Memorial Day is a sacred reminder that somebody paid the price for our freedom. We do not live in liberty by accident, and we do not enjoy peace without sacrifice.

This day calls us to pause, remember, and honor those who gave all, while also asking a deeper question: How will we live in response to what has been given to us?

The answer begins in marriage and family. Strong homes are built the same way strong nations are built—through selflessness, truth, integrity, and the willingness to carry a cost for something greater than ourselves.

Love is not merely what we feel; it is what we give.

When we choose to give instead of take, we create trust,

safety, and lasting strength.

A giver builds... A taker drains.
A giver honors... A taker consumes.
A giver protects what is precious... A taker slowly erodes it.

That is why Memorial Day is more than a holiday.

It is a lesson.

It teaches us that every meaningful thing in life has a price, and the highest call of love is not to dem...

Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected,

or just plain worn out from the struggles in your family?

You're not alone.

Many women feel strained by marital conflict, personality differences, and past experiences that leave them feeling isolated and frustrated.

Misunderstandings wear on us daily, and even the smallest question or outburst can seem insurmountable. The truth is, even one spouse seeking answers can make a huge difference. If you're ready to understand how to realign your family with God's original design, this post is for you. I’ll share seven practical steps inspired by biblical principles to help you restore stability and renew love in your home—regardless of your circumstances.

Why Our Families Are Struggling Today

Historically, Scripture highlights that God's first creation was the family, making it the foundation of society. Yet, today, we see countless families under attack—brokenness, cultural shifts, and neglecting God's plan have taken a toll.

Men are often oblivious when it comes to their wife's frustration and disconnect in marriage. Did you know that 60% of moms say they feel overwhelmed and underappreciated? Maybe there are some dads feeling the same way.

We all get overwhelmed with our own personal responsibilities, forgetting to look at both sides of the coin.  Improvements begin with awareness, then willingness to do something different than you've been doing, then the big one... take ACTION!!

This is where most couples fail.  They put it off... and put it off... suddenly one day the kids are gone, and they have nothing in common and don't even care for one another's company.

Begin with 5 Conversation Starters that improve your awareness of one other's needs, which will improve your communication.  Then write down the 12 ways to enrich your marriage. ♥️ Woohoo!  You are on your way to a sweeter relationship!

Conversation Starters

1. "What’s one thing I can do this week to make you feel more loved?"

   • This qu
   ...

I was one of those mom's that rarely leave my kids.  I've not been married over 46 years and as I look back, I realize the importance of keeping the flame alive between you and your husband.  

Would you like to keep or relight the romance in your marriage?  Grab the tips in today's blog and go to "The Extraordinary Marriage" podcast and find the episodes that interest you.  Also on Apple and Spotify.

Connie Durham

Relationship Speaker & Coach

We all have some kind of hopelessness.  What's yours?  Maybe not today, but another day.  Often we hear... Mind over Body, what's that mean.  Well first we have to get our head straight and that begins with our thoughts.

How do we do that?  Pay attention to everything you watch and listen to, who you hang out with, are you getting enough rest, finding things you enjoy?

Yes, a difficult relationship is draining.  If you allow yourself to be completely consumed, thinking about it all the time, dreading the next confrontation, you'll lose your winning edge.  The ability to refuel, see what is good, and feel empowered.

Whatever is troubling you can be major... or small in the big picture... but it's major to you.  Many times, the person causing the pain... is in pain themselves.  Hurting people hurt overs and are unable to think... about how they are hurting you.

Prayerize - Visualize- Actualize and find those that will support you, helping you through the adversity, and just maybe hel...

When bickering, constant tension, and even a bit of fear, play a part of your everyday,

God has a way of bringing us to our knees.  You might be the one who's enduring havoc in your marriage or you might be like me.  It was my daughter.  As a parent you only want all things beautiful for your kids.  You love them dearly. 

This is really WHY I have invested my time, money, and attention in relationships and families.  It's become my passion.  You matter.

I was intrigued with people differences in communication, how they think, their emotions, their ambition, and how they get along, before my 3 kids got married.  But once they got married, I realize that family background, each person's experiences in life, and their personality styles predicted their SUCCESS in marriage.

After lots of prayer, analyzing, sleepless nights, worry and tears... God moved, uncovered, brought awareness, convicted and showed them the way.  Their pinnacle was an opportunity for a Marriage Retreat at WinShape...

Oh my Gosh!!  When we get irritated with our spouse, we don't want to be AROUND them, we don't want to SEE them, we don't want to HEAR them talking and we sure don't want to get all Lovie Duby!

How do you get out of what I call the CRAZY CYLE??  It's a miserable place to be!  Hating on anybody is miserable but it's even worse when it's the person you live with and sleep with!

I just had an episode with a friend that I'll not name, but I know it's going to happen every time the group gets together, and I know WHY!  It's because I believe in Collaboration, talking it out and making a plan so that we all know what to expect, but this person insists on throwing a monkey wrench in every time we get together.  Whatever the PLAN, maybe they are driving, they will suddenly switch up the PLAN without asking, consulting, or caring what anyone else thinks.  I so rarely get irritated but every single time we spend time with this group, it happens.  Why? 

They mean well, but the plan... needs to...

This is a PODCAST excerpt from Thursday 4/16/2026.  Our Empower Series covers ways you can figure out WHAT'S giving you BIG trouble in your marriage.  Take time, take action, and enjoy your life more! 

Connie Durham

Atlanta Suburbs, GA

www.theextraordinarymarriage.com 

#marriagepodcast #theextraordinarymarriage #family

What might you be unaware of?  Something that's irritating you... how can you move passed it and enjoy life with your spouse?  Watch the video and answer the questions for yourself.  Visit me @ www.theextraordinarymarriage.com 

Connie

Connie Durham

Host of "The Extraordinary Marriage" Podcast

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, & Amazon

Atlanta, GA