-Filled Marriage

This is Part 12B of “Caught in the Middle” in our Two Become One series. If you missed Part 12A, read it first to follow Darren and Monique’s journey. This week, we continue with how they began living out God’s design for marriage and family—even in the busiest season of their lives.

The next morning, Monique woke before her alarm. The house was quiet, but her mind was already racing—Elijah’s science fair project, Kiara’s soccer practice, her father’s follow-up appointment, and Darren’s meeting about his mom’s home care.

In the kitchen, she poured coffee and opened her Bible. Darren appeared a few minutes later, hair tousled from sleep, coffee mug in hand, eyes still soft from rest.

“Want to read together?” she asked.

They read aloud:

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” — Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

They prayed, then asked a question that would shape their day: “What does it look like to live out God’s design for our family in this season?”

Honoring Parents — Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2

Later that morning, Darren spent his lunch break on the phone with his mother’s insurance provider. His mom sighed, “I don’t need strangers—I just need you here more.”

It stung. But Darren remembered:

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” — Exodus 20:12 (NIV)

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise. — Ephesians 6:2 (NIV)

Honoring didn’t mean doing everything she wanted; it meant ensuring she was cared for with dignity. After praying with Monique, they arranged part-time home health care—help that respected her needs while preserving space for their marriage and children.

Raising Children — Proverbs 22:6

That evening, Elijah snapped at his sister. Monique recognized the same sharpness she’d been using lately when tired.

She apologized and shared:

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

They began a new dinner tradition—each person sharing one thing they were thankful for. And once a month, they committed as a family to volunteer at the local food pantry. It was a way to teach compassion and service, grounding their children in faith and generosity.

Loving & Respecting Each Other — Ephesians 5:33

One afternoon, Monique tucked a note into Darren’s work bag: “Thank you for all you’re doing for your mom. I see you, and I’m proud to be your wife.”

“Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” — Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)

It wasn’t an exchange of favors — it was love and respect expressed in everyday moments. Darren, mindful of Monique’s load, made space for quiet connection, inviting her for a Saturday morning walk, just to be together.

Caring for the Church Family — 1 Timothy 5:1–2

When Darren and Monique shared about their parents’ needs with their pastor, it sparked something unexpected. The church formed a senior support group that provided meals, grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, and even social gatherings — like watching The Price is Right or old classics like Casablanca.

“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” — 1 Timothy 5:1–2 (NIV)

The ministry blessed seniors and their families while demonstrating Christ’s love in action. The pastor was overjoyed at how many people stepped forward to serve.

Carrying Each Other’s Burdens — Galatians 6:2

For Monique, carrying burdens — and allowing others to carry hers — became a way of life. She posted in her Women’s Bible Study Facebook group, asking for help getting Kiara to soccer practice so Darren could visit his mom. One of the ladies gladly volunteered.

Another week, several women from the group brought groceries and a week’s worth of meals to Lori, a member recently released from the hospital, and even helped clean her home. The FB group became a space for sharing prayer requests, posting answered prayers, offering praise reports, and providing practical help — embodying:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Your Turn

If you’re navigating the pressures of children, aging parents, and keeping your marriage strong, reflect on these verses and ask God how to live them out:

• Psalm 55:22 — “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (NIV)
• Exodus 20:12 — “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (NIV)
• Ephesians 6:2 — “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise. (NIV)
• Proverbs 22:6 — “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (NIV)
• Ephesians 5:33 — “Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (NIV)
• 1 Timothy 5:1–2 — “Do not rebuke an older man harshly… treat older women as mothers…” (NIV)
• Galatians 6:2 — “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (NIV)

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