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Hi, I need some prayers and advice. A little backstory is necessary.
My wife and I have three kids, one of whom has autism. Wife has bought into the theory that vaccines caused my son's autism. What began as the belief that one specific ingredient in vaccines caused one specific condition (autism) has morphed over the years into her believing that vaccines kill thousands annually, are a plot by drug companies to keep us sick, have never eradicated any disease, etc. She has also slowly accepted a wide variety of conspiracy theories and otherwise questionable ideas. This has created tension in our home, as you might imagine.
She has many complaints against me -- perhaps the main one being that I don't share her anti-vaccine and anti-medicine views -- but one that seems to be especially big for her is that she says she "cannot trust me" anymore. Her lack of trust seems to stem from two things:
1. For a short time, I agreed with her about vaccines until I investigated further and found the ideas implausible. She considers this a "betrayal."
2. I have discussed our domestic situation with friends, some of whom are mutual friends. This is what friends are for, I think -- to talk about problems, to uplift, to encourage. But she considers this unacceptable and says that I have "talked trash" about her and "poisoned our friends against her." (No. I have only talked specifics about what occurs. No name calling.)
My question: What are some things I might do to regain her trust? Granted, she has major anger issues to work through, and she does seem unwilling to do this. (She has indicated that she "doesn't think she can ever love me again" and so forth.)
I am in constant prayer and know that God will see me through this difficult time. But anything I can do to help soften her heart and help the Holy Spirit work in her, I want to do. Advice, please? Let me know if you need further elaboration on this situation.
I know this is a lot for a newbie to ask. Thank you for listening and praying with me.
My wife and I have three kids, one of whom has autism. Wife has bought into the theory that vaccines caused my son's autism. What began as the belief that one specific ingredient in vaccines caused one specific condition (autism) has morphed over the years into her believing that vaccines kill thousands annually, are a plot by drug companies to keep us sick, have never eradicated any disease, etc. She has also slowly accepted a wide variety of conspiracy theories and otherwise questionable ideas. This has created tension in our home, as you might imagine.
She has many complaints against me -- perhaps the main one being that I don't share her anti-vaccine and anti-medicine views -- but one that seems to be especially big for her is that she says she "cannot trust me" anymore. Her lack of trust seems to stem from two things:
1. For a short time, I agreed with her about vaccines until I investigated further and found the ideas implausible. She considers this a "betrayal."
2. I have discussed our domestic situation with friends, some of whom are mutual friends. This is what friends are for, I think -- to talk about problems, to uplift, to encourage. But she considers this unacceptable and says that I have "talked trash" about her and "poisoned our friends against her." (No. I have only talked specifics about what occurs. No name calling.)
My question: What are some things I might do to regain her trust? Granted, she has major anger issues to work through, and she does seem unwilling to do this. (She has indicated that she "doesn't think she can ever love me again" and so forth.)
I am in constant prayer and know that God will see me through this difficult time. But anything I can do to help soften her heart and help the Holy Spirit work in her, I want to do. Advice, please? Let me know if you need further elaboration on this situation.
I know this is a lot for a newbie to ask. Thank you for listening and praying with me.
