This morning I tackled a task that I do not enjoy. I pulled weeds. Some of the smaller weeds aren't so bad because they pull up with their root still attached pretty easily. But the big weeds seem to have roots that are never ending. I have to dig all around to get the whole root out of the ground. Sometimes, the root breaks, and I can't get the whole thing out. And after a couple of hours of pulling these nasty little plants from the ground, I get tired and decide to quit. I'm hot, sweaty and my hands are cramping, so I put everything away and decide that the rest will wait until another day.

While I was digging in the dirt this morning, I realized that life also has weeds. Over the last 8 years that Robert and I have been married, we've struggled with specific weeds. We would see them and just mow over them, but they always came back. A few times we would dig around and pull them out. But a couple of weeks ago, we realized that we had never pulled out the roots.

These weeds have dug deep into our marriage. They have smothered a lot of the good grass and flowers that we've planted and attempted to cultivate. They are ugly. They are nasty. They are taking over.

We began individual counseling as well as couple counseling 18 days ago. We have been devouring books and websites. We've spoken with our pastors, mentors and some friends. All of this to find a way to kill these weeds once and for all. It's hard work. It's overwhelming. Some days I don't think it's worth it.

But then I am reminded of Isaiah 43:1-2: Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

So we are trusting God for freedom. Our goal is to fight until the weeds are gone...roots and all. But we can't do this alone. We've kept this news between a handful of people for the last few weeks, but we need support. We are both broken right now. We are at the end of our ropes hanging on for dear life.

We are not quite ready to share the details of these weeds with everyone. But one day, when we've located all the roots and have all the tools to destroy them, we will share our story. Until then, please keep us in your thoughts and your prayers. We need them. Thank you.