I saw this post last night but just read it and then shared some thoughts with my husband. He's well equipped in psychology of both men and women. His response to your husband wanting to attend your conference was, "I know what he is thinking as a man and that is; he needs to take charge, make it known he is the leader of his household and he needs to know that you honor him publicly. By doing that and knowing 100% that his wife respects him, he will attend the conference whether people "like" him or not and that is because you said [One of them told me they were sorry that happened to me and they assumed that we divorced]. They "assumed" meaning what your husband is gathering from that is you didn't deny it. He will plant his foot and he will make his presence known so anything you might want to tell him should be said now. I agree with what my husband had to say about this. It is the only rational explanation for him wanting to attend, especially if he has never cared to before. Also, it would be good to remember that you're the one who had him charged so it might help him if you could just be understanding about him wanting to prove his authority.
The other thing I'd like to address is,
"But I am worried about my job. I need to keep my income in case we don't stay on the same path"
This is a shame. Divorce rates are so high but when it also perverts the Christian community, that is a huge problem. We are not following the commands our Father in Heaven gave us. I wish, just once, I could read something other than this negativity on this forum, especially from wives. I myself am one, was married at 19 and I value my marriage more than anything on this earth, regardless of fights or any other petty things that might come our way. I, myself, come from a broken home. (I swore up and down from the time I was old enough to consider having a husband that I would never divorce and I'll go to death with that.) My home wasn't built on a solid foundation. My parents were not Christians. My dad had taken us to church when I was younger but when they lost their 2nd son, 4th child when he was only 4 months old, it drew them out of church, away from God and each other, which lead to separation when I was only 9 and finally divorce when I was 19.
That is the kind of nonsense we are willing to give up our earthly love for when God NEVER abandoned His church. They beat Him, spat on Him, made Him carry His own cross, nailed Him there, watched Him die, mocking Him and finally stuck Him in the side with a sharp object to make sure His flesh was no more. Please, tell me, what was His response?.. Oh yes, (Luke 23:34) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[fn] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. FORGIVE them. US. His church, His bride. We put Him there and yet He provides for us every day we even have an ounce of breath in us.
We only have countless bible verses that tell us that divorce is not biblical. It is almost laughable to be saying, but (1 Corinthians 7:11) To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.
See how Paul states, not he but the Lord? That is because man does not have the right to permit things that are against God's will. (Mark 10:9) Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
People these days are soft, ignorant and full of deceit. It's unbelievable that this could even be considered in the heart of someone who is a Christian. Our "happiness" is a lie made to convince the selfish to go about doing what they want, forgetting that they have responsibilities and duties. They tell you to seek what pleases you, look out for "numero uno", that it's okay because you will be forgiven.. So on and so forth.
Is this what you will allow to determine the future of your marriage? A job? If I were you, I would be ever so thankful for that child your husband gave you. That was his and God's will. I would shed any thoughts of holding onto a job because why does that matter so much to women these days? It's very bizarre. We don't think about being homemakers and mom's anymore. My husband breaks it down to "Modern day feminism" Eww.. nails on a chalkboard. I absolutely hate the word but it is true. Even times when I've noticed myself acting a bit foolish and not complying with my husband's will, I have to stop myself and cry or something because otherwise, I will not be able to hold onto that gentle, weak and needy woman he holds so dear.
So, my advice to you, love your husband, pray without ceasing, especially for healing in your marriage. Above all, don't turn your back on God.
It was within His providence that your husband and you were brought together. It's not just some crazy coincidence that he is the man you are married to so why can you shrug your shoulders at the idea of it being no more?
God.
Spouse.
Children.
That is the proper hierarchy.
(1 Corinthians 11:3) But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.