Calee Reed on How God Led Her Through Divorce to a Family She Never Expected

Singer and songwriter Calee Reed struggled with being a single mother and wondering why God let it happen. Watch as she shares what helped her gain faith in God's timing and led her to where she is today.
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LDS Living gives expression to what it means to live as a Latter-day Saint. By sharing practical information and seeking out the best things in LDS culture, we hope to empower our readers to make the most of the joys and challenges of life and enjoy their unique heritage to its fullest. We provide articles that inspire and uplift our readers with endless ideas, featuring articles online and in print on issues real-life Latter-day Saints are dealing with, recipes, self-help, parenting and relationship advice, behind-the-scenes looks, and in-depth coverage of a wide variety of topics important to Latter-day Saints.

[@saraulrich1]

This gives me hope. Praying God will help me find a husband. Divorced life is so hard and heartbreaking.

[@kathymaxwell8286]

God may be quiet, but he is never absent!

[@warrensmith2902]

Been there gone through that, and am now married to he most amazing woman who is my best friend. Blessing do come on the Lord's timing.

[@lookingupwards8652]

I am truly happy for both of you.

[@clarasuccess]

She is a lovable sister with courage and positivity.

[@micahvuki3917]

For all the people hating on this woman, shame in you. The God I believe in knows that he created his commandments. However, he knows our hearts as well, a long with our trials that we have and are currently going through. These people are no different than anyone else. They may live by different standards that may seen strange to us, but they aren't perfect or free from what the world can throw at them. I think anyone with a sound mind, religious or not, can respect anyone that leaves due to the infidelity of their significant other. Stop hating on this person because she's not of your belief.

[@angelazeman1375]

Where are all the hateful replies? Were they deleted? I don't see one!

[@emilyd9837]

Thank you for sharing your story. You are so right. EVERYTHING is in the Lord's timing. Divorce is rough, but so is breaking up with who you thought you were going to spend eternity with. I was dating this guy for about a year. When I knew a proposal was coming up, I felt like it was expected and that maybe this is what everything was leading up to. I said yes, but couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. We had gone through a TON throughout our year that ultimately helped build each other up in many ways. But it still didn't feel right continuing in the same direction together. When I found out one night of the potential of having off work the next day, I felt a strong urge and promised myself to go to the temple if that was true. I made it to the temple the next day. It was a Saturday and extremely crowded. A lot of waiting, but it gave me plenty of opportunity to peacefully think and pray. By the end, I had my answer of no on marrying him. I was heartbroken, yet at the same time felt this underlying sense of peace that gradually continued to grow with that answer. That was over a year ago. I testify to anyone reading this, that there is a plan for each of us. There will be plenty of bumps in the road along the way that we can definitely get through if we keep our minds and lives in tune to have the Holy Ghost with us to guide us. And most of all, this is all in God's timing. There are reasons why we might not see for days, months or even years. Maybe we don't even realize that those answers had gradually integrated into our lives until we look back and notice. Don't give up or feel discouraged. You are never alone no matter what you are going through. You can find joy in the journey of life. Learn to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart... and he will direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

[@couponlady7240]

I'm so glad that you trusted the answer you received from the Holy Ghost so much! You can be sure that "what would have been" is not as good in Heavenly Father's eyes than "what can be". I'm sure it has been much more than hard, but I can reassure you that it's not as bad as a poor quality marriage or divorce. Also, having confidence in Heavenly Father's approval really does wonders for strengthening a marriage. I also think that there isn't a better "match-maker" than Heavenly Father. His ways aren't like ours, but as you actively strive to do your part at being obedient to Heavenly Father, in His timing He will bring you and your eternal companion together, forever. Best wishes to you as you continue to "trust the Godhead always".

[@kahealani8502]

Thank you so much for this.

[@Kevnbek]

Thank u so much

[@ElizabethRC]

A beautiful story of hope after pain.

[@brandon6231]

Theres nothing beautiful about divorce. It's violence. A sin. And an abomination of God. Stop promoting it

[@britneyharding1233]

It's so funny you talk about the quote from Elder Maxwell about faith in the Lord includes faith in His timing as being that it can sometimes mean move now. My sister in law gave me a fridge magnet with that quote on it when I had been married for 3-4 years and still trying to get pregnant to start our family. Eventually, we adopted our first daughter after 9 yrs of marriage. Then we adopted again after another 3 yrs. In my heart I had felt that we had a boy waiting but then 6 yrs went by and I was trying to let that go. I thought the timing meant I was hoping for something that wasn't coming. Then we adopted our son. Up to the beginning of 2019 I had held out hope that I would still be able to get pregnant and have that experience so precious to most women. I decided I was too old being that I was turning 40 at the end of the year and my husband and I had been married for 20 yrs in April. I mean the timing could not be any more wrong in my opinion. Then boom! March of 2019 I find out I'm pregnant. We now have another perfect daughter. His timing can be frustrating and confusing BUT it is always perfect 💖

[@couponlady7240]

I saw someone go through a long wait before children. They struggled, even to the point of seriously being concerned for her life for weeks, but were blessed with 2 sets of twins and one in the middle! Her struggle has made her a much better version of herself! She loves people so much, and is able to open the doors to her home to more people than I know. Many have been strengthened, enlightened and found much more joy ... but the part most people don't see is the journey before the present. I love that you have a heart that loves to love others. Congratulations on finally being able to have a child of your own too! There are many kinds of love and joy.

[@Golf2foto]

Wow!! Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring testimony!

[@dariceballard5717]

I can sooooo relate with you. Every time I watch you or listen to the words you sing my body feels peace love kindness( I cry Im happy im at peace) Its so hard to explain but when I hear and sing your songs all around my house I feel so good. thank you for sharing with me. I went through a divorce a while back and have been married to my husband now for almost 20 years. I feel like if we met we would be good friends. Thank you.

[@victoriahuff4313]

Thanks for sharing. I had a very similar experience! You put into words what I was feeling.❤

[@cjyuan7296]

Your story made me cry can relate so much 😭thx for sharing this

[@traczebabe]

Thank you for sharing this. It really helped.

[@veronabriscoe595]

I wish my journey was as simple! I've been wondering in the wilderness for over 30 years. I appreciate you're music which really Inspires me to continue on my journey to write and sing again. Beautiful large family, you are blessed. 🙏🏽

[@MarleeCraig]

Oh I loved this, what a beautiful journey and message, thank you for sharing ❤

[@hollywaite1388]

I love that you share your faith and trust journey Calee. I have been a fan of your music for a very long time. I, too, have adopted children. I love that you recognized God's Hand and moved on it. Blessings to you and John and those lovely children you get to raise. God bless 🙌 🙏 ❤️

[@babybobbie1000]

Calee I hope you see this comment, but rewatching this years later and listening to you talk at the end about knowing how you will probably be in a hard spot and be waning again. I hope your own words can be helpful and give you the comfort you need through your health challenges.

[@kahealani8502]

I feel so much strength from watching and taking this in. God as a plan and If we are Prepared, We Shall not Fear!😍

[@brandon6231]

God isn't leading us through divorce. That's the devil. Let's get that straight

[@sheramisusabyrahelagrozdan5221]

Just what I needed to hear today. God 's time !

[@davidlyman5155]

So happy for you, congrats!

[@kaitlynjack5457]

Really needed to hear this!

[@01ttingey]

Sooooo happy for you!! Thx for sharing!! ❤❤❤

[@ZA-qk2og]

This is good stuff! The church and culture needs more of this! So many of us have felt like this! ❤️❤️❤️

[@HerTruth2024]

Thanks is all I can say and I thank the father for allowing you to make this video

[@rebeccalarson7995]

Great story!

[@marisabeckwith]

I’m sorry for what you get through with divorce. It’s really hard during divorce. I get through it before. I have a son who is precious child. You did great! I’m glad finally you met your true love again.

[@brandon6231]

Divorce is sin. Stop promoting it

[@aglobetrekker4781]

How can you feel good when you are divorced and remarried, I believe this is living in fornication.

[@escondidostake]

Calee...you probably don't remember me, but I do you!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful love story! I am so happy for you and for your beautiful family. He never said it would be easy, He only said it would be worth it. I know, that although we may not think He's with us, He is always there, and loves us, and will help us get through the "not so easy" times. He gave us free agency, which means He would not alter anyone's choices. We just need to trust Him, as you did, and do, and stay on the path back to Him, regardless of what the circumstances are in our lives. I wish you and your family well. Please say hello to your Dad for me. RoseMarie

[@KManwarren]

I appreciate you sharing your story. I'm not Mormon, but I know the Lord as a Christian and believe that He is faithful and always near, even when He is quiet. By the way, your family is truly lovely.

[@markjolyn94]

We love your story. You remind us of Al Fox. But your story is much like our's,and we are so grateful someone else is insane too

[@danishpastries3941]

I am going through this very thing. I felt that God was quiet also. But then I got a blessing from my stake President and Bishop, and calmness came over me. I just knew it was time to leave my marriage that was destroying me. I felt such peace and after I made the decision to leave him, God has not been quiet. He has been there ever since, one small miracle at a time. It has been AMAZING! I know there is happiness in my future for me and my kids. I am learning to trust my Father in Heaven more fully. I love your song " Broken and Beautiful" and it is filmed in my neck of the woods.

[@mayrahq]

Thank you Nina, you are so brave.

[@Sylinic]

This is so bizarre hearing about God encouraging someone to divorce. Divorce is a serious sin. God help our society. Jesus Christ specifically admonishes divorce and adultery. Divorce is a serious cancer to our society and to claim God prompted a divorce just makes my head spin

[@maunder01]

@@Sylinic ? God divorced Israel?

[@Sylinic]

@@maunder01 Look at all yall doing mental gymnastics to justify Divorce as a good or acceptable thing

[@maunder01]

@@Sylinic God divorced Israel because of her ongoing adultery. God does not sin. You are not God and do not know each individual heart or circumstances. Please understand divorce is not always a sin, however is the result of sin. I would never say it is a good thing. Anyone who is on the side of being divorced with no choice, understands the anguish it causes.

[@skyhiker9669]

Wonderful!

[@melissacustard7543]

She’s so funny and sweet hahah love her personality and so happy for her. Thank you for your testimony, Currently going through a separation and it’s been difficult.

[@salineexo4643]

This gives me hope thank u

[@gail2698]

God bless you sister

[@CessyW]

God bless you

[@graciefluckiger3005]

I am going thro this it is sooo hard.

[@jakeatherton5523]

You have a beautiful family

[@raimondasmarciulevicius7599]

LDSLiving & Calee, good job. Together we are strong :) :)

[@thormatt2963]

My LDS now ex-wife un- justifiably(my opinion) initiated a divorce and then started a secret relationship with an old boyfriend over the phone and internet. She ended up taking nearly everything and used the proceeds to buy a million dollar home, a Mercedes, and now collects $$$$ from me monthly. She married the boyfriend 3 weeks after divorce was finalized. Its funny how divorce initiating women want to sever all ties with their man except for those financial. Something just not right about this.

[@karisamullen4279]

She shouldn't get anything but child support after remarrying. Let her have it $. You're better off without her, and she'll stand before God one day. Keep your heart pure, forgive, move on. Trust in God always and he will turn everything to your good in time.

[@thormatt2963]

@@karisamullen4279 Thanks for the kind reply.

[@clairebearie87]

Money is fleeting, not important like the soul which is eternal. Sorry this happened to you but you are free from her-doesn't sound like a nice person really

[@PunsandPixels]

I’m in the opposite side of this cruelty. Husband one day out of the blue said he didn’t love me anymore and wasn’t happy. Slowly I found out the truth. He was having an emotional affair with a coworker. Worldly woman. We have three young kids, youngest is only 9 months old. It’s so cruel and unfair. And I wonder will I be able to remake my life with a man who loves God and wants to serve Him and raise a righteous family? And especially with three young children? All of this is so so unfair.

[@nancypenarrieta4741]

🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@antoinettebranellec5374]

All Glory to Almighty God in Christ Jesus' name through the Power of His Holy Spirit Amen. May Almighty God continue to Bless you and your precious family and ministry in Christ Jesus' name Amen.

[@kimberlytousley3450]

❤️

[@nadanalia3000]

Love this! She is so adorable ❤. God is great!

[@tinacampbell3941]

Well don’t know what I’m doing wrong..... been 15 years for me since my divorce😢😢😢😢

[@halstrong6455]

Don’t get that in your head. You’re amazing and you never know what’s on the other side of the hill until you climb it. It may take time and lots of effort, just Trust God. “You can only connect the dots looking backward”

[@tinacampbell3941]

@@halstrong6455 awwww thanks so much for your words of encouragement. Sometimes it’s just sooooooo hard to see and the lonliiness gets sooooo hard at times☹️ Thankyou tho for your kind words🤗🤗🤗

[@av2155]

15 is a # of change❤❤❤

[@NsTheName]

@@tinacampbell3941 I so understand you, though our situations are different. I'm 31 going on 32 and never been married. I've had many thoughts about why not me? Why is it never me? Am I doing something wrong? I'm I too heavy? Do I not have interesting things to say? Yada yada. Even though it's natural for those thoughts to come, they're so destructive. God has a plan for us and I will be the first to admit that I hate the interim...but I love and trust my Heavenly Father so I'm trying to practice faith and patience. It'll happen for us both some day, even if that day is the millennium. Saying it feels suffocating, haha, but all will be well someday. This life was never meant to be perfect, but we are meant to endure it well. Thinking of you, sister!

[@tinacampbell3941]

@@NsTheName yea and here’s someone who gets divorced and is remarried right away Makes noooooooo sense to me Definitely backwards

[@maunder01]

So what about divorce and remarriage being adultery Matthew 19:9.... What do you all believe?

[@xaviersonofgod4464]

Well, I see 3 exceptions for why someone can be remarried 1. Death of a spouse 2. Absolutely horrendous patterns of abuse of a spouse 3. 1 Corinthians 7:15, being left by an unbeliever. There is an inner witness (as was called by John Wesley's father) that will tell you what to do, when, and why(sometimes on this last point we get the answer, but more often the answer we get is "trust Me") What God has put together, let no man separate. Absolutely! But if a marriage is the work of a man's hands, and only one is saved at first, and the other rejects Christ, and the spouse who got converted is left, they are not bound in such a situation.

[@grant2149]

@@xaviersonofgod4464 False.

[@monty-365]

You’re insaneness is beautiful🥰

[@bertbrown1823]

I Would like to know what led to the divorce...that would help people also.

[@melissawerner6309]

She said waning!! I've seen this phenomenon that I call waxing and waning in my life and relationships with others.

[@manuelag2128]

IS the Word of GOD still the Same today?

[@maunder01]

What do you mean?

[@clairebearie87]

Of course it is because it is the LIVING WORD of GOD. Let it SPEAK to you..not just be judgement on a page as the devil wants you to read it as

[@tryingtogetitright6038]

It doesn’t seem that way. People make it mean whatever they need to for their situation.

[@lexus99cl]

Its weird to hear postive stories like this bc after going through same and being single father when wife walked out you don't belive in this anymore. Still single father with kids and I Don't belive in this positive happening. Just like watching a movie with some of these stories

[@kahealani8502]

Keep going, Believe It will be okay♡

[@TheShamuraja]

Talk to your pastor or priest on what you should do. Get active!! Get into a men's group. Whether getting your wife back or remarrying. You will figure it out!

[@christianelder4983]

"And He said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery." Luke 16:15-18.

[@grantmoon624]

But isn’t that adultery?

[@leb7860]

Breaking covenants with God is never ok. Sealing are covenants.

[@fanifauyee9933]

“Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven,” Christ taught in New Testament times. And in our day: “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.” It is, however, important for some of you living in real anguish to note what He did not say. He did not say, “You are not allowed to feel true pain or real sorrow from the shattering experiences you have had at the hand of another.” Nor did He say, “In order to forgive fully, you have to reenter a toxic relationship or return to an abusive, destructive circumstance.” But notwithstanding even the most terrible offenses that might come to us, we can rise above our pain only when we put our feet onto the path of true healing. That path is the forgiving one walked by Jesus of Nazareth, who calls out to each of us, “Come, follow me.”..............a latter day prophet of the Lord has revealed a way out for the abused/oppressed spouse 🙏🏼❤️......Elder Jeffery R Holland ......”The Ministry of Reconciliation “

[@maunder01]

Breaking covenants? Please elaborate

[@fanifauyee9933]

@@maunder01 Ask Elder Jeffery R Holland, an apostle of the Lord! ...........it’s clear to me!.....A spouse breaks his/her marriage covenants when the abuse they stubbornly excercise on to the other spouse is unrepented of!............A toxic marriage is where the victim’s sanity or life is in danger .........so when the Lord’s apostle says that the Lord “DID NOT SAY IN ORDER TO FORGIVE FULLY YOU HAVE TO REENTER A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP OR RETURN TO AN ABUSIVE, DESTRUCTIVE CIRCUMSTANCE”,........that means to me that for eg. sisters in such marriages have a way out........whereas traditionally, sisters stuck it out at their peril believing that this was the only way to forgive their spouse! NO........they can exit the harmful relationship of which the husband proceeded to break the covenant relationship of husband, wife, and God........and God has revealed His will through Elder Holland!!...........notwithstanding, it is incumbent upon the sister to forgive the offending spouse!

[@frozenrose87]

Yes, in the sealing ordinance, husband and wife make a covenant to both God AND each other, and sometimes one of the spouses breaks the covenant they made via adultery or abuse and divorce is the best way out of THEIR broken covenants for those who aren't breaking them. Because we can't force people to keep their covenants even if they should be. And the marriage was agreed to and performed on the basis of those covenants being HONORED. So, before you judge, remember that divorce is more often than not the result of already broken covenants and hearts and lives than the breaking of them itself. And divorce for selfish reasons is different than divorce for self preservation.

[@jonyoung6405]

If you want truth , take a Bible Concordance and look up the word “ divorce”. Read every verse,. You will hear straight from God on this matter.

[@maunder01]

What is your interpretation of it Jon?

[@jonyoung6405]

Hello Maunder, I learned that God takes marriage and divorce much more seriously than most church’s and Christians do. Remarriage has little wiggle room unless a spouse dies. Look up “ marriage “ and then “ divorce “ with a concordance. Take your time , make notes as you go . That way you don’t have take some random YT video for advice. Take care.

[@charmainerene3995]

@@jonyoung6405 amen

[@missc5569]

People will never want to listen to the truth. the LORD never changes. But it’s is written in the last day. 2 Timothy 4:3 New International Version 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear Revelation 2:22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, If your reading this please search the scriptures please I’m JESUS name. 🙏 don’t be deceived by your own desires. Btw I’m divorced but I choose Christ Jesus. It isn’t easy for me either but it is also written Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ❤️🙏 choose the Narrow Gate my brothers and sisters 🙏

[@maunder01]

It also states that in the last days they will forbid marriage.

[@digittydog]

It isn’t right to use the name of God and emotions to justify and encourage non biblical divorce. So you had a child and it was hard. Your life changed. You were emotional. None of that was God telling you to file for divorce. Whatever is creating this “magical” feeling you are following will not last.

[@Therealhump]

If you divorced other than adultery or abandonment then you’re wrong.

[@rcsandfun7216]

Sorry I’m not sold I’d love to hear the other side of the story from the guy. Notice how she says she just kind of agreed to get divorced but 80% of women file for divorce and now that poor little kid has a broken family to deal with. Does she have 50% custody or does she withhold the poor guys visitation to collect more child support? Just find another guy and everything‘s OK right? My narcissist red flags warnings are turning on listening to her.

[@clairebearie87]

I'm sure it's not really a poor little kid.I didn't have any siblings or a father around growing up and would love if my Mum met someone who adored her and treated her well. I would be happy if she was happy. Too much focus on how the kid will feel. I lived a lot with my best friends family who's Mum re-married the most beautiful christian man I have met. Everyone's lives would have been different if she'd stayed with the dead beat alcoholic ex

[@josephwalker2646]

(Bible says, God comes by the truth of your heart is your crown)means/corona, we are the word of God and our actions are the signs of word, welcome to the corona/tion. Each sentence in the Bible is a sentence from order and each sentence is a year sentence as (1 in the beginning was the word) and (2 the word was with God) and (3 the word was God) (4 and the corona/crown has placed us as word six feet of firmament from each other.) Truth of word flows eternally forward as the distortion of truth is number, numb/cold power numb/ber. The multitudes are being taken back from death/darkness as legion is many took everything from all the word. The light in the darkness is this grain of earth within this universal body and it is protecting all of life as you have a Galactic cell out there and this Galactic cell we are in right now is the body of Christ, you live the body of Christ within Omega as you have all word/will of creation upon you within each cell is a throne for all word of creation, you have your will/word of creation upon equal me/a/sure, you are a universal body, when this is over you will be shown all your action and consequence upon your Galactic realm and when trust is earnt you will claim your universal body again within this multiverse. (universe/unity of verse/unity of word. I wrote a book it is all over the world and the more I try to announce it the more I am shut down. The book is, The last shall be the first and the first shall be the last by Joseph Darrell Walker. If you know the Bible then you will know everything. Voices in head are not mental, think positive and legion as he is many will leave. Genesis/Moses isn't leading us into the darkness he is walking us out of it, so read 4,3,2,1, and it will make better sense.

[@stringsandwood8661]

Sad

[@KingJonathanThe1st]

Good ol 21st century; where it’s normalized to be a homosexual and divorce and remarriage is normalized.

[@tjrizzo1619]

God doesn’t support divorce but he lead her through her divorce?

[@dollyhooks2436]

My only issue in marrying a widow would be who is he spending eternity with? Im not sharing a husband in the next life...I don't care how much love will be there. Although jealousy will be non existant...Theres no way Im being a 2nd or third, fourth wheel.

[@Denise-ob8dk]

We're not married in heaven.

[@brandon6231]

Divorce is sin. Remarriage is adultery. This is an abomination of God.

[@katiebr]

He left her and her new husband was a widow , “if a husband leaves his wife he would give her a document of divorce” , is on the Bible, so is the affair.

[@brandon6231]

@@katiebr what people don't seem to understand is if the spouse forces the divorce you are still required to reconcile with your covenant spouse or remain sexless and unmarried til your spouses death. What they also don't understand is that the original Hebrew Greek Bible says adultery is only an exception for divorce during or prior to the engagement. God hates divorce as explained in malachi and a dozen other places in the Bible. Marriage is for life until your spouse dies. The widow is committing adultery by marriage to this person who is still married biblically

[@katiebr]

@@brandon6231 would stay in a abuse relationship until death ser you apart? Sure death would set you apart very soon! Who are you or me to judge?? Only God knows the pain of betray, abandonment and rejection! Why don’t you switch with someone that is going thru that?? God hates divorce but he also hates those marriage that doesn’t glorify Him, also infidelity, abuse, abandonment and rejection, ask Him! Jesus already died for me and you, why would I die for someone so early in my life? Abuse marriages leads to death, probably a cancer , feel free to stay in one because I would never! God is the God of second chances, His mercies overflow! Not only study your bible but spend time in prayer, He will show you 👍

[@brandon6231]

@@katiebr there's nothing in the Bible that grants divorce for alleged abuse. Every detail baby wife that wants to make a mockery of the Bible cries abuse. That's why God wrote the Bible as is. You don't like the bible and wanna play the victim card take it up with God. We're not buying your BS drama. Bye Felicia

[@katiebr]

@@brandon6231 stay in one then like that, and good luck! my God is not that one you think. lets see if your daughter were abused by a husband.. would you tell her to stay? ha! God have mercy of your judgment!