You crazy kids
I like these kids. Justin and Claire (formerly Spivey) Duggar. I like kinda following what they're doing, and what they did recently was get married. If you don't know who the Duggars are, you are forgiven. They aren't Hollywood famous. For me, they seem the antithesis of a lot of the crap out there. They're young. They're adorable. They have their whole lives ahead of them. (What I wouldn't give to go back and do it again.) They typically hew to traditional, Christian standards of living. They are Baptist, though a different brand of Baptist from me. They're famous because there are so many of them (19 Kids and Counting was the show). They are TV famous. All that. But I don't care about that. I just like the fact that these two kids are gonna give it a try. In this very cynical world that is endlessly divided and increasingly turned against tradition and Christianity, they are going against the grain. Got married. Probably love God and all that. How punk rock.
These kids inspire me because this is what I didn't have. I didn't have God as the center of my marriage. (Heck, she didn't even want to marry me. It took us seven years to even get that far, which should have told me something.) And maybe I'm just imagining all of this, but they give me hope. I want them to succeed. I want them to prosper in ways I didn't. I sincerely root for them. They look like good (and a little goofy) kids. Life can be hard. Marriage can be hard. Together, though, and with God, I know they can do it. What a beautiful thing. Nothing is perfect, but when you love someone, they become perfect to you. When two people marry and God is at the center of the marriage, they have an added buffer against the world and its problems. With God, they have a three-fold cord (soul tie), which is nearly impossible to break. Amen?
The Bible places an emphasis on mortifying the flesh. When we walk with God, it can be very hard. Yes, God blesses His people, but the blessings are never to be more important than the Blesser. I mention this because I believe the church as a whole is entering another era of extreme persecution, which will test the faith of many. We will have to let go of a lot of blessings, I believe, in order to follow Him. Getting married has always been a gamble, and starting a family is a wonderful blessing. But life, too, is a gamble, and with God in charge, anything is possible. Maybe standing together and united against this era of wickedness is a better strategy than being alone, such as I am. But, I believe God told me I won't be alone forever. I believe God judged me for past sins and have now entered a new era. Surely, some nice girl out there would be happy to have a guy like me? Maybe. But this post isn't about me.
I also think about the book Song of Solomon and how God views his bride, the church. She is pure. She is innocent. She wants no one else. She rushes to Him and He to her. Looking at the photos of these kids getting married, it's easy to see the love that God has for His people. The love of a man and woman is a beautiful way to picture God's love. (No wonder the devil is trying so hard to normalize other types of union.) The Song of Solomon is often misunderstood and is intended for mature Christians. It is one of my favorite books of the Bible because it is so beautiful. These kids kinda remind me of that book. I'm not idolizing anyone or putting anyone on a pedestal. No, it's not that. But it's easy for me to recognize some good things going on here, and even if it's just in my head, that's okay. In a world that is quickly killing all our heroes and replacing them, it's good to know someone out there still wants to get married and follow God. After all, is there a better hero than God?
Thank you for reading, and God bless.
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