View on divorce?
Hello all,
I am a little lost at the moment…
I was raised and am still a practicing member of the LCMS faith. I married my husband over 14 years ago, and he completed confirmation classes to convert from Catholicism…
After having our youngest child my husband hit our oldest child (8 at the time) across the face and back hard enough that it left handprints while I was at work. I insisted that he take parenting classes, anger management, individual counseling and we take marriage counseling, which he did begrudgingly. He was arrested by the county and had a trial. He blocked me going back to school so I could support myself and our children fully alone in the event he was placed in federal prison stating that he thought I would leave. I bartered with the county to give him a deferred sentencing so he didn’t lose his job and retirement. (5 years without any further issues down to even a speeding ticket or he goes to federal prison without trial.) He still believes what he did was not wrong. I have been through so much grief, and change since then, (loss of a parent, and health concerns) and the relationship has not gotten any better and I do not feel supported in my marriage. He has told me it was my fault CPS got involved because I took our son to school knowing they would report it. I tried my best to give it time for us to work on strengthening our relationship, however he stands by what he has done fully like it is not a shameful act. I tried looking through scripture for any sort of answer on what Gods view might be on these circumstances, but have found nothing in favor or against leaving after child abuse. It has been three and a half years since these events took place, so it isn’t as though I haven’t given enough time or tried hard enough to repair…
I am too embarrassed to bring this to my pastor, as I do not think I want any further mediation since his views have not changed.
Please give me any insights on what my next steps should be.