Kind of like Rebranding, but More Like Divorce

Kind of like Rebranding, but More Like Divorce

I know…I know.

My heart breaks, not for me, but for you.  For those of you who have known us and our story, who have loved us, laughed with us, and admired us from close and afar, I apologize for what I have to say.

Yes, apologize. Because early on, nearly a year ago now, I recognized that the reverberations of this moment would go beyond where my hands could touch, or my surface explanation could cover. I also recognize that sin can be such a destructive agent even to those indirectly connected to it.

In April of 2018, through the leading of the Holy Spirit I came to find that Michael was having an affair; the details of which I’ll never be cruel enough to post so publicly because of the delicate nature of it and for the protection of those affected.

It was literally earth shattering. The weeks and months that followed came with much turmoil, confusion, tears, and further discovery of what my marriage was like under the surface.

Unfortunately, though I tried my best (and I really do mean my best guys…) to salvage what was left, I was met with more lies, rejection, and rebellion. I still believed in the miracle-working God who would make true the promise He’d given us at 18 & 19 years old.

What I would find on this journey, however, is no matter how much God desires something for our lives, if we choose, deliberately, not to partner with Him for its fruition, we will not see it.

Such is the case here. Michael was not willing to put in the necessary work and walk the path of healing and full repentance required to see the restoration of our marriage. It took time, but when God finally gave me permission to let go, I received the Peace and Joy I so desperately needed to move forward, hand-in-hand with Christ.

So, it is with heavy heart that I announce that Mike and I are no longer together and have not been since summer of 2018. Our divorce has been finalized and we no longer have any physical, emotional, or relational ties to one another.

I WILL NOT let go of my platform because I believe that it is still so purposeful, even moreso now because of the vision God has given me to encourage and pull other women out of traumatic and hopeless situations. 

I love and am an advocate of marriage and by God’s immeasurable Grace I will be a wife to a great husband again. However, until then I thank God that before anyone else I’m Authentically Wed to Him.

I plan to share my personal journey of restoration over the past year in hopes of encouraging other women in ALL stages in life. I know this ministry is so purposeful and I’d be remiss to let go in shame what God gave me with pride.

Okay, so I know you have a million questions and I know you’re probably in shock, but PLEASE do not blow up our contact methods and flood us with questions. Due to the sensitive nature of the particular situation and the various families and lives involved we cannot discuss with you in detail.

Though I never thought this would be my life, this is my a part of my story.

On August 8th, 2016 I confidently stood before God and an audience and took vows with no trepidation or concern of what could come.  This is truly the end of a 6 ½ year era with beautiful and tragic memories. Michael will always represent my ability to love and be loved, but with much Joy, I look forward to what God will do with my future.

Here is what I want you to be assured of: I AM WELL, HEALTHY, AND WHOLE. Over the last 10 months I have been surrounded by accountability, committed to counseling, graduated grad school, started my career, and allowed God to have access to the rawest places in me concerning this situation. I’ve learned lessons I’ll never forget and have a holy reverence and gratitude for that season of my life; it created the woman you’re about to get to know. God has shown me that expedient recovery is my birthright if I choose to follow Him step for step and as his daughter, I do not have to hold on to people and things longer than necessary.

I love you all so so dearly. For those who have walked closely with us and me for the past almost year I thank God for you more than I’ll ever be able to utter, and I pray that the time and prayers spent will return back to you 100 fold.

My request from you all is prayer. Pray for my continued healing and wholeness. Pray that Hope never becomes a stranger and Pray that Christ the Redeemer would continue to be so in my life. I further urge you to pray for the heart, mind, and health of Michael and that he would one day fully allow the Lord to restore him and become the man God created him to be.

I leave you all with my favorite verse:

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

Authentically Yours,

Vernique Esther