Marriage Challenges: Why I think Contentment is such a Big Deal

Source: Google

When I did a piece on being more like yourself a while back, I didn’t imagine that I’ll be taken back to it soon. A few days back, we woke up to Israel Houghton owning up to his mistakes on Facebook. The international gospel music artiste announced his official divorce from his wife of more than 20 years.

"It is with a collective heavy heart that we announce that after over 20 years of marriage and a long separation, Meleasa and I are officially divorced"

That marked the end of a relationship, a partnership that saw the birth of 3 lovely children. According to Israel,

"Several years ago, I failed and sinned in my marriage. Though this is new to many, it is not new to us as we have been working through this for over 5 years. Although we tried, the challenges in our relationship have proven too much to overcome. We have always handled our family and ministry with grace and generosity toward others, discretion, and privacy. So, for the sake of our amazing kids, we are also handling this privately with pastoral oversight and assistance."

Israel, and Now ex-wife, Meleasa

Lemme back up a little… Israel Houghton is one of the biggest Grammy award-winning gospel music artistes of our time. He’s one man who has blessed many lives with his uplifting music, whether recorded or at live performances. For most people, he is more than a musician; He is a Minister of God. So imagine how disappointing it must have been for his fans to swallow the news.

I couldn’t help but ask “What is really going on with marriages nowadays?” That was the question floating in my head, when I recollected a similar story earlier in the week. It was that of Pastor Chris & Anita Oyakhilome (oops! it’s Anita Ebhodaghe now) finalizing their long and messy divorce. You remember them, don’t you? The ‘Atmosphere for Miracles’ on TV? You remember their enviable image on those Rhapsody of Reality copies, yea? Well, they’re just as human as you and me.

Divorced couple, Chris Oyakhilome & Anita Ebhodaghe

Some time back, we were shocked with the messy divorce situation of another ‘perfect’ couple: Deitrick Haddon and ex-wife, Damita. There was also Tye Tribbett, whose cheating almost put an end to his marriage.

Deitrick, and ex-wife, Damita. Source: Google

BOTTOMLINE: NEVER focus too much on the grass at the other side. I’m not saying the grass is not greener o, I just don’t think we should idolize it. Why don’t we spend more time tending the grass on our side of the yard? Adequate water, sunlight, pruning, consistency, etc will be a better investment than wishing your yard could be like the other guy’s. Again, there’s nothing wrong in emulating enviable qualities. Just don’t get carried away… Don’t forget to be YOU!

Related: Dealing With Low Self-Esteem

Peace & Chocolate Cake, 

Mary