Working on the news desk for two large news outlets years ago, I developed something called scanner ear.  Scanner ear is the ability to pick out certain things from the cacophony of noise you get from law enforement and fire department radio scanners. Listening to these used to be the way news agencies found out about fires or police activity.

In my post newsroom life, my scanner ear has been a blessing and a curse. It causes me to unwillingly pick up other people’s conversations in restaurants, and chatter on televisions or radios rooms away.  It was through a television that was “on” in another room that my scanner ear caught a “tease” for an upcoming segment called “divorce gets a glow up.”  Being a marriage ministry geek this naturally got my attention.

I watched in dismay as a panel of news commentators, two men and two women on the The Big Weekend Show (Fox News Network) tried to address the topic. It was as if I was watching fish flopping around on the deck of a boat struggling for breath and an intelligent thing to say.

The discussion centered on an article published by Axios titled “Divorce in America gets a glow up” by April Rubin.  The article itself addresses how divorce has become so normal and acceptable that it has also become commodified, it’s now “a major life milestone… just like weddings,” writes Rubin.  A milestone that is being celebrated with specialized “divorce parties” and the sale of products just for the occasion.

On the TV show set, co-host Lisa Booth asked, “Should divorce be celebrated like this?”  For the most part, the responses from the panel showed a disregard for the sanctity of marriage and ignorance of what marriage is. Not one person talked about the reality that marriage is by its very nature difficult and nurturing and maintaining it are necessary.

Commentator, Tomi Lahren responded she was conflicted on the matter, “I don’t think you should celebrate divorce. You should want to be in a marriage that’s lasting, that’s love filled. But if you’re in a bad marriage, a toxic marriage, and you need to get out, I don’t think there is anything wrong with celebrating that you got yourself out,” she said. 

Joe Concha won the dumb@$$ award of the day by attempting to make a joke about divorce and followed it up with one particularly dispicable comment, “If there’s no kids involved and you had to have a practice husband or practice wife I guess that’s ok because why be miserable going through this?” Seriously?  We’re condoning trial marriage on national TV?
 
The only person on the panel that seemed to have a clue was former Utah congressman, Jason Chaffets, who happened to mention he and his wife are celebrating a wedding anniversary this month.
 
“My parents got a divorce when I was a young teenager and it was really tough. As a young kid trying to figure this out, it was very difficult.  I don’t know if a celebration of something that failed, is the right thing. We want people to be happy and get on with their lives, kids are paramount. But you’ve got to marry the right person. My wife and I are going to celebrate our 33^rd wedding anniversary in February and I’m not letting her out of this,” Chaffets said. “We’re staying in it. I love it,” he concluded.

It was refreshing to hear at least one person on the panel show love and respect for marriage. The responses from the others were shh... short on substance to say it nicely.

Marriage isn’t easy, but it is something that is good and it’s worth it. Numerous studies have shown marriage is good for the men and women who enter into it. Marriage is also good for children. It’s good for the community and it’s good for the Church. No other institution has been invented that does a better job of raising the next generation of  human beings as marriage.  Marriage was designed by God for our good and deserves a place of honor in our society. Every marriage deserves to be nurtured and celebrated.

In the month of February, we celebrate National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14), World Marriage Day (Feb. 11) and Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14). Take this opportunity to celebrate your own marriage, the marriages in your family and friends and the marriages in your community.
 
Here are some useful links:

The National Marriage Week website offers a tool kit for those looking to promote marriage in their church or community.  This is a one stop shop that includes links to Catholic resources. Houston area organizations and churches are also having events in February.

Marriage Encounter Houston is holding a non-residential retreat for married couples starting on February 16-18.  St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in the Woodlands, TX is hosting a dance for married couples on February 10. The Knights of Columbus at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood, TX are also hosting a Valentine’s Day dance for couples on February 10.  Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the parish office or at the door.

If your marriage is in need of some special TLC, reach out to Stella Maris Center for one-to-one marriage care or a referral to professional counseling.