Finding Freedom and Forgiveness

Finding Freedom and Forgiveness

Doug discusses forgiveness after the discovery of a secret pornography addiction. He also shares the journey of rebuilding a marriage that was nearly destroyed by years of alcoholism.   Listener questions and comments: * Carol - I have two friends who are married 30 years and the man called me crying because his wife had an affair for 3 months. She wants to go on a Retrouvaille weekend but he thinks it’s too soon. (37:07) * Angela - Our daughter is gay, estranged and had a second IVF baby. We haven’t been able to meet him. What should we do? (44:06) * Pete - I have seen couples go right to Retrouvaille and it is life changing. (47:08) * Constantine - We were married outside of the Church and I treated my wife badly. She divorced me but when we reconnected a couple years later, we discussed reconciliation. (48:53)   Resources:   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/ [https://www.marriageunhindered.com/]   The Forgiveness Institute https://internationalforgiveness.com/ [https://internationalforgiveness.com/]   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/ [https://catholictherapists.com/]   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/ [https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/]   Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/ [https://iceeft.com/]   Dr. John Gottman https://www.gottman.com/ [https://www.gottman.com/]   Retrouvaille https://helpourmarriage.org/ [https://helpourmarriage.org/]

Holy Examples of Marriage

Doug explores lessons on marriage from the saints. Yesterday, the Church celebrated the feast of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. Today, we commemorate the feast of Saint Henry II and his wife, Saint Cunigunde. Doug also examines what can be learned from Blessed Charles of Austria and his witness to married life.   Listener questions and comments: * Amy - You can surprise your spouse with a Mass said in their name. You can leave little notes. (30:25)   Resources: 5 things we can learn from Blessed Charles of Austria and his wife Zita 1. The primary goal of marriage is to get your spouse to heaven. 2. Entrust your marriage to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 3. After the wedding day it’s not only ‘me’ but ‘we’. 4. They continually fan the flame of love. 5. Love each other with a love that endures through hardship.   8 Ways to say I love you without saying the words ‘I love you’ 1. I admire how you handle tough situations. 2. Your perspective always gives me a new way of looking at things. 3. You have such a calming presence. 4. I really trust your judgement on this. 5. You are so easy to talk to. 6. I love the way you’re so passionate about your interests 7. You have a knack for making people feel included. 8. I’m grateful for your honesty even when it’s hard.

Contraception and the Friday Rant

Doug answers listener questions about contraception, intimacy, and openness to life in today's mailbag. He also tackles questions about past trauma and prudence in family planning and closes the show with the Friday Rant on no-fault divorce. Listener questions and comments: * Marie – My husband and I discovered a beautiful way to have date nights while traveling in Italy. May I share our experience? (29:20) * Charlie – Is it a mortal sin for an elderly couple with health issues to have marital relations if they are no longer able to conceive? (39:30)

Power of Prayer in Marriage

What happens when a seemingly perfect marriage ends in divorce? Doug shares a case study from Impossible Marriages Redeemed by Leila Miller, discussing the impact of selfishness on a marriage and how daily prayer can save your marriage. He also continues his commentary on the 5:1 ratio you need to practice to keep love alive. [ENCORE]   Impossible Marriages Redeemed https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf [https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf]

On Death, Emotional Distress and Attractiveness

Doug discusses the writings of Arthur Brooks as he talks about death, emotional distress and attractiveness.   3:43-On Death  and How it Relates to Happiness 12:47- On Emotional Distress 24:15 Leah-What are your thoughts are for having a dating relationships with someone who has an eating disorder that is undiagnosed and untreated? 36:43 Deedee-Regarding Arthur Brooks. I remember seeing him on Oprah. I remember he said happiness is not a destination but a direction. Can you expound on that? Is this true? 40:49- On  what women and men find attractive in each other.   https://www.arthurbrooks.com/ [https://www.arthurbrooks.com/] https://www.arthurbrooks.com/blog-posts/why-contemplating-your-death-might-make-you-happier [https://www.arthurbrooks.com/blog-posts/why-contemplating-your-death-might-make-you-happier]