“Every broken marriage has the hope of becoming a saved marriage.” Approximately fifty percent of the couples who sign a marriage license will also sign on the dotted line of a divorce document. In order to turn the tide of this stark statistic, couples who have considered or experienced separation or divorce must be given real tools to reconcile, restore, and rebuild their relationships. Marriage on the Mend provides these tools for couples in crisis. Clint and Penny Bragg know what it means to be that couple. After being divorced for eleven years and living 3,000 miles from each other, they were remarried―but the difficult work of restoration continued long after that second ceremony. The Braggs know that couples who reconcile face a unique set of challenges, including unresolved arguments, poor communication habits, unforgiveness, and betrayed trust. Biblically based materials are required to walk through this treacherous territory toward full healing and restoration. This practical, realistic book identifies roadblocks that may stall relationship progress, recommends ideas to deepen intimacy, offers solutions to effectively handle past hurts and conflicts, and applies Scripture to every aspect of the process in order to proactively stabilize and safeguard the marriage. At the end of each chapter, the Braggs include a prayer for couples to share to help facilitate healing. The one thing all broken relationships have in common is that true healing takes time. Using the framework of Nehemiah’s effort to restore Jerusalem’s walls following the Israelite’s exile and captivity, Marriage on the Mend provides a clear framework for the restoration of relationships. "The Braggs are the real deal. And this book should be required reading for any couple who wants not only a restored--but a thriving--marriage." -- Ginger Kolbaba, author of Surprised by Remarriage Published On: 2015-03-27 “Their story will inspire and encourage you, and grow your faith in a God who is for marriage and never gives up!” -- Robert S. Paul, Vice President of Focus on the Family's National Institute of Marriage Published On: 2015-03-27 "Any couple who is serious about making their marriage work will benefit beyond their wildest expectations when they follow the principles in this book." -- Joe And Michelle Williams, authors of Yes, Your Marriage Can Be Saved Published On: 2015-03-27 "Is your marriage in trouble? You don't need a few tools and tips for better communication. You need a miracle from God to change your hearts and transform your relationship. The Scriptures that Clint and Penny share in this book have the power to make that miracle a reality!" -- Dr Rob Rienow, founder of Visionary Family Ministries Published On: 2015-03-27 Clint and Penny A. Bragg serve as marriage missionaries through the work of Inverse Ministries, their nonprofit organization. They share their testimony with audiences, teach seminars for couples, and equip ministry leaders. Their own story of reconciliation has been featured on multiple national and international television and radio programs. The Braggs are an active part of a countrywide network to strengthen, reconcile, and restore marriages. Marriage on the Mend Healing Your Relationship After Crisis, Separation, or Divorce By Clint Bragg, Penny A. Bragg Kregel Publications Copyright © 2015 Clint and Penny A. Bragg All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8254-4234-6 Contents Acknowledgments, 13, Introduction, 15, 1 Honoring the Process, 17, 2 Recognizing Your Roadblocks, 29, 3 Forming a Firm Foundation, 41, 4 Building Bridges of Forgiveness and Faith, 59, 5 Deepening Your Discussions, 79, 6 Rebuilding on the Ruins of Your Past, 97, 7 Aligning Your Standards, 117, 8 Using Prayer as a Power Tool, 133, 9 Guarding Your Marriage Gates, 157, 10 Retrofitting Your Relationship, 179, 11 Managing Your Margins, 197, 12 Traveling into New Territories, 227, Notes, 247, About the Authors, 248, CHAPTER 1 Honoring the Process We are living proof that, against all odds, God can mend a marriage. Originally married to each other on September 2, 1989, we sailed through our first year together without incident. But by our second year of marriage, irritations and differences that were once fairly benign began to create a steady stream of conflict. Our prayers for a permanent solution — or at least a quick fix — remained unanswered. Before long, we couldn't agree on anything, including the source of our discontent. Something was definitely broken, and try as we might, we just couldn't fix it. To complicate matters, we were too proud to tell anyone that our relationship was on the rocks. As a result, the emotional, physical, and spiritual breach between us only widened. The fragile state of our marriage created the perfect scenario for me (Penny) to start looking elsewhere for comfort. Clint confronted me about his suspicions regarding an affair, but I vehemently denied