TM & © 2007 Empowering Everyday Women Online Magazine All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy
EEW Magazine is a division of Hobbs Ministries, a Subsidiary of Training for Reigning Inc.
Professional, Successful and Divorced: Is it An American Epidemic?
By EEW Magazine Editorial Staff
According to a recent controversial article published in Forbes Magazine, women with a university-level (or higher) education, that work
more than 35 hours a week outside the home, and makes more than $30,000 a year is more likely to get a divorce.
(Source: http://www.forbes.com/home/2006/08/23/Marriage-Careers-Divorce_cx_mn_land.html)
“Women all over America struggle to balance their aspirations for economic and personal success with their desire for family success,”
says Dr. Smith, also author of Pearls from the Soul of a Woman, a book of poetry designed to teach women profound lessons about life
and love.
“I want to help people live a well-balanced life,” says Dr. Smith.
For women like Smirnov, though, balancing it all feels nearly impossible.
Interestingly, among African American women, there has been a steady increase in the acquisition of college degrees, high level executive
positions, and lucrative entrepreneurial pursuits. Amid the exceptional progress made in the urban community, however, there is a less
promising statistic that is also on the rise.
Still, Dr. Smith is happy in her relationship. She attributes her marital bliss to practical biblical principles she has applied to her marriage.
She believes they will work for anyone.
Smirnov wishes she would have known before, what she now knows. “I never wanted this to happen. I saw some of my friends getting
divorces—particularly the successful entrepreneurs and corporate executives,” recalls Smirnov. “But I never thought that would eventually
be me. Truthfully, it was the one thing I vowed not to let happen.”
Smirnov now knows that making a spousal relationship last requires prayer, a solid foundation in the Word of God, and lots of work.
Dr. Smith is disseminating solid strategies that will help married women maintain balance while pursuing their passions and
professional interests, in her seminar called, “Balancing the Scales of Marriage: When Life is Weighing You Down,” currently scheduled to
take place on December 8, 2007, at the Radisson Hotel in Richardson, Texas.
Is there an epidemic in America? Is it, in fact, impossible to have it all: Successful career, healthy marriage, happy children, and a sense of
balance?”
“It is not impossible,” says Dr. Smith. On February 9 and March 9, 2008, she will be sharing her holistic approach with seminar attendees
eager to learn how to hold it all together.
For more information about Dr. Sonia Smith and upcoming events visit her online at www.motivatinguministries.com
Rhonda Smirnov is a 38 year old African American divorcee, bringing home a salary of $103,000
annually. She lives comfortably in a beautiful home in Southern California. Her bank account is full.
Yet, she feels emotionally bankrupt. Smirnov tells EEW Magazine that her marriage ended because of
her inability to balance her demanding career with familial obligations.
Her story is not unique.
While the same does not apply to all women, Dr. Sonia Smith, Christian Life Coach and Founder of
Motivating U Ministries, sees enough cases like this to know that there is a growing concern that
needs to be addressed.
63% of African-American households are headed by a single parent and the overwhelming majority
of these single parents are women. While there are various reasons for the sharp spike in divorce
rates and single parent homes, the growing number of professional women divorcees cannot be
ignored.
In light of such grim statistics, Dr. Smith, and other women like her stand out. A wife of 9 years and
mother of two children, she is currently an author pursuing her second PHD, while holding down a
high level administrative position, writing books, and running her own motivational speaking and life
coaching business.