I am a 24-year old single lady. I’m self-employed and live at home with my parents.

I grew up in a godly home, was taught the Bible, and was home schooled. My parents have taught me and my sisters the importance of the Proverbs 31. So, I strongly believe in biblical marriage and believe that raising godly children is a very high calling for a wife and mother.

The problem has come up as my parents have only one goal for me—to marry and have children. They believe a girl should stay at home with her parents, under their authority until she marries and is placed under her husband’s authority.

I’ve been content with this, but about a year and a half ago God began to do a work in my heart that it was time to move on. I feel so strongly that God would have me use these years to serve Him in a ministry that would not be possible if I should marry and have children. I’ve prayed much, asking God if He would have me stay single for the sake of the ministry.

My parent’s viewpoint is that if God had called me to ministry He would have shown it to them as well. I know the Bible tells me to honor and respect my parents, but does there come a place in my life where Christ becomes the greater authority?

My wife and I have been married for 25 years. I don’t believe in divorce even though our years together have not been happy ones.

She’s filled with anger towards me and refuses to go to counseling even though she can’t explain the basis for her anger. I’m very frustrated, but I don’t know what to do.