Preparing For Marriage pt. 3

We are less than 3 weeks away and so it's safe to say . . . "It's Crunch time!" . . .

Support, love, and counsel we continue to receive from every side and so we are blessed, but weddings are just so expensive!  I find it interesting how modern western society has found a way to profit off of everything true, good, and beautiful. . . . Sorry - just venting.

Lucky for us we have had a good community around us that has not only encouraged us in our spiritual and psychological needs, but also in our practical, financial, and social needs.  With Mom paying for the food, Grandparents on the decorations, Janet's adopted father on the limo, and my work in the church getting us some other fees cut off we have definitely had it easier than most people. Still pray for us that we will finish paying things off in these next days.

Why do I bring this up? . . . Obviously a marriage, as a union of two people is a movement in love towards God together for the unification of the family, and of the community.  Sacramental marriage in particular is that with and added special grace that sanctifies....  Unfortunately I have found in my immediate community, we have put so many obstacles in the way not only in a culture which is individualistic and prideful which is healed with better teaching and prayer but also in practical ways.  Unfortunately I have met so many people who have genuinely wanted to take the step towards marriage, but simply just cannot afford it, and furthermore I have met many couples living together outside of marriage simply because their families will not keep them in their homes, and it is impossible to meet the cost of living expenses without sharing with another person. - And with that I have met others who are in the church that judge and criticize the people in these positions which have pushed these people away from the church altogether. 

Don't get me wrong and misconstrue my words as making excuses, for these decisions but as a body that is to operate in love, I just pray that we can find more ways to assist our brothers and sisters in our community making this community of Christ one that is more inviting.  I pray that as we move forward in our ministry, that we build up and connect with families with no immediate expectations except for ourselves in the love that we extend to them.  As we teach and guide, may we also find strategies to combat this current state of society which is anti-true marriages unless it is a #RelationshipGoals post on social media that cares only about the "cute-ness" and "image" of a good relationship, rather than the actual work it takes in building and maintaining one.

With all of that I say we are blessed, and I am grateful for the people that God has put in my soon to be Wife and I's lives.  I thank God for his embrace and his spirit working even in some of the most unlikely of people.  I pray that as we enter into this union, it may be just a simple offering towards the unity in the Body of Christ, and in our world today.  Amen.

- The Symbol
- All is Love