It’s a photo so touching it’s been shared tens of thousands of times since it was first posted on Facebook this Memorial Day weekend.
The picture shows U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb Earwood praying with his bride-to-be, Maggie, moments before the wedding ceremony. The pair are holding hands around a corner to avoid seeing each other before Maggie walks down the aisle. Caleb stands in full dress uniform, praying, while Maggie is visibly emotional.
“We were about to take our first steps in life together, and we didn’t want to take a step without it being in God’s will,” said 21-year-old Caleb.
The simple picture has been featured on “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” Fox News, USA Today and other media outlets around the world.
Why all the attention?
After all, this picture tells the story of a young man and woman who value their upcoming marriage and their faith, two things some would have us believe don’t matter much today.
The power of this photograph hints at a different reality.
People still hunger for what is good and right. Deep down, they still recognize the beauty of God’s plan.
We’re currently having a nationwide conversation about the definition of marriage. In fact, the Supreme Court is expected to rule at the end of June whether or not same-sex “marriage” is constitutional.
As Christians, we can – and should – engage with grace and truth in this important dialogue.
We especially need to point out all the benefits of marriage. It’s a good and beautiful institution. But more than that, we need to lovingly and boldly point people to the Creator of marriage, and explain why the uniting of man and woman is central to God’s design for humanity.
We need to connect marriage to the Gospel message because the earthly institution of marriage points to a grander love story.
It’s the tale of a groom who pursued His bride. Though she was unfaithful, He loved her. When she was stained with sin, He died for her.
His love was (and is) so immense that “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything in all creation” is able to keep Jesus Christ, our groom, away from His bride, the Church. (Romans 8)
Please join me in wishing Cpl. Caleb Earwood and new wife, Maggie, well as they begin their new life together. If you leave your messages below we’ll be sure and deliver them to the couple.
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