Several years ago, I did a study on covenant. To say it changed my life and the way I understood the Lord and His word is a COMPLETE understatement. It. was. AMAZING and completely fascinating. (It’s honestly, one of my favorite things to talk about EVER so if you have questions, let’s chat!)
Back in Biblical times, people would “cut a covenant” as a way of making a binding, holy, irrevocable contract. To cut a covenant, they would perform a covenant ceremony which you can read about (in the most succinct version I could find) here.
The closest thing we have in our day is marriage and the wedding ceremony. When we choose to marry our mate, we are choosing to create a blood covenant with them…an irrevocable, holy and binding agreement. We now share such a close relationship with each other that all we have or possess in this life is available to each upon demand.
Everything that is good that I have, you now have. You will benefit from my organization and my efficiency…my cooking and cleaning abilities…my heart for the widow and the orphan…my bold loyalty to those that I love and my fierce protectiveness of my family.
Everything that is good that you have, I now have. I will benefit from your patience and grace…your spirit of servant leadership…your easy exhortations and your adventurous nature.
Everything that is not so good – every weakness and every hardship – that I have, you now have. You and I will have to work through my spirit of abandonment and my ability to withdraw for fear of being hurt…my constant state of worry…my temper that can flare and my inability to understand (or work) anything that requires an engineer’s mind – yes, even the stinkin’ waterhose.
Everything that is not so good – every weakness and every hardship that you have, I now have. You and I will have to work through your inability to keep track of time and the way you can never effectively end a casual conversation so we (or whoever you’re talking to) can move on to something different….your wanton workaholic tendencies…your inability to put things away or keep the garage clean.
Every tool or ability I possess, you now possess. You are now an administrative whiz! You can juggle a plethora of tasks simultaneously and write, give and critique the spoken word with pleasure and authority. You can poof hair and change diapers and decorate on a dime.
Every tool or ability you possess, I now possess. I can now fix anything and everything…no really, anything and everything. I am proficient in plumbing, electricity, carpentry, welding. I can break horses and fit a steer and use the grill. I have incredible marksmanship and am as strong as an ox!
When we walk down the street, people should wonder if they’re seeing you or me. There should be no division in our beliefs or thoughts or ideas or desires or possessions or the way we view the world. We should be a solid unit of ONE because of the Lord’s ability to supernaturally commingle our lives. I’m identified as you and you are identified as me.
I am now a Phipps. I carry your name as a sign that I am in a covenant relationship with you. I no longer operate under my own authority, but yours. I take into account your opinion and your desires and I make every decision as this new unit of one. I am now you, and you are now me. I take on your personality and character and reputation and essence and authority. I care for you just as I care for myself because of our unity.
Ten years ago today we stood in this very spot, under that old pecan tree, and declared our undying love and commitment to each other. You have less hair, I have more body mass and together, we have three outlandishly beautiful children to show for it.
As much as I’d like to say that I did, I didn’t truly understand the weight and the beautiful severity of the vows I took on that day 10 years ago. I’m still learning what it truly means to be a wife and covenant partner. I’m still learning to die to myself and to live for the Lord and for our marriage and for our children – who, by the way, are the most perfect product of our love I could ever imagine.
But I’m getting it…and I’m vowing to make the next 10 years even better than the first…is that even possible?!
I am so thankful that you chose me. Our dating days weren’t perfect and our story could’ve ended in several different ways on several different days…praise HIM that this was the “ending” He had in mind and that we were obedient to that.
In all my days or wildest dreams, I couldn’t have dreamt up a better husband or partner or lover or teammate. You are the best man I know. I still can’t believe I get to wake up next to you every morning…
Loving you has been the easiest, most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Thanks for making my life, Wrex Phipps. Being your wife and the mother of your kids is an honor and a privilege; my soul is satisfied.
Wow! What a huge blessing to read this and know how that study blessed your life. Congratulations on the anniversary and sharing such a powerful testimony of marriage! We celebrated 25 years a few weeks ago! Be blessed and keep sharing Jesus! Love and prayers!
Cheryl