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Finding P.E.A.C.E. in Marriage by TaShawnda and Alton Jamison
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any years ago, I remember asking an older Expectation gentleman who had been married for more “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: But the expectation than 30 years … what is the secret to a great of the wicked shall perish.” (Proverbs 10:28) The second ingredient marriage? I thought he was going to say something like for peace in your marriage is having a positive expectation that your romance or exotic vacations. Instead, he said two words --- hard marriage will be successful. We can’t tell you the number of couples work. At the time, I was engaged and you can’t tell “love birds” that we have counseled and helped over the years who have had anything. I said to myself, “Oh, we may have an occasional such a negative outlook about everything in their marriage. Even argument, but we will be happy nearly all the time.” on our darkest days, we always had the hope that God could bring Life has a funny way of giving us a strong dose of reality. As us out --- even if that meant going to counseling. We never lost the expectation that God has a hope and a future for our marriage. they say, when the honeymoon phase is over, we truly wake and TaShawnda Jamison are the founders of The Empowerment Zone. This is a ministry up and smell the roses. In college, we Alton had disagreements like designed to “empower people for everyday life”, through products, events, and messages. In addition, they are the Pastors of The Empowerment Zone in Baton Rouge, which is a church any couple, but we didn’t have arguments until after we got Attitude plant that is launching in April 2017. Alton and TaShawnda Jamison have been sharing the married in July 2003. We quickly learned that in spite of all the gospel together for over 17 years. They met in college on the campus of Old “Be ye angry, and sinDominion not: let not the sun go down on your wrath.” and started teaching Bible Study together and the rest, they say, is history. God counseling, workshops and books we University have read, we still have to (Ephesians Attitude is definitely everything when it comes has gifted them in the areas of Families and Finances, and they have 4:26) been blessed to be able to share their message around the country. They have recently completed their first book work at maintaining peace in our marriage. Being good people to maintaining peace in your marriage. We’ve heard a thousand together: Purpose, Passion & Prosperity: 3 Keys To A Godly Marriage. They have a genuine or coming from a good family doesn’tlove guarantee peace. Being a about times for God and being transparent to others their failures successes. God has also say, but how you say it. We can say one thatandit’s not what you them with two beautiful children. For more information about Alton and TaShawnda Christian doesn’t guarantee peace. A blessed large bank account doesn’t little thing with an attitude and start World War III. Do you need to or The Empowerment Zone, please visit: www.empowerlives.net guarantee you and your spouse will be on one accord. Peace, my check your attitude? Are you causing added stress to your marriage friend, is a lifelong task that you have to work at on a daily basis. because of your tone and body language? Maybe it’s time for an attitude adjustment. In Amos 3:3, the prophet asked a simple yet profound question: Can two walk together, except they are agreed? When you are married, agreement is the centerpiece of establishing and Communication maintaining peace. If you and your spouse cannot find common “The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue ground and learn how to compromise, you will be ice skating talketh of judgment.” (Psalm 37:30) If you are always speaking uphill in your marriage. You can’t always find peace in the latest doom and gloom about your marriage, then you will have what book, fad or Facebook post. Often, you and your spouse will have you say. Number one, you have to speak life into your marriage. to look to one another and God and find peace. Below are some Secondly, you have to speak life into one another. Instead of critical tools you need to establish P.E.A.C.E. in your marriage: attacking, try to build up instead of tearing down.
Prayer
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) Prayer is the lifeline of a godly marriage. It is the glue that holds couples together. It is the foundation of the house. It’s the wheels on the car. Prayer is the crucible to true lasting change and peace within your marriage. Learning how to not only pray but to pray unbiased prayers so God can move on behalf of your marriage. Don’t say, “God please help my dumb husband to act right.” Say, “God help me to love my spouse unconditionally.” When couples come together in prayer, God is in the midst and He will move mountains on your behalf when you come into agreement. 12
MARCH 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine
Encouragement
“Cast all your care on him for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Often, peace in marriage is disturbed because of issues such as finances, kids, or jobs. But instead of allowing the cares of the world to pull you apart, use this scripture as a reminder that God cares for you and your marriage. Learn how, as a couple, to cast all of your cares on him.
TaShawnda and Alton Jamison