Deuteronomy 24:5 — “When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and cheer up his wife which he hath taken.”

Typically, honeymoons would start on the night they were married, with the couple leaving midway through the reception to catch a late train or ship. However, in the 21st century, many couples will not leave until one to three days after the ceremony and reception in order to tie up loose ends and/or simply enjoy the reception to its fullest and have a relaxing night afterward to recover before undertaking a long journey.

What a privilege and an honor to be given the opportunity to share with the citizens of Liberty County and the Coastal Empire the sentiments of my heart as a husband, father and local pastor. I asked myself what I could share with my community that would encourage, enlighten  and strengthen it.

One of the things that has been weighing heavily on my heart, due to an increased number of divorces and separations in the church at large, is the preservation of marriage. I have been sharing with the Fellowship of Love members how the institution of marriage has been under attack for years, and even more so as we stand firmly on our faith that marriage is between a man and a woman. It’s my opinion that married couples have to see an example of marriages working before them.  The pastor and wife are the ultimate example.

On Thursday, I will celebrate my 26th year of marriage to my wife for life Mary, who is the epitome of a wife, mother, friend, lover and so much more — and has proven to be even sweeter than when we first met. She is a joy to be with, and with the help of God, we have managed to survive the many challenges that every married couple endures. For those who are having problems in marriage and want to improve your relationship, you have to be willing to do maintenance. A new wife will age with time, but that does not mean things have to fall apart. Restoration is the recovery of those things that are lost that is essential to one’s life. Just as the physical body has to be replenished and can become dehydrated, the marriage relationship has to be maintained.

The month of June includes Father’s Day on June 17, and it’s a double honor to celebrate the graduation of my 18-year-old twin sons Larry and Lawrence from Bradwell Institute this past Saturday.  We have one daughter Kwinetta, who is 23 and living in Greensboro, N.C. Family is important.

I’m encouraging couples to involve faith-building principles and unconditional love, and the honey will never run out of the moon.

Murray is the senior pastor of Fellowship of Love Worship Center and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.