Hi, I have never before gone into this site but I found it by chance and I have some questions. First I would like to know who answeres my questions, is it like a priest?

Anyway I am Catholic. I have always been very close to God and I feel that having God in your life is the only thing that fills in that small emptyness in my heart. Regardless of what I think I have a friend that is having marital problems and unlike me is not too close to God.

I was in the diocese choir, of where I used to live, for 4 year since I was about 13 and sang in so many retreats and seminars that I think that helped me a lot! Throughout all these years my understanding of spreading the word of God here on earth has been a little blurry and I need advice as to what to do in my situation right now. I met my friend 2 years ago and she has had a very hard time with her husband. He seems to not respect her and drink every weekend with his friends over all the time and has gotten agressive with her from what I have seen. She has told me that she is not happy once before but seems to forget about it, like she just does not want to face it. I'm worried because they have 2 children and children are like sponges they see and learn everyting. I don't want to advise her to divorce him but I just feel she needs strength to do something about it. She is depressed, I can tell but I think she is in denial. They are not close to God and don't go to church or anything and I sometimes feel that I have to do something and I don't know what it is. She does believe in God and I have told her not to forget about God and prayer. I've even invited her to church but has never seemed intrested. My husband says I shouldn't force her and I have not I have merely told her I am going to church and if she wants to join me she can and that God is always there and is our comfort.

What do you think I can do or really should I do anything? I would appreciate some advice! Thanks ML

-- margarita (maita_l@yahoo.com), July 11, 2003

Answers

Hola, Margarita.

It sounds to me as though you are already doing the most important things -- praying for her and encouraging her to draw closer to God. You are a caring friend.

I'm sure that others will have some practical advice about how it would be best for her to respond to her husband's drinking and agressiveness. Those are very bad signs.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), July 11, 2003.