A Three-Braided Cord: The Third Person in Our Marriage
A three-braided cord is not easily broken (Image: Tim Boote @ Unsplash)
There’s a third wheel in our marriage—and we could not do without Him.
He is our referee, umpire, judge, friend, confidant, sounding board, cheerleader, chastiser, supporter, and constant companion.
A few days before our wedding more than a decade ago, a friend gave me some unforgettable advice: “Two are better than one, but a threefold cord is not easily broken.”
At first, I thought, “No third party should ever be allowed into a marriage.” But thankfully, I thought again—and I didn’t think for long.
The Divine Matchmaker
The third person—let’s call Him TW—was actually our matchmaker. I had crafted a detailed list of the kind of husband I desired: God-fearing, professional, principled, committed, family-oriented, intellectually equal, trustworthy. Athleticism and charm were optional, but integrity and spiritual depth were non-negotiable.
I shared this long list with TW, expecting a chuckle. But He didn’t flinch. TW never does anything halfway. Instead, He delivered beyond expectation—a man tailor-made for me.
When I met the man TW found, he was everything I hoped for and more. Taller than me, older (by just a few weeks), the eldest in a tightly-knit family, creative, intelligent, and deeply in love with God. Jackpot!
Moving In Together
So it made sense to invite TW to live with us. It might sound strange, but it was the best decision we ever made. He doesn’t take up much space, and all He asks for is our trust.
He knows us better than we know ourselves. He teaches us what we need to know about each other, even what we’re too afraid to say aloud. He knows when to speak, when to nudge, and when to hold back.
Mediator, Mentor, Motivator
When conflict arises, He calms the storm. Many times, I’ve been too frustrated to speak rationally. TW would whisper, “Let me handle it.” Later, my husband would come back saying, “I’m sorry. I should’ve done better.”
I would catch TW’s eye and know exactly who had stepped in.
A Timely Rescue
One night, a seductive stranger showed up at my husband’s office. She was insistent, crossing all boundaries. My husband hesitated. Then TW entered—bringing with Him the scent of my perfume.
That subtle cue was all it took. My husband found his strength and swiftly ended the encounter.
TW didn’t lecture or shame. He simply rescued. Without fanfare. With love.
When I Quit My Job
After 17 years of working, I made the tough call to stop. It wasn’t easy. I trusted my husband, yes. But TW was my anchor.
When I confessed my fear, He asked, “Do you trust Me?”
That was all I needed to hear. And just like that, we jumped—together.
Against All Odds
We’ve survived so much: two homes in two countries, a house full of children, four dogs, guests galore, multiple businesses, ministries, and family demands from every direction.
We run on one income and God’s provision. And still, we give, serve, and love.
None of this makes sense—unless you know about TW.
The Strength of Three
With Him, we are more than just a couple—we are a fortified team. Like the Three Musketeers, like the Trinity. Strong. Undeterred. Grace-filled.
We know that TW is not our equal. He is greater. And yet, He chooses to walk with us daily. He is gentle, never forceful. But oh, how powerful His presence is.
He is the one who makes our marriage work.
You May Know Him Too
TW goes by many names. Some call Him the Counsellor. Others, the Comforter. I call Him the Holy Spirit—the Friend who sticks closer than a husband.
He is the third strand in our cord, the secret to our joy, the reason we keep going.
And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
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