Oath to Unity: The Power of Presence

As I sat behind my computer, reflecting on what to pen down for this month, a profound metaphor came to mind—marriage. At its core, marriage is a covenant of choosing, staying, and agreeing—two people committing to remain together, regardless of the storms life may bring. In many ways, this reflects the message of salvation. As believers, we are the bride, married to Christ. And Scripture reminds us, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39). God’s love is infinite, immeasurable, and unshakable. The question is: are we faithful in this marriage?

As I pondered this divine relationship, my thoughts naturally turned to my own wife. After an amazing time together earlier today, I found myself appreciating her all the more. She deeply loves our family. She embodies strength and resilience. She shows up—tirelessly, selflessly. No, she’s not perfect (none of us are), but I can confidently call her a woman of virtue.

While I plan to share a post later celebrating our mothers, today I want to focus on the second lesson I’ve learned in this Reflections on our 7 year marriage anniversary, Oath to Unity series:

Being Present.

Presence is what Christ seeks from His bride—the Church. That’s all that truly matters. “Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). The psalmist David said it well: better is one day in the presence of the Lord than a thousand elsewhere. No wonder David was called a man after God’s own heart—he longed to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

In marriage, presence is everything. Christ, our Groom, will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). The real question is: will we, the bride, choose to stay? As a husband, I am learning to mirror Christ by striving to be ever-present. I may not love perfectly, but I choose to reflect that divine love through intentional presence.

As we celebrate motherhood this month, I ask myself: will I continually profess, “I will never leave nor forsake her”? Or will I let the storms of life pull me away—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?

I honor my wife, Mavis, for her resilience and sacrificial love. She’s a strong woman—a good woman. And I’ve seen how the relationship flourishes when both the bride and the groom choose to remain. Because Christ never leaves, and we are called to reflect that faithfulness.

I choose to be present. I choose to remain

I choose to be present.
I choose to remain.

Not just in words, but in action—through early mornings, long drives from work, shared prayers, financial decisions, academic pursuits, and long nights. Her PhD journey, her strength during pregnancy, her devotion, her classes, her work, her love—it all inspires me. Together, we’ve walked this path—imperfectly, but intentionally. She is a glorious mother, a resilient and bold woman, and a deeply loving mother.

So what is the lesson?

Just as Israel was chosen on Mount Sinai for a covenant relationship with God—a moment marked by the giving of the Law and a call to holiness—we too, the Church, are chosen. Like Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, our salvation is a call from bondage into communion. These biblical parallels reveal the wisdom of God: the faithful Groom and the called Bride, united in a holy covenant.

As husbands, we are called to love our wives as Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25). That love is faithful, sacrificial, and unwavering. And being present is one of its greatest expressions.

So as you read this, consider the invitation Christ gives—to a deep and abiding communion. And husbands, ask yourselves: are we reflecting that faithfulness in our own homes? Are we present?

Because a lasting bond is built when both the bride and the groom remain.

Cheers, and Happy Mother’s Month.
To the resilient, bold, and beautiful women—thank you.