Betsy Leigh Robbins

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to celebrate Christina Marie Rogers and George Nile Kite's decision to join in the spiritual union and bonds marriage.

Webster defines a bond as a uniting or binding element or force, and what a force is love. When two people unite together in love, that force can be monumental. This is one of God's many gifts to us.

The book of Ecclesiastes chapter 4 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

As you enter this bond together think on those words, work hard, together. In doing so, you’ll find things become easier for the two of you. Work hard for each other, carry each other’s burdens, and lighten each other’s loads.

Lift each other up, not just in sickness or in health, but in spirit, in spiritual health. When you fall, and we all do, be grateful to have your love there. Rely on each other to rebuild what has broken. When the time comes that each of you need things, be there for each other, be present, fulfill the needs of each other. Jay-Z said, “Providing- that’s not love. Being there- that’s more important.” And it is so important. All to often, we go through life, without being truly aware, truly present. Life is a roller coaster and we need someone to laugh, scream, and cry with us.

Finally, stick together. We break far easier when we try to conquer this world alone. Stick together in love and we find strength. I’d like to go back once more to the word bond. Often we think of bonds as chains, weights to ties us down. How often have we heard the phase the old ball and chain? Even the strongest chains can bend and break, because they are single links. I am reminded of the words of Simone Signoret, she writes, “Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years.” These cords and threads make your tapestry, your story of love. Each thread making the one before it stronger. Each thread another year of love and devotion, making you stronger together. While at first glance, we may not see the importance of those threads, but when we take the time to step back, we see the pattern in God’s grand design.

This contract that you make with each other, god, and family is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

Christina Marie Rogers and George Nile Kite will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you Christina Marie Rogers take this man George Nile Kite to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you George Nile Kite take this woman Christina Marie Rogers to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Christina Marie Rogers and George Nile Kite will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Tennessee I now pronounce you wife and husband!