Collateral Damage

Ok, I'm ticked. I know, I know, I know...it is the world we live in...it is full of evil and temptation. Heaven knows...just turn on the tv for a minute and you are inundated with sexual explicitness. And sadly, it is the exception to the rule that a man and a woman remain faithful in a marriage anymore. But the sting still hits me afresh everytime. I got a call this morning that a dear friend has suffered this horrid betrayal, only to hear later this morning, another woman tell of her close friend's similar woes, unrelated to each other.

Interestingly, neither conversation prompted by me. Both equally devistating.

Is that what this world has come to? A moment of pleasure? No consideration of the collateral damage?

I looked up the phrase "collateral damage"...because it keeps cropping up in my life...the phrase means "injury inflicted on something other than an intended target." -Merriam-Webster

Injury inflicted.....hurt
On something (someone)......a person

You might not have even intended to hurt anyone by your choice...you might not have entertained the idea that your decision would break the heart of the one who had pledged her life to you. THAT is Collateral Damage. It's what happens unintentionally. But it crushes, nonetheless.

Why? Why must a partner betray another in the most intimate of ways? And trust me, I am not bashing men. Women can betray just as easily as a man can. The two instances I mention above are men, but that doesn't mean it can't happen in the reverse order...or be as equally devistating.

I am writing from the 'cuff' today....not stopping much to edit...because my heart is so full of emotion on the subject. And to clarify...I truly believe cheating can occur well before the clothes come off. Emotional affairs are real, people. Giving another person a place of emotional importance over your spouse is just as much an affair as a physical encounter. Both remove your spouse as the priority in your marriage. In my finite mind, that's black and white. Cheating is cheating.

I'm afraid this might be a very jumbled post to read. I'm quite sure it will be disturbing. My man and I had a moment to talk about the morning's events a few minutes ago. When I got off the phone with John, he softly uttered the words "I love you." I could feel him gently telling me that we are ok. Praise Jesus, I have a man that is emotionally and physically pure in our marriage. He is honest and completely committed. We both are. But that doesn't fireproof it. He recently postulated that there's no way a marriage thrives without the Holy Spirit in a marriage. I agree. The Lord made marriage to be shared between one man and one woman, with the Holy Spirit binding them, interceding on their behalf, and providing a hedge of protection. Yes, I know there are marriages that exist without the Holy Spirit. Exist. Give me one that THRIVES w/o His Power. I dare you to find it.

What now? Well, my heart hurts for my friend, and for all of those who have walked this road. My heart holds those who are affected...those who were not intended to be hurt by another's choice. The spouse, the children, the other person's family...the list goes on. I am praying this day for the places where we are vulnerable to be fortified by His word, by His strength. I am praying for eyes to be wide open to see where the enemy is laying a trap. Even though I don't think John or I would ever betray the other in this way, it is pure foolishness not to be on guard against it.

Praying protection from the evil one over our marriage, and each of yours (or your future spouse) as He leads me today. Forgiveness for where these words are a little scattered...love, kris

it's about time...

What would we do if our fear were put on a shelf and we stepped out in faith on what God would have us do? What would happen if we lived the life He called us to? Can you imagine?

Really?

What if, for one moment, we realized that if He calls us to something, we wouldn't fail?

It's not like he needs us...he is, afterall, the God who made planets, tulips and manatees. But he chooses relationship with us. And in that, he places callings on us. We have the choice to step into them, or to say no.

I think it's about time. Time to put worries aside and step into it. To pursue him fully. Without abandon. It's not about building our own kingdom, but living freely in His.