View Full Version : My Cousin


cheeriokeeper
10-14-2009, 04:40 PM
I need some advice on how to approach a sticky situation.
Here's some background...
My cousin is a Christian, 24yrs old, married twice, divorced once.
She is currently married to a citizen of Turkey. He is in Turkey, she is in PA.
He has to wait 19 more months to get his Visa to the US. My cousin wants to go to be with him in Turkey, but my Aunt (her mom) is convincing my cousin that she shouldn't go.

The thing with my aunt and cousin is this....we lost my grandmother 2 years ago, and my aunt lost her son (my cousin's brother) the year before that. They both still have much grief over these two deaths so close together.

My Aunt understandably does not want my cousin to go to Turkey because of many reasons. One of which is that my cousin is her only living family that lives close by. My aunt is married, but i feel that her marriage is not strong in faith, and is failing because my aunt is such a control freak.

My aunt called me the other night to "talk" to me about the situation. I think she wanted me to call my cousin and convince her to stay here in the US. My aunt was in tears. Crying about everything. Bringing up other things that she hasn't gotten over with her sister (my other aunt)...etc, etc.

So I told my aunt that I cannot and will not convince my cousin NOT to go to be with her husband. Afterall, the bible tells us to "leave and cleave." My aunt proceeded to hang up on me.

My cousin is distraught on what to do. She tells me her life "sucks." Her word. She wants to "get away." I told her what i thought...which is what God tells us to do...go be with her husband if that is what is in her heart and if that is what she feels God wants her to do. She tells me that she has prayed and prayed, but has got no "sign" or answer. She's a mess.
I don't know what else to tell her. I am just praying for her to come to a decision and for clarity in her life.

Her mother has been a dominant person in her life...ALL her life! making decisions for her, telling her what to do, etc. My aunt cannot let go of the apron strings...this is how my aunt was with my grandmother...tied to the hip! SO this is also a case of "generational" sin. UGH!
I'm just at a loss, and feel i should do something, but don't know what.

Luv4kids
10-15-2009, 07:08 AM
I think you did the right thing...your cousin SHOULD go be with her husband. Your Aunt is out of line. Your cousin is not getting a sign because its already clear in the bible - "leave and cleave" What else is God going to say? Just keep encouraging her to follow her heart and remind her what the word says about marriage... The Boundaries book by Cloud and Townsend helped me tremendously with understanding controlling people.
Praying with you CK for this situation. :hug:

memoriesmama
10-15-2009, 07:14 AM
I think you did the right thing...your cousin SHOULD go be with her husband. Your Aunt is out of line. Your cousin is not getting a sign because its already clear in the bible - "leave and cleave" What else is God going to say? Just keep encouraging her to follow her heart and remind her what the word says about marriage...
Praying with you CK for this situation. :hug:

:yeahthat:

lmy911
10-15-2009, 08:03 AM
I think you did the right thing...your cousin SHOULD go be with her husband. Your Aunt is out of line. Your cousin is not getting a sign because its already clear in the bible - "leave and cleave" What else is God going to say? Just keep encouraging her to follow her heart and remind her what the word says about marriage... The Boundaries book by Cloud and Townsend helped me tremendously with understanding controlling people.
Praying with you CK for this situation. :hug:

I agree!! Praying for your cousin's situation. :praying:

Phoebe_Rivera
10-15-2009, 09:16 AM
I think you did the right thing...your cousin SHOULD go be with her husband. Your Aunt is out of line. Your cousin is not getting a sign because its already clear in the bible - "leave and cleave" What else is God going to say? Just keep encouraging her to follow her heart and remind her what the word says about marriage... :hug:

I agree

cheeriokeeper
10-15-2009, 10:08 AM
Thank you ladies! It's just so clear to me....but my cousin is torn. I will keep encouraging her to follow God's word & her heart! :grouphug:

Phoebe_Rivera
10-15-2009, 10:18 AM
It is hard when you have your mother there making you feel guilty.

I had to deal with that with my mom until one I had to show her (although she knew) that according to the word, Rob was my family and she was now extended family and that I had to go where he went. He was my covering and I was no longer her responsibility. She did not like it but knew it was true and it became eaiser.

Phoebe_Rivera
10-15-2009, 10:18 AM
Also maybe her living will give her marriage the boost it needs. They will spend time together and bond. JMO

cheeriokeeper
10-15-2009, 10:20 AM
It is hard when you have your mother there making you feel guilty.

I had to deal with that with my mom until one I had to show her (although she knew) that according to the word, Rob was my family and she was now extended family and that I had to go where he went. He was my covering and I was no longer her responsibility. She did not like it but knew it was true and it became eaiser.

I like the way you put that...your husband became your "covering." Thanks!

Phoebe_Rivera
10-15-2009, 10:29 AM
I like the way you put that...your husband became your "covering." Thanks!

:thumbs: Maybe that will get her to understand