Family Matters

How can I prevent memories of childhood sexual trauma from having a negative impact on my relationship with my spouse? I was abused a long time ago and though it wasn't easy, I've forgiven the people who violated me. But after twelve years of marriage I still can't enjoy sex with my husband without feeling guilty. Is there any hope for me?

My husband has had a tendency to resort to violent behavior throughout our marriage. I feel trapped. At times I have even feared for my safety, but I don't know what to do. Can you help me?

How can we be more intentional about doing things together that will strengthen relational bonds and family ties in the future? I know it's important to make good memories, but it's tough to find time for it with so much going on in day-to-day life. Do you have any suggestions or advice?

How can we move forward in our marriage after going through a crisis of infidelity? A year and a half ago, I committed adultery. My spouse says he forgives me, but it's obvious that he still has a lot of anger. I'm doing everything I can to show him that I love him and that I'm repentant. I've asked God to forgive me, and I believe He has, but I want to feel that my spouse forgives me too. What can I do to help him stop dwelling on the past?

How should I respond to my spouse's mother when she expresses disapproval of my parenting style and speaks to me disrespectfully in front of my husband and our children? I've put up with this kind of treatment for years, but I think I've reached my limit. What can I do?

How can I get my daughter to stop lying? I catch her inventing "tall tales" all the time at home, and now she's complaining that the kids at school don't believe anything she says. Does she simply have a great imagination, or is this a serious problem?

Is Depression a Sin is posed by more people than perhaps any other when trying to understand what is going on emotionally with themselves or with someone close to them. The situation isn't helped by well-meaning Christians who don't understand depression saying things like: "You just need to have more faith," or "There must be sin in your life. To someone who already feels guilty about everything, this just piles on even more guilt.

How would you feel if your fiancé or spouse had a very good friendship with someone of the opposite sex? Would it raise any concerns even if it was said to be completely platonic?

The Bible says that Christians are to honour their mother and father, and when one is living under their parent’s roof, it’s especially important to keep the relationship strong and respectful. But when it comes to friends and romantic relationships, how much say should a parent have, and where do we draw the line between respect and free choice?

It’s natural for a man to want to provide for his wife and children, but sometimes the need to get ahead in business and money making can become a never ending goal. We want to talk more about the effects that this can have on family life, and how to deal with the so called ‘workaholic’ husband