Press Release

Marriage Movement Strengthens as Divorce Rate Climbs

PRESS RELEASE

America’s divorce rate is at an all-time high. In an effort to stem the tide of divorce, many states—including Florida and Louisiana—are turning to their state legislatures to pass marriage covenant laws and marital preparation legislation. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has declared a “marital emergency” in his state. Ironically, the divorce rates in many parts of the Bible Belt are roughly 50% above the national average. Even President Bush has voiced his concern over the state of marriage in the U.S., proposing $200 million in federal funds and $100 million in state funds be spent on measures to promote marriage.

Despite all of this, many people still hold an idealized view of marriage. The National Marriage Project, a research effort housed at Reuters University, reveals that 94% of Americans in their 20s view marriage as a union of “soul mates.” The same group denies that marriage is an economic partnership, a path to parenthood or an extension of religious traditions.

Some sociologists support the view that divorce should be viewed as a normal social event in the course of modern families. Others, such as Atlanta psychologist Frank Pittman, a force in the grass roots “marriage movement,” disagree, calling such views extremely naïve.

One new book, Natasha Usher’s Fairy Tale Wedding (iUniverse, 2002), provides a mix of insight and entertainment regarding love, marriage and the like. A contemporary romance, the novel focuses on an Atlanta couple that, although forced into a loveless marriage, surprisingly finds love. Their assistance comes not in the form of government programs but through quirky fairy godmothers.

Heather Froeshl, editor of Quilldipper.com and noted reviewer, says of Fairy Tale Wedding, “[This work] takes the realities of hard knocks and mixes it with the fantasies…that many Americans harbor. Fairy Tale Wedding is a delightful read.”

Usher is the winner of the 1988 Dr. Sandra L. Cuni Award for Creative Writing. For more information, visit www.fairytale-wedding.net or call 770-300-0039.

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