The truth of the matter is my faith has been the thread that has held my marriage together for 13 wonderful years. I found out that the symbol for 13 years is lace. It’s beautiful and delicate; it’s special. Lace represents the intricate weaving of two lives into one, and let me tell you, sometimes that weaving process has involved some pretty serious stretching and pulling.
When I think about our marriage, Ephesians 4 comes to mind: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” If anyone had told me that marriage required a PhD in humility and patience, I might have reconsidered that first meet-up!
But in all seriousness, these verses have been a guiding light. They remind me to practice humility, even when I’m convinced that I’m right about the proper way to load the dishwasher. (Pro tip: there is no proper way—it’s just a dishwasher!)
Another scripture that has strengthened our bond is in Ecclesiastes 4: “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” This passage beautifully illustrates the essence of marriage. Over the past 13 years, there have been times when I’ve stumbled, both figuratively and literally—since the pandemic high heels are not my friends! But my husband has always been there to catch me, support me, and of course, laugh with me about it.
When I first began navigating these health challenges, Mr. B went above and beyond to make sure I was okay. He helped me to the bathroom and made sure I didn’t hurt myself while I was in there. He spent countless nights monitoring my breathing. He even packed up our entire house by himself because our lease was up and I had pneumonia. And I’ve done the same for him. I’ve brought meds and food to his bedside when he was suffering with a migraine and served him around the clock when he contracted a respiratory infection.
Our faith has been the bedrock of our relationship. It’s been the source of our strength, patience, and unity. Through prayer, we’ve learned to communicate better, to forgive more quickly, and to appreciate the beauty in our differences. Faith doesn’t make the hard times disappear, but it certainly makes them more manageable. And sometimes, it helps you find the humor in those moments—like when we both got the flu right around Christmas. Now that’s a story for another time!
For the women reading, I want to say this: your faith, your values, and your sense of humor are powerful tools in your relationships. Whether you’re single, dating, or married, remember that your faith can guide you through the complexities of life and love. And don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh—sometimes, it’s the best medicine for a marital headache. The corny jokes really hit the spot.
As we celebrate our 13th anniversary, I am grateful for the intricate lacework of our lives, woven together by love, patience, and a whole lot of faith. Here’s to many more years of laughter, love, and yes, a few more knots to untangle.
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