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| The official newsletter of Marriage Partnership magazine Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Even those who have never read Robert Louis Stevenson's book or seen the old 1932 movie starring Fredric March and Miriam Hopkins, are most likely familiar with the notorious character for which the book and movie are named: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This classic psychological thriller tells the horrifying story of one mild-mannered man, Dr. Jekyll, who concocts an elixer that, when ingested, causes his alter ego to overtake him and become the evil mad scientist, Mr. Hyde. While it might be said that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is grotesque and inplausible, it might also be said that what gives this suspense story its real staying power is its subtle undertones that distinguish some darker truths about human nature, personality, and psyche. In a broad sense, it reminds us of our depravity—that darker side within all of us that threatens to overtake and defeat us, were it not for the provision of grace from God through Jesus Christ. More specifically, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde can serve as a boorish portrayal of bipolar disorder, as it explores the contrasting heights and depths of emotional extremes. In this week's feature article, "I Was Married to Jekyll and Hyde," read one woman's terrible, yet touching and triumphant true-life account about her husband's difficult battle with bipolar disorder. Then, in "Is Cybersex Cheating?" get straightforward, biblical answers to difficult questions from professional marriage counselors Melissa and Louis McBurney, M.D. Finally, on a lighter note, don't miss "Bedroom Priorities" to find out how to create the atmosphere for a pleasant evening in the bedroom and a restful night's sleep for you and your spouse. And while you're at it, don't forget to participate in this week's poll! Thanks for reading. Until next time,  Managing Editor Marriage Partnership magazine and the Marriage Connection To reply to this newsletter: marriage@christianitytoday.com advertisement
I Was Married to Jekyll and Hyde My husband's bipolar disorder was wrecking our family. Could I handle his quick-change personality? Restraining orders, liens, and broken belongings were furthest from my mind as I sat in my counselor's office sharing all the doors God was opening for my fiancé and me. "Journal these stories," she told me. "One day you may forget how God orchestrated these blessings." Both divorced, John and I had met through a Christian social club. We began dating, and four months later, we were engaged. On limited budgets because of our past divorces, we were amazed at the numerous provisions that came our way. A friend donated beautiful wedding invitations. Another friend gave me my wedding dress and shoes. The owners of the place I dreamed of having our wedding offered it to us at a steep discount. Over and over we felt God's blessing. Surely that meant God intended us to build a life together. At our pre-marital counseling sessions, our pastor helped us explore our finances, parenting styles, and personality types. Cautious and carrying scars from our former unfaithful spouses, we left no stone unturned. On our honeymoon, God blessed us again, and a month later we joyfully discovered I was pregnant. Days later the nightmare began. | more |
REAL SEX "Is Cybersex Cheating?" And answers to other tough questions. HEALTH & HOME Bedroom Priorities Creating a sanctuary for rest and romance.
Invest in Fiscal Intimacy You can keep a few secrets from your spouse, like plans for a surprise birthday party or embarrassing nicknames that you were called in elementary school. But there's no secret category for finances. Money matters must definitely be discussed with your spouse. It's unfair to both of you if only one knows about your finances. Does this mean you have to present each other with daily cash receipts for your Starbucks coffee? Of course not. But you both need to have a general idea of how much money you've got and where it goes. Allowing financial secrets to add up can be expensivein more ways than one. —from God Is in the Small Stuff, for Your Marriage (Promise Press), by Bruce Bickel and Stan Janz
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