Embrace Oneness in Your Marriage

Sure, I enjoy a good Bluegrass tune. I even find myself teary eyed during an especially melancholy Alison Krauss ballad. And folk music? Well, there are some pockets of it I love. But country music in general? Or even its sub-genre of Americana?

They’re not really my thing. Or should I say, thang?

Which is a brave statement for me to make considering the region of northwest Georgia from which I hail. Here, in certain necks of the woods, those might be considered fighting words. Right alongside, “College football? Um … why’s it such a big deal anyhow?”

The irony in that confession is that I am a huge fan of storytelling through song. It’s one reason I love Andrew Peterson’s music. He knows how to weave a compelling and profound tale with his lyrics. And isn’t that a characteristic for which country music is known? Telling tales. Tales of love. Of betrayal. Of second chances.

So imagine my surprise recently, when I found myself applauding a film full of … yep, you guessed it … country music. More specifically, Americana. Believe me, it doesn’t happen often.

You see, a few weeks ago Ted and I had the opportunity to watch The Song. It’s a new film based on the life and writings of Solomon. And it tackles one of my favorites topics: oneness in marriage.

It’s the story of musician Jed King as he aspires and ultimately obtains his dream to be a successful singer-songwriter. Yet, his dream brings more than he anticipated. It also brings temptation. And when temptation comes knocking, does Jed hold true to his promises, true to his word, true to his song? Or does his life become a picture of meaninglessness, a haunting story of moral confusion and brokenness?

But it isn’t just Jed’s story. It’s also the tale of his wife Rose. How will she respond to Jed’s choices? Both the good and the very, very hurtful. Will she trust God with her husband and her marriage? Or will she depend on herself?

The Song is an engaging, at times painful, and, yes, gritty exploration of what might happen when a couple stops living out marriage together. When a striving for oneness and a willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team is replaced by a focus on individual needs and individual wants and individual desires.

But, at the same time, this movie also beautifully illustrates that God can bring redemption and restoration to even our greatest messes. That nothing is impossible for Him, not even our marriages.

And that’s what I appreciate about this film. As the tale of Jed and Rose unfolds, I find myself reminded of three important truths when it comes to oneness.

Head over to my personal blog at AshleighSlater.com to read these three truths in my post, “What The Song Teaches Us About Oneness.”

Also, don’t miss my team members’ posts on embracing oneness in marriage. You can find them here:

• Darlene Schacht at Time-Warp Wife
• Lisa Jacobson at Club31 Women
• Courtney Joseph at Women Living Well
• Jennifer Smith at Unveiled Wife
• Shelia Gregoire at To Love, Honor, and Vacuum