This week we’re chatting with Melodie Fleming, an adoptive mom of two who co-wrote The Dance of Restoration: Rebuilding Marriage After Infidelity.

Part 1: Melodie’s Adoption Story

Part 2: Why Write a Book about Marriages Damaged by Infidelity?


Part 3: Working Through Anger When Your Spouse Has Been Unfaithful


Part 4: Should You Confess Infidelity to Your Spouse?


How can a couple who has experienced infidelity fall in love again?
Many things must be navigated before love will again blossom in the marriage.

• The affair must be completely severed.



• The self-lies within the heart of the straying spouse must be faced and overcome.



• Significant progress must be made in the three movements of the dance.

When these issues are in place, advancement toward emotional oneness can be made. Consistency, time, and trust in God can help the unfaithful spouse be patient and supportive as the wounded spouse grieves and heals. Forgiveness needs to be extended. Rediscovering actions and words that bring the emotion of love can help. Learning to incorporate God’s truth into one’s prayers, speech, and meditation can also help.

How does prayer play an important part in healing from infidelity?
In our sections on forgiveness and rebuilding emotional love, we allude to a technique of prayer that Abel uses with his clients for many types of issues. We are currently working on a book about this kind of healing prayer.

Are you and Abel available for speaking opportunities?
Abel is a frequent teacher, preacher, and seminar speaker. He also has his own call-in radio program. He recently restructured his counseling practice to allow for more speaking and writing opportunities. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and can make presentations in either language. He can be contacted at (956) 682-5132 or at his temporary email address: ortegaworld@juno.com.

I sometimes accompany Abel and am available on a limited basis for other engagements, such as women’s ministry events. However, due to the ages of my children and to my ministry commitments, I do not accept many invitations. I am, however, a freelance writer and will consider providing inspirational, devotional, or self-help articles for a variety of venues, including web sites. I also collaborate with Abel on a wide variety of topics within his area of expertise. I can be contacted at melodiefleming@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks, Melodie, for sharing with us this week!