Today is my 14th wedding anniversary. I am blessed to be married to a wonderful woman, who complements me in every way. I don’t believe in marriage equality. I believe in marriage equity. Two who are equal will be competitive in the marriage rather than mutually submissive–yes, I used the s-word, but notice I preceded it with “mutually”. Equity in marriage suggests the sharing of roles on the basis of talent, interest, and capability.
I am third in my marriage–my God is first, my wife is second, and I am third. In life, I define I am third as “my God is first, my family and friends are second, and I am third”. Specific to marriage, my wife is second ahead of all others.
I have shared the “Resolution” I adopted from the movie Courageous and the book by the Kendrick brothers in previous posts. It hang for my family to see on the most frequently passed wall in our home. I like to share it frequently as a reminder and to remain exposed to accountability. On this, my wedding anniversary, I share it, again.
“I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.
1. I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.
2. I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.
3. I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
4. I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.
5. I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.
6. I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.
7. I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.
8. I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.
9. I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.
10. I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.
11. I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.”
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, PAM!!