I continue to be amazed by the doors that open to me as a white male that do not open to Ernest as a black male, often visible in insidious 'little' ways. For example, in 26 years of marriage not more than 3 or 4 times has a waiter ever brought the check to Ernest when we have eaten out. Although he pays as often as I do, the waiter's assumption is always that the white man is the one able to be generous. But I am much more profoundly aware of God's redemptive presence with us on those occasions when each falls into his worst self. At those times the other has always responded with love that cannot be exclusively of our own making, but God's love working through us.
Marriage is an outward and visible sign of that inward and spiritual grace.
Thanks be to God. Make their life together a sign of Christ's love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair. Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for others. Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed.