Avis Ward

Gov. Sanford's Infidelity: A Triangle of Deception



Posted: Saturday, June 27, 2009

by
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens

A wedding ring symbolizes the commitment husband and wife have made to each other and their covenant relationship with God. The current affairs in the state of South Carolina involving the governor and a mistress have once again demonstrated the power of lust.

The interview with Mrs. Sanford gives more insight into this affair and credibility to some of the details. This man had the audacity to ask permission to continue the affair after his wife discovered a love letter in his office. She was there upon his request for help related to matters of the state. She was not meddling or snooping. She was being a helpmate to the man she married and helped campaign for governor.

It is sad when unfaithfulness is the cause for the degradation of a marriage. The wedding ring represents the circle of love in that union but reveals too often a triangle of deception. It is not my position to condemn our governor. He has been forgiven for his sins just as I have been forgiven for mine. What he must do involves repentance.

It is my prayer for husbands and wives to use this example as a means to recommit to each other. Anyone involved in an extramarital affair should choose between his or her spouse and the other person. Christ gives us a choice to choose whom we will serve. "One cannot serve two masters", is how it is stated in the Holy Scriptures.

Mrs. Sanford's public persona is one of grace and not grief. She's been exemplary in her position as a wife, mother and Christian. It would be easy for me to say he is not deserving of her but that is not my call. Based on my information, he would be forgiven and soon referred to as my former spouse, the governor.

June 2009 by Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for New Life

Avis is founder of El Elyon Outpouring Center, an Empowerment Outreach Ministry emphasizing God’s Unconditional Love and Grace and GeoVi’s Home for New Life, a nonprofit providing faith, hope, and love to teens, pregnant teens and their babies. She's CEO of Providential Coaching, a Christian Life coaching practice teaching young women how-to turn within for divine direction to learn and follow the plan God has for their lives. She's the host and creator of Devoted Housewives in the House of God, an Internet Radio Talk Show. Speaker, Seminar Leader and an Ambassador of Love. Avis respectfully acknowledges her deceased parents as her role models, and the hero and heroine in her life.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)
» left by Bruce Horst
2 years 206 days ago.
665 fans. Follow Bruce Horst on twitter!
Great article, Avis, I was hoping that you would weigh in on this issue, being from South Carolina.
 
Jean and I have been talking about this. I read a statement from Mrs. Sanford which said roughly, "I decided we needed to separate. I could not look my kids in the eyes with any self-respect if I allowed him to continue without any consequence."
 
Mrs. Sanford must be a very strong woman. All the politicians which have gone public with infidelity in recent memory made their confessions / announcements with their supportive wives quietly by their sides, except for Gov. Sanford. I could only guess that these wives did so to try to save their husbands careers. What a stupid reason!
 
Mrs. Sanford has my respect. If I was raising daughters I would hope to raise them with that kind of conviction.
» left by Avis Ward 2 years 206 days ago.
131 fans.
Bruce, I couldn't agree with you more about this being a strong woman. To have that kind of strength without revealing a cold demeanor can only mean she is in tune with her Creator.

She didn't stand next to him during his announcement/confession as the others did because she plainly stated "his career is his business" when asked. Her children come first and that's how it should be. They have 4 sons under the age of 17. I admire her as a woman of substance.

Thanks for your comments, Bruce. I guess I couldn't remain silent about it because I'm a South Carolina resident.
» left by Dr Clarence Rucker, Jr
from MI
2 years 206 days ago.
Thanks Avis, I respect the wife for her character as a mother. She refuses to honor her mate in wrongness. This is from a man, she deserves to be respected.
» left by Avis Ward 2 years 206 days ago.
131 fans.
Thank you, Clarence for reading and posting your comments. Mrs. Sanford has earned the respect of many men and women, I believe. As heiress to the Skil saw company, the lady is rich in more ways than one. She stands on principles that are rich in character and convictions. Hope you and yours are enjoying a lovely weekend.
» left by sue thom
from nj
2 years 206 days ago.
hi avis,
 
ironic that Mrs. Sanford's family business is a Skil saw company!
 
i think when one has inner strength, and spirit, it gives them the needed strength to go through their trials, while the weaker and more addictive personality can't handle the rejection. since her livelihood doesn't depend on her husband, i think it's a lot easier to bear than someone who would be left with nothing.
 
i think she is showing grace under fire,
thanks for sharing,
my best to you,
sue
» left by Ben from Brighton 2 years 206 days ago.
Mrs. Sanford's "livelihood" (material possessions) may have nothing to do with her decision. Most people marry for LOVE and not security. Many good people choose to stay and work on a troubled relationship for reasons like faith in God, belief in solid family values, honoring a vow, or once again, simply LOVE!
 
I would live in a tent to honor my vow to love and protect the ones that I love and would never sell-out for material possesions.
» left by Avis Ward from SC 2 years 206 days ago.
Hi Sue,

I agree with you, the lady is showing grace under fire. Thanks for reading and your comments. I know you are aware and understand money does not exempt us from troubles but having it during troubled times can certainly make things better. For it not to make one compromise their values (with or without it) is the mark of true character.

Hope you're have a great weekend, Sue.

Best regards,
Avis
» left by Ken McCreless
2 years 204 days ago.
85 fans. Follow Ken McCreless on twitter!
I have always felt that someone in a position of leadership who takes this course, whether it is the president, governor, or especially a pastor or priest, should give up their jobs without hesitation. It is not right for them to keep their jobs after such an event, no matter how much they cry.
 
It's so good to see you again, Avis!
» left by Avis Ward 2 years 204 days ago.
131 fans.
Ken, I'm in agreement with you. Trust should be earned again if those in key positions, as you mentioned, wish to continue in their chosen careers/positions. For politicians, the public gets to speak loudly and clearly at the polls.

Thank you for reading and the warm welcome, Ken. I always miss you and everyone when I'm away.
» left by Anonymous
2 years 204 days ago.
I am sooooo tired of Politician's morals.  Where does it end?
» left by Avis Ward 2 years 204 days ago.
131 fans.
...or lack thereof, Anon. They have morals that are unique to them, it appears. The divorce rate indicates they're not the only ones, however. They just happen to have the public spotlight. Thanks for reading and posting.
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