DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: My cousin didn’t realize her husband was an alcoholic until they got married. He’s going to church with her, but so far it hasn’t done much good. Should she give up on this marriage? — H.J.

DEAR H.J.: The fact that your cousin’s husband is now willing to go to church should encourage her.

Her husband is in the grip of a very strong master; in his case, alcohol. He needs God’s help, and he needs the help of other people. His willingness to come to church may well be an admission that he needs help, which is the first step in any addict’s recovery. He may even find others in that church who have traveled the same road.

Pray for your cousin and her husband. Urge her also to speak with her pastor frankly about this; he will know what resources are available in their community to help her husband.