It has been said that lawyers have caused more divorce and annulment than third party promiscuous affairs. This idea comes from the fact that most lawyers are not principally concerned about the well being and wholeness of the family. As long as there is a legal ground, then go for the divorce or the annulment. But such is not the case of my personal conviction. Knowing biblical truth and understanding fear of God would certainly cause a person to look further than legal or financial grounds to accept a case.

     One such case is my client whom we shall call "Johnny." Johnny is married to Jenny. Johnny has been a long time client whom I have not seen for quite some time about two years ago. I saw him in a cemetery. I think it was October 31, 2003 (to avoid the Nov. 1 traffic) sensing that he was not with Jenny, I asked the obvious question of how is the wife. The answer was simply bad. They have been married for more or less 6 years and they are about to separate which led to the question whether or not I can handle their annulment proceedings. Considering my conviction, I do not usually accept the case unless I know the entire story and there exists not only legal grounds but likewise biblical grounds. I asked that I be given an opportunity to talk to Jenny and we did. The conference we had was a mess. I saw the lack of love and respect as I mediated between the parties. Reluctantly, I accepted the case. But then, I knew I had to deal with both of them on a personal level which started my personal conferences with each one. During the break as they were already separated de facto which means they are not living together, Johnny started having an affair with a lovely commercial model. Initially, this pushed Johnny to make sure that I file the case as soon as possible. But I have been talking to Jenny and she too wants the case to move on.

     But for someone who sees more of the spiritual world, I knew God has better plans for the couple so I did not give up as my purpose at that time, as led by the Holy Spirit was not to file the annulment case but to try to work it out between the two. As part of my plans, I offered to file a separation of property first before pursuing on an annulment case to which both agreed. The said case was granted and their properties have been separated but they are still married to each other.

     In the meantime, both Johnny and Jenny began reading the word of God although separately and attending bible studies. They began to absorb the "seeds of life" the good book says "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to be void but it shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

     The words that Johnny started to hear started to bear fruits. Gradually, Johnny began to understand the value of family. Johnny began to understand his value as a father to his children and his purposes as the head of the family. Finally Johnny got a conviction to return to Jenny and his family. He decided to stay away from the lovely young model. Believe me, it is not that easy, if you do not have the grace of God behind you as well as prayers from righteous brothers. Johnny began to court Jenny again praying that he would be taken back. Of course, Jenny had her doubts and hesitancy. It took some time before Jenny really knew that Johnny has changed. Anyway, we are all in the process of sanctification and cleansing on a daily basis. Time came however that Jenny accepted back Johnny and
told Johnny that if you are really decided to return then as a couple let us talk with your young model. They immediately did. Now, although they are still in process of restoration and healing, they are back as a family. In fact, recently, I saw them again in the cemetery. This time, Johnny was with Jenny and the children.

     Please understand that it is the desire of the enemy that families are broken. If the enemy can break up a family then a lot of other unwarranted and ungodly situations could spring up within the family. Sticking together through thick and thin, praying together, loving each other and believing that God is part of your family, will make wonders and miracles
work for your family.

     Are you in a similar problem? Learn from Johnny's experience and remember He promised that "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their cry." (Psalm 34:15)

     By the way, the petition for annulment I have prepared is now down the trash. And as far as the young model is concerned, believe it or not, she too now attends bible studies and church services. Only our God can make
the correct solution for all people having different problems and situations all the time. Trust in God and everybody becomes a winner.

God bless you all,