Standing Strong
National Marriage Week Returns Feb. 7-14 as Couples Seek Deeper Connection and Purpose
By Amy Morgan
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Strong families start with strong marriages. Brad Wilcox (Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia and Director of the National Marriage Project) wrote in his book, Get Married, that "family-first" marriages characterized by frequent date nights contribute to happier marriages, which in turn benefit children through greater family stability.
This knowledge has been the foundation of National Marriage Week, celebrated every year in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, February 7-14. The international movement started in the UK in 1996 – making this the 30th year it’s been commemorated. In 2022 the Marriage Initiative, a non-profit located in San Antonio, was asked to take over the administration and promotion of National Marriage Week.
National Marriage Week’s purpose is to strengthen and celebrate marriage. More than just a slogan, National Marriage Week is:
A movement to unite marriage leaders, supporters, and couples across the United States.
A public campaign to promote awareness of the positive impact that marriages have on society.
A place where people can access resources for their own marriage, to offer through their church, or to share with others.
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​Government officials are beginning to recognize the societal value of marriage. In 2024 Governor Abbott signed a proclamation recognizing National Marriage Week at the state level, and in 2025, the Texas Legislature established a Commission on Marriage and Family to research programs that positively affect family stability and well-being.
This year’s National Marriage Week theme is Together with Purpose. Individuals can sign up to watch an online panel discussion at 7 p.m. every night from February 7 to 13 featuring leading experts who’ll share their experiences helping couples grow Together with Purpose. Topics include Discovering Your Goals & Purpose, Building a Shared Life, and Leaving a Legacy with panel guests including Dr. Gary Chapman, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, Proverbs 31 writer Sharon Jaynes, and HomeWord’s Jim Burns. Couples can learn how to build a strong marriage foundation, create meaningful lives and serve to impact the world when they intentionally align their purposes and vision in marriage. One of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, elements of a strong marriage is purpose. The YouTube broadcasts are free, but viewers need to register to get the link: www.marriageweek.org.
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The National Marriage Week website also offers other free resources to help marriages grow and become stronger. Download a Couples Connection Guide, date night ideas or challenges for each day during the week.
Locally, several churches have piggybacked on momentum from National Marriage Week to jump-start their marriage offerings. Oakwood Church, Oak Hills and Summit all
launched a Merge class in January. The course allows engaged couples to seek wisdom and receive counsel about marriage in a safe, fun and authentic environment. Oakwood and Summit, along with Wayside Chapel and Hillside Fellowship, also launched a Re|Engage Marriage Enrichment class. Re|Engage gives couples a place to work on their relationship together. Summit’s course remains open for couples to join any week. As well, the Catholic archdiocese also has been promoting National Marriage Week across its parishes.
What could be more romantic than pledging love, fidelity and commitment to your spouse? Dr. Royce C. Smith, senior pastor at The Fellowship Church in Stone Oak, will hold a special service for couples who’d like to reaffirm a biblical marriage at 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13, in the sanctuary. RSVP to office@thefellowshipofsa.org to reserve your spot.
In the spirit of National Marriage Week, why not follow the suggestion of marriage leaders Greg and Julie Gorman and take just one step to move your relationship toward togetherness. Whether it’s putting a weekly date night on the calendar (and keeping it), reading a marriage book, (Dr. Gary Chapman has a new Love Languages edition out this month), attending one course or conference (FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember comes to San Antonio in November) or planning a no-kids-invited getaway. Don’t miss your opportunity to leave a legacy. Your family is watching, and your marriage is worth it.
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Dionne Roberts, MCC, VTA
Foster Perry Travel
888-878-5863
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