“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Elohim, to those who are called according to His purpose.” — Rom. 8:28.
As most of you know, the Scott family was absent from our in-person Cord service at Rez this past Shabbat. Given how committed Corey and Helen are to the fellowship and to our weekly studies, all of us were curious and a bit concerned as to what was going on. Some of you have reached out to them directly to find out how they are doing. Since the events of last Shabbat touched us all directly, the Elders felt it was important to communicate directly through this message.
As some of you may have also experienced, Shabbat morning can bring with it certain unique stressors and for Corey and Helen, last weekend brought to the surface some latent issues that had been simmering below the surface for some time. When communication breaks down, it can affect the whole family, and Corey and Helen knew that the priority was to stay home and try to work things out.
Marriage is a refiner’s fire, and this couple went through a very challenging few days as they labored to reestablish healthy connection and communication. In an effort to provide outside counsel and support, Von and Pete met with Corey for a couple of hours on Sunday while Faith spent time talking with Helen at their house. Both Corey and Helen benefited from talking openly and honestly with friends who love them unconditionally and desire to listen without partiality and judgment.
Inviting others into your marital conflict requires courage and vulnerability; it can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and humbling to have others see you at your worst. However, the sad reality is that many marriages do not survive the storms of life precisely because husbands and wives do not have and/or want accountability and transparency from trusted brothers and sisters.
We are grateful to report that Corey and Helen made it through this storm with the gracious guidance of their heavenly Father and the prayer and support of the elders and spouses. The Scotts are continuing to set aside time to communicate this week so that no place is given to the enemy and so that all the good that the Lord wills is accomplished in their marriage and home. They have also asked Pete and Faith to continue to meet with them as a couple for a period of time while the new path forward is firmly set in place.
We want to state clearly that the elders got involved in this situation to provide counsel and support, not for any kind of discipline. There was no sin involved beyond what happens as we get into the flesh during relational conflict. We stepped in because we were concerned for dear friends who were clearly struggling with communication.
As hard as this week was, we believe it proved out why we lead the Cord with a plurality of elders who depend on the support of one another and their spouses. Thank you for continuing to pray for Corey and Helen and that all our marriages would be vibrant and healthy expressions of Messiah and His Ekklesia.
In Messiah,
The Cord Elders