It takes a special kind of humility to admit when you are wrong. Now imagine admitting your mistakes to the world.
That’s exactly what local author Mae Chambers has done. Her book, “Can My Marriage Be Saved? True Stories of Saved Marriages,” is a collection of 22 stories from real couples whose marriages have been saved. The first story is her own, told with uncomplicated frankness.
Chambers, who co-wrote the book with her daughter, Erika Chambers, isn’t asking for her audience’s pity, or writing a cathartic memoir. Her story and those of 21 other couples have been compiled in a faith-based novel to encourage and uplift those in troubled marriages and help point them toward counselors and programs designed to save those marriages.
Chambers herself is still married to her husband and father of her three children, John. As a couple they faced down alcohol abuse, drug issues, verbal abuse and infidelity. Twenty-three years after their reconciliation, Chambers’ dream of bringing hope to couples through her story and others like it became a reality.
“Can My Marriage Be Saved? True Stories of Saved Marriages,” is quick to reflect Chambers’ history in education. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Miami University in Ohio. Each story rings with the same lesson: God can save your marriage if you let him. And each ends with a list of resources associated to that particular story, whether it’s contact information for organizations run by the couple in the story or for the resources they used to get through their darkest patches.
The book, released in March, is the first in a three-part series discussing divorce and troubled marriages. Chambers said she hopes the books will help stem the tide of America’s rising divorce rate. As of this year, 41 percent of first marriages end in divorce, 60 percent of second marriages end the same way, and 73 percent of third marriages are headed for divorce.
Chambers’ daughter and co-author, Erika, is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. She works as editor in chief for Pass It On Publications and still lives in the area near her parents. She said being a child of a saved marriage has played a “huge part” in shaping her life.
Although the book has a clear religious theme, Erika insists the book is not intended to preach or teach theology, and that each true story was recorded simply to provide encouragement for couples who are having troubles of their own.
The range of topics the Chambers address is staggering, and all emotionally charged topics, from porn addiction to child loss, are swept up into the succinct tales of Bev and Tom, Ken and Nancy, Marnie and David, and so many others.
“Can My Marriage Be Saved? True Stories of Saved Marriages,” can be found online at christianbook.com.
In the spirit of their publisher, and Erika’s company, Pass It On Publications, the Chambers say their book is meant to be shared and put by friends into the hands of those who need to find hope.
