Vows are for living after the ceremony ends

Real talk family: When we think about the part of our wedding vows that says “To Have and To Hold” we must consider the deep implication of acceptance, presence, and closeness. These words are about being entrusted with someone’s heart, life, vulnerability, tenderness, and truth (have). Its foundation is spiritual but also entails physical, emotional, and relational closeness with your mate for a lifetime (hold). The “have” aspect of our vows is related to entering into a covenant relationship that is exclusive. It signifies that you are taking your spouse and accepting them unconditionally.

From this day forward specifies a lifetime, a lifelong commitment in covenant relationship. The benefit of marriage includes the trust and safety each person is afforded in covenant relationship. It is more than an emotional commitment. You are not only connected by this vow, but, you spiritually build a life together, becoming one flesh under God’s design for marriage.

Covenant marriage is a relationship where love and togetherness is not only legal, but chosen daily, under God, no matter the circumstances, some of which are addressed and defined in other parts of our traditional wedding vows.

Imagine being loved in the truth of who you actually are. That is “to have and to hold” in its deepest form. I live in gratitude that James loves me this way. I have no fear of rejection, praise be to God.

#marriage

#faithandmarriage

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#covenantstrong