IT STARTED in high school.
“We were originally in homeroom together in high school, here in Coffee County,” Doug Vaughn explained. Although he and his wife Dianne had known each other for three years at the time, their lives took different routes.
“I was a little wilder than she wanted to go with, so she never gave me any attention,” he added. However, after their divorces, their paths merged again, and this time, they were guided by a higher power.
DIVORCE AND REUNION
“God brought us back together,” Dianne said.
Their reunion occurred at a church, reaffirming their belief that divine intervention played a role in their reunion. This couple is living proof that when God has a plan, nobody else can stop it.
A CALLING TO HELP OTHERS
“We both really feel like this is what He wanted us to do: to help other people that are hurting,” Doug added.
Dianne and Doug’s separate journeys through divorce were painful, and they recognized that they weren’t the only ones hurting. They observed a lack of support for divorcees in their community and decided to channel their own experiences into a mission of compassion.
He explained they often received well-intentioned but unsatisfying advice to “just do the best you can.”
Their Christian faith played a significant role in their desire to help others. They were determined to offer guidance to those struggling with the emotional and practical challenges of divorce, focusing on healing and faith. Their journey of creating a supportive environment began in 2012 when a former minister from the Forest Mill Church of Christ asked them to lead a DivorceCare support group.
Their DivorceCare support program is a 13-week journey featuring 30-40 minute videos covering various aspects of divorce, including deep hurt, finances, childcare, loneliness, depression, and more. Dianne and Doug are quick to admit they are not counselors but individuals who have personally experienced divorce and have found solace and growth in their faith. The videos are presented by experts, each sharing valuable insights on different aspects of divorce.
SUPPORT AND SUCCESS STORIES
Navigating a divorce is an intensely personal journey, and Doug and Dianne have witnessed a myriad of struggles. The most common challenges they address include co-parenting, finances, and forgiveness.
“One of the biggest challenges is forgiveness,” Doug noted.
“It doesn’t make it okay if you forgive, but it makes you okay,” Dianne added.
The couple has witnessed countless success stories over their 11-year journey. One was a young mother who, against all odds, found the strength to rebuild her life. Another centers around a 50-year marriage that ultimately ended in divorce. Through their DivorceCare support program, this individual found a new sense of purpose, engaging in community service and experiencing a profound personal transformation.
AN INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING SPACE
Dianne and Doug strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for their DivorceCare support group participants. They welcome people of all backgrounds, denominations, and walks of life.
“We don’t care where you’ve been; we want to help you get to where you’re going,” Dianne said.
They focus on moving forward, letting go of the past, and supporting one another on their journeys to healing and growth.
The Forest Mill Church of Christ, where Dianne and Doug lead the DivorceCare support program and Chrystal and Anthony Jaco serve as wonderful co-facilitators, has become a safe haven for individuals seeking serenity and guidance during their divorce. They emphasize that their goal is not to encourage new relationships but to help participants rebuild their lives with God’s guidance.
BALANCING ACT: LIFE BEYOND DIVORCECARE
For Dianne and Doug, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is paramount. They share hobbies like running their small business, D. Vaughn Designs. Additionally, they cherish individual adventures, like cycling, shooting, and exploring the great outdoors. This dynamic allows them to find personal fulfillment while sustaining a healthy relationship.
A MESSAGE OF HOPE
Doug and Dianne offer a hope-filled, powerful message as they continue to guide individuals through the ins and outs of divorce.
“We want people to know that good things are coming. You have a new story to write, and it looks nothing like your past.”
In the midst of heartache and adversity, there is hope, healing, and a brighter future ahead. Doug and Dianne’s message is simple: Unwavering faith in God’s plan and a commitment to helping others find strength in vulnerability is the key to living and giving from the heart. GN
