Last year I was introduced to Union28 Marriage Apparel, a clothing company whose mission is to encourage marriage relationships, communicate a positive image of marriage and honor the sanctity of the marriage covenant between a husband and his wife in a fun and stylish way. At the time, I was clueless to how much I would enjoy their clothing line, but I can’t speak highly enough of the quality and comfort of their clothes… not to mention their pro-marriage message! Recently they redesigned their My Marriage Still Rocks collection, and instantly Jason and I knew we each wanted one.
My marriage still rocks is a message that resonates with us both.
The word “still” stands out and carries a different meaning for each couple wearing it. Every marriage will face painful experiences and unforeseen stressors as they journey through life together, and this shirt conveys that it is okay that our marriage isn’t perfect or trial-free.
I feel incredibly blessed to have a wonderful husband. My heart still does summersaults as I think about sharing the rest of my life with him, and I get butterflies when we kiss. Honestly, it would be very easy for me to rattle off a list of several successes we have shared in our time together. But, only highlighting those aspects robs God the opportunity to shine through our brokenness. There is beauty in the struggle of marriage which should not only be acknowledged but celebrated! Ecclesiastes 3:4 eloquently states this point,
{A time for everything}… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.
Just for fun, Jason and I began to name some of the wounds we’ve experienced and concluded that our marriage still rocks…
in spite of no longer being honeymooners.
after three years of infertility, two miscarriages, and a failed adoption.
even when the busyness of life can sometimes keep us from connecting physically and emotionally.
despite having hurt each other.
even though we have betrayed each other’s trust.
even with the addition of smartphones and social media.
notwithstanding a disagreement we had that lasted 18 months.
regardless of how time is changing our physical appearance.
as we attempt to parent five (for now) children.
navigating the ebb and flow of career and financial goals.
in the face of spiritual challenges, and at times some backsliding.
four houses, four cities, and two states later.
We can testify that our marriage still rocks because each trial and painful experience point us back to our loving heavenly Father.
While we have experienced trials and overcome hurdles, the scary truth is, we most likely have even harder times ahead of us. Despite the selflessness and sin that daily infiltrates our marriage, our marriage is thriving. I don’t say that casually or pridefully because, please hear me, it is not us or a formula we are following. Instead, only because of Jesus Christ, can I raise my hands raised to the sky and humbly whisper,
“My Marriage Still Rocks!”
He brings us both to repentance over the yuck we create in our marriage. Because of his demonstration of grace and forgiveness on the cross, He gives us the ability to look over a million offenses. Our relationship only rocks because our foundation is Christ Jesus himself. No matter what the future holds or what unseen trials and temptations await us I know that our marriage will continue to rock. Not because I have faith in myself or my husband (because I don’t). Or because we are an ultimate Christian couple (because I assure you we aren’t). But because of our faith in The Rock, I am confident that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). To God be the glory!
Tell me why your marriage still rocks!
darby dugger
*You can order your pro-marriage shirt here. This is not an affiliate link, I just appreciate Union28’s mission and clothing line.
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