Is getting married a New Year's resolution? Would it be great to know what it takes to make marriage and relationships work?
As Valentine’s Day approaches, The Enterprise-Tocsin will feature advice and tips from married couples who have endured the test of time.
Three local pastors in the Delta area share tips for making marriage and family work.
Some say that marriages end, and families breakup because Jesus is not present to help couples in their time of need.
Where did marriage and family come from, and where did it go wrong?
"The main tip I give couples is that each person needs to sit down and hear what each other says. If there are any concerns or issues, both persons need to listen and be willing to hear without interruptions," stated Brenda Lynn, co-pastor at Empowering Temple, married to Albert Lynn for 31 years.
Lynn added, "After hearing what was shared, the couple must agree on the solution. Someone must be bigger in some situations and apologize or compromise."
What makes a marriage last?
Lynn stated, "Dating, flirting, couple meetings and relationship checkups are needed to ensure no unresolved issues, including finances, emotions, and communications. It is necessary to ensure the other person feels involved and useful in the relationship."
Marriage is a relationship that this society has labeled in so many ways.
Dr. Gregory Braggs, Sr. pastor of Silver Star M.B. Church, Rome, who has been married to Dr. Bennie Braggs for 38 years, stated, "I want to discuss marriages that the Bible describes as Christian marriages. As a Christian, marriage is perhaps the second most important relationship besides our relationship with God."
Braggs continued, "Marriage is a gift God gives between a man and a woman. Marriage does not work automatically: marriage has to be worked and developed by the ones in it."
"Both the Christian husband and the wife have a role to play in the marriage, and the only way to have a good success is that both the man and his wife work on their roles given by God (Ephesians 5:25-33)," explained Braggs.
God has a successful plan for His people in marriage, but they must follow His example in the Scriptures.
Braggs proclaimed, "Wives are never a stepping stone to be misused by husbands or to be belittled and controlled. A husband's example of love for his wife is seen in how Jesus loved the church."
According to Bruce Blakes, Assistant Pastor, Persimmon Grove, Sunflower, who has been married to Mary Blakes for 26 years, believes marriage and family are important to God; God created them. (Scripture reference Genesis 1 through 3)
“The Bible says God created man first and breathed the breath of life into man, and man became a living soul,” explained Blakes.
Herman Cole, pastor of First United Baptist of Moorhead, who has been married to Amanda Cole for 23 years, added, "The husband is the first building block; you cannot build a family without a husband. Without a husband, the family lacks a key component; Christ started with the man first." Cole shared, "According to Biblical teaching, Christ began with the man when he instituted the family."
"The role that marriages and families play in our community is vital for a positive environment. The Bible tells us how to love our wives as Christ loves the Church, and he has given his life for the Church. Husbands are responsible for wives and the nurturing of the family. Husbands are essential to the family's success, marriage, and parenting. Whenever the husband possesses his rightful pivotal role in the family, our wives and children will thrive," explained Cole
Do you have a specific question about family, parenting, or finances that you would like answered by experienced couples, pastors, and professionals who have been married for decades?
Send names and contact information of married couples who want to share their stories with others.
Contact Diana Washington at E-T: phone 662-887-2222; fax 662-887-2999; address 114 Main Street/P.O. Box 650, Indianola, MS.
