I've never been one to care about people's perceptions of me. I always believed that regardless of whatever that initial perception was they would sooner or later learn the type of person I truly was once they got to know me. As I approach my third decade on this earth, I find myself reflecting on the many "hats" that I've worn throughout my life. Most recently, I've added a pretty little fedora to my curriculum vitae with the title "Mrs. Matlock" enscribed on it. I've been a wife for a little shy of two months and I'm still adjusting. I thought becoming an out of wedlock mother six years ago was going to be tough. Motherhood has NOTHING on marriage. Don't be confused about it, my marriage is not horrible in any sense of the word. Honestly, I'm quite happy with the direction my marriage is moving in. However, I'd be lieing if I didn't say that marriage has presented it's share of challenges. Add "man", "woman", and "love" to any equation and it quickly changes from simple arithmetic to quantum physics. Despite the typical challenges marriage presents, my husband and I have one secret weapon in our arsenal.
We have threesomes, well really it's a SIXSOME.... Yes, you heard me correctly, we involve third parties in our intimate marital affairs . Don't judge us. These three additional individuals add a flair and excitement to our relationship that would otherwise not exist without them. Even when my husband is not around, I often find myself tempted to call them up and I'm most certain that my husband often does the same in my absence. Given the fact that were it not for them, we would have never gotten married in the first place, it's something we have BOTH accepted. Bottom line, loving my husband is easier WITH them in our lives than without them.
I'd be selfish if I didn't share the identity of these individuals with you. Especially you married folks looking to SPICE THINGS UP in all areas of your marriage. So here goes: these individuals are really one individual in the same: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. That's right ..God. (Now slap yourself and get your mind out of the gutter). All jokes aside, while I have only been married for a short while I can say with confidence that were it not for Christ being the head of our lives and the CENTER of our marriage, it would be a lost cause.
At our wedding, my husband and I participated in a God's knot ceremony. During this ceremony we took three strands of cord each attached to a brass ring. The cords represented the bride, God and the groom respectively. The concept came from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. The NIV reads: 9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
My husband and I had invited God into our relationship long before we were married. As we stood braiding the purple, gold and white cord in front of our family and friends my husband and I were symbolically acknowledging that God stands at the center of our marriage and that He is the solitary force that can truly hold it together. Everyday may not be perfect, but it is because of His presence in our lives and the promise in God's Word that states He will cover and bless anything that He is in the midst of that we wake up determined to make the most of our lives together. We pray together, study His word together, fellowship together, learn together and LOVE Him together.
I end this by encouraging everyone married or not to make the commitment to invite God into their lives. I could not invite God into the heart of my marriage until I invited him into MY OWN heart. Romans 10:9 states that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." I made this confession two decades ago and it is without a doubt, the wisest decision that I have ever made.
*** Call to Salvation**
I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe that He was crucified, died and was raised from the dead for my justification. God, your Word says in Romans 10:10 "For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." I do believe with my heart and confess with my mouth, Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Therefore I am saved!
