Sex and Pornography Addiction in Marriage with LeighAnn and Mike Schweser

Sex and pornography addiction are coming more to the fore in the
modern world as we see the effects of readily available explicit
material on the internet. Today we discuss these issues with
LeighAnn and Mike Schweser, a couple who have dealt with these
problems in a very personal way. After 18 years of a supposedly
happy marriage, Mike's use of pornography started to become
apparent to LeighAnn and even though there were denial and
attempts at new habits, the problems remained for years, leading
up to an affair and the near-end of their marriage. We hear from
our guests about the extreme challenges that they faced, the
important moments and how an undying commitment to each other and
God helped them come through the struggle together. 

It is a conversation about a lot of difficulty and shame but also
one with a huge message of hope for all listeners! The resounding
theme is the compassion and understanding that Mike and LeighAnn
fostered for each other in the darkest of times and this idea is
great for any couples that might be struggling, no matter the
issue. We hear about how this addiction is not actually about sex
but more about shame and emotions, the process of learning more
deeply about each other, the importance of faith in this process
of healing and more. Make sure not to miss this amazing story of
love, hope, and redemption!





Key Points From This Episode:


How LeighAnn and Mike met, their young marriage after school
and their shared values. 

The events that shook LeighAnn and Mike's marriage after 18
years. 

Feelings that came up for Mike when LeighAnn confronted him
about his issues.

Moving to Houston, travels to Africa and the secret lives
that developed for the couple. 

The letter that Mike wrote and how LeighAnn discovered the
affair he was having.

How LeighAnn learned about addiction and took the guilt off
of herself. 

The realizations that Mike had, attending counseling and
confession and breaking the denial structures. 

LeighAnn's thoughts on forgiveness and the grace that God
gave her. 

Support systems and the hope that our guests found in Pure
Desire.

The pervasiveness of struggles with pornography with today's
ease of access. 

Why masturbation is still sex outside of marriage and is
dangerous for later life practices. 

Creating a safe space to understand each other and addiction
better. 

Mature and patient decisions about recovery and maintaining
compassion for each other. 

The amazing moments of understanding and learning through
couples work together. 

Mike's hope in spite of denial and not knowing how he would
heal. 

Giving the seemingly impossible a chance and not giving up on
a partner. 

A final message of hope from Mike and LeighAnn!






Tweetables:


“Denial is not just a long river in Africa.” — Mike Schweser
[0:08:00]


“I made mistakes in our marriage too. I could have handled things
better when we started to disintegrate.” — LeighAnn Schweser
[0:23:48]


“Forgiveness is such a tricky thing and so many people have so
many different opinions about it.” — LeighAnn Schweser
[0:33:09]


“The goal is to develop, emotionally mature and start healing
those strongholds.” — Mike Schweser [0:43:25]





Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Mosaics of Mercy


Patrick Doyle Podcast


Pure Desire