Jon Minus Kate
June 23, 2009
I own Seasons 1 & 2, and I loved it. Absolutely encouraging show. It was the battle cry for families – life is challenging but we’re in it together and this thing called family is worth it! You saw the support they got from their friends and family – the old adage, it takes a whole village to raise a child? Well, there was a small army here raising these eight kids. But now there seems to be no community, no counseling, just hitting the breaking point and … breaking up. Giving in as if it’s inevitable, as if that’s destiny, as if that’s just how things are. Resigning over to destruction.
Ok, so you’re at the point of divorce. Wouldn’t it be better to admit weakness, and seek help? In fact, wouldn’t you love to show your kids that you have faith that God can save your marriage? And wouldn’t it bring Him glory and show them the power of God if he saved what little you have and brought about healing? You certainly believe, in theory, that God can save your marriage. So why not act on that faith? You’ve got nothing to lose.
The problem is that the demons here are seen as Jon and Kate. It’s a battle of flesh and blood. But the Bible tells us it’s the spiritual forces in this world that are our real enemies. Jesus himself warned us that “In this world you will have troubl, but take heart, I have overcome the world!” Frick, man. You’ve know the man who has the power to defeat death, why not trust him to bring to life your dying marriage? Trust me, I think he wants to. You may not, but come on, your kids! What’s best for the kids, right?
And don’t tell me divorce is better.
Don’t continue going on in your messed up relationship, but don’t divorce. The options aren’t just “the lesser of two evils.” There is always the “right” thing. Seriously. Counseling. God favours those who humble themselves and want to change their ways.
True sacrifice for your kids, would be looking after your marriage first. True love, would be exhibited in patience and kindness to one another. Buy them all the stuff in the world, but it won’t make them happy if you’re unhappy with each other. And if you’re really seeking peace? It’ll come from reconciliation. Peace through divorce is like the kind of peace you get when you just kill off all those you don’t get along with. Yes. I’m suggesting divorce is a microcosm of genocide.
I hope by now they’ve actually sought help. Where is their church family in all of this?
According to one of the gossip magazines, their church asked them to leave because they didn’t approve of the cheating, etc. Which is sad, because this is a time they need their church the most.
I hear you about Jon and Kate. I refused to watch this season because it’s sad, and unfortunately, you could see it coming :(
Truly, 10 years of marriage & kapow! They just throw it away!
After 25 years of marriage, my husband & I sought counseling so that we’ll see another 25. Don’t people realize that marriage takes work & determination?
They need their church right now. I feel really bad for Jon. Let’s say he did cheat. There needs to be forgiveness. Repentance, really. On both sides. And lots of it. This really is sullying the TLC name, too. You’d think these people that had become like family would love these folks enough to stop feeding this fire with extended contracts.
My husband had the hopeful idea that they’ll get back together and that is TLC’s plan. To follow the reconciliation. I read another comment, though, that suggested the divorce, where the couples starts dating other people, would be the direction they’d go. I just want them to get back together. It wasn’t a mistake to marry, it was a mistake to let their marriage get to such a point. But someone’s gotta step in and give them hope. GUH.
An absolute crying shame… and I didn’t even know they were supposed to be a Christian couple… which just makes it so much worse, because, as you say, they DO have the power to overcome, but they refuse to even give Jesus that chance.
It pains me that the only other reactions I’ve heard from people entail nothing but unhelpful, generalized criticism that writes them both off as jerks. It’s *exactly* as you said: our fight is not really with each other, but with evil powers (Satan, our own sin natures, etc.) that corrupt us all.
I have loved Jon and Kate since the sextuplets were born and they all first hit the scene. It’s an absolute shame that they’re seeking a divorce. I was unfortunately not surprised when I heard the news. Even before the cheating allegations came about, it was clear with every exchange on the show that they were having marital issues.
As a student pursuing marriage and family counseling, this situation breaks my heart. I really wish that they will find a way to work through this. They have clearly reached a breaking point and have not had the support they needed to get through this together. I would be shocked if it’s true that their church kicked them out, unless if they were unrepentant (Matt 18:15-20). I actually just reread that passage and was struck with it’s suitability to this situation, especially verses 18-20. I’ll be praying for the Gosslins, and that they will have strong children of God surrounding and praying for them as well. They will need all the prayer they can get, no matter the outcome. But what a wonderful testimony to the world it would be if they stayed together!