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.
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Is the wedding ring just jewelry?
Real talk family. We plan to explore, define, and understand the meaning behind the wedding day, the ceremony as well as our marriage vows. Let’s fully understand what we said "I do" to, and; what “I do” should mean for the happily ever after.
Your wedding ceremony does not only represent one special day, but more importantly, it represents a promise of love and marriage for a lifetime.
Marriage is one of the most beautiful commitments two people can make. So let's have fun with this series. We'll start the series by exploring what wedding rings represent.There are few things in marriage more familiar than a wedding ring. You wear it to work, to dinner, to church, to family events, and through the ordinary routines of life. Your wedding ring sits quietly on your finger, yet it speaks volumes.
A wedding ring is not just jewelry. It is a symbol of covenant.
The ring's circular shape, with no beginning or end, has long represented eternity, wholeness, and enduring love. Before wedding rings became beautiful accessories, they were visible reminders of the sacred promise each spouse made before God and witnesses.
Inviting God Into the Broken Places of Your Marriage
You can rebuild intimacy and trust after emotional distance or past wounds. Consistency is key. It's like cherishing a valuable vase. The vase is fragile requiring protection and special care to keep it beautiful. But if or when you become careless, the vase can easily fall, break, or become damaged. And while repair may not be easy, it is possible.
So how do you overcome brokenness in your marriage? By making common Christian spiritual disiciplines a part of your life and marriage. I know from experience how prayer, meditation, scripture study, commitment and grace turns brokenness into blessing.
In my book, Our Blended Family, God revealed lessons for marital success, I shared how to keep joy alive amid stress, parenting, and busy schedules. It is our personal story of faith, healing, and togetherness.
Seeking God's strength and guidance allow God to heal your brokenness. As you heal, you can better overcome resentment and even learn to forgive through practicing your faith, even when the pain feels fresh. You experience true forgiveness the moment you choose to release bitterness and rebuild trust.
Repairing from hurt or brokenness takes time, patience, and a whole lot of grace. I know this because I’ve lived it. But God, in His mercy, took the broken pieces of my past and began crafting something new, a story of healing, hope, and second chances.
CovenantStrong.org.
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.” — Colossians 3:15
Love and blessings, j&c