03/19/2026
💍 Loving Your Spouse Sometimes Feels Like Hugging a Porcupine
Good morning from Dr. Cyrus Williams.
Over the past few weeks, Dr. Williams has been deeply engaged in working with couples — through a marriage conference, equipping classes, Thursday night couples sessions in Norfolk, and a 12-hour marriage intensive with couples over the weekend.
One truth continues to stand out:
Marriage is hard.
But even though marriage can be difficult, the rewards are worth the work.
Dr. Williams shares a powerful image to describe marriage:
🦔 Sometimes loving your spouse feels like hugging a porcupine.
Porcupines have quills, and in marriage those “quills” often represent things like:
• Past hurts
• Trauma
• Unforgiveness
• Family of origin wounds
• Emotional pain carried into the relationship
These quills are not meant to push us away from one another.
Instead, they remind us to approach each other with gentleness, patience, and humility.
📖 Ephesians 4:2 reminds us:
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Healthy marriages are built when couples are willing to:
• Do the work
• Seek understanding
• Approach each other with grace
• Get help when needed
Marriage counseling can provide a safe place to work through the challenges that every couple faces.
Dr. Williams will also be offering another Marriage Intensive in the Tidewater area later this year, where couples can spend focused time strengthening their relationship.
✨ Remember:
Marriage is hard — but it is worth it.
If you and your spouse need support, counseling can help you grow stronger together.
