Melvin and Velma grew up during the Great Depression and were military veterans who got married shortly after World War II. They were the hardest working people I’ve ever known. They were also the unhappiest people I’ve ever seen. I am their only child.

From my earliest memories, there was always turmoil between Mom and Dad— harsh words, strife, and sometimes a big fight.

As an elementary school kid, in my bed at night, I would often pray, “Lord, when I get married all I want is a happy home.” Something I never saw in my parents’ marriage was what I wanted the most. There was an ever-present ache in my soul for peace and a sense of quiet calm at home.

Mom and Dad both passed away during my teen years. Their tragic, unexpected deaths caused me to be afraid. Suddenly, I was on my own. Fear began to nag at my soul and was present for some time. Certain thoughts would torment me: “I wonder how I’m gonna die?”

Freedom

Freedom came to my heart and mind in a prayer meeting when a wonderful pastor’s wife spoke these prophetic words to me: “The curse that’s been over your family is stopped with your generation.” She referenced a passage from Scripture, Galatians 3:13–14: “Christ redeemed us from the curse… by becoming a curse for us … that the blessing given to Abraham might come… so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

A happy home is a result of hearing and doing God’s Word.

I received that promise. I was really free from fear in my spirit and mind for the first time in my memory. This helped me to also realized that the opportunity to have a blessed and happy family was ahead of me.

In the years since we said, “I do,” my wife, Becky, and I have learned that a good marriage and happy home does not happen by chance. Loving on purpose, asking for and extending forgiveness, and giving God the primary position in our home makes it possible to enjoy our marriage and children.

A good marriage is a matter of choice. We daily choose to embrace God’s promises and to do what we say we believe. A happy home is a result of hearing and doing God’s Word.

A happy home is all I ever wanted, and I’m thankful this has been God’s blessing for us. I’m so glad this is the family story I can tell our children.