My maiden name started with a “w.” My mom used to jokingly encourage me to marry someone “further up in the alphabet” so I wouldn’t be so close to the end of the line. That wasn’t really one of the parameters I ever seriously considered when I thought about guys who might be marriage material. I hope I didn’t break her heart when I married Mr. Vick. Sorry, Mom – I only moved up one letter.

Our wedding was on a hot August day. Right before the ceremony began, the sky let loose with a wild West Texas thunderstorm. Many of our guests entered the sanctuary drenched by the rain. The weather didn’t dampen our spirits, though. In a beautiful room filled with family and friends, we made our vows to the Lord and to each other. It wasn’t a perfect ceremony, but the imperfections were actually some of the things that made it memorable. That day, they weren’t necessarily funny. Forty-plus years later, it’s easy to laugh.

The reception was in the fellowship hall of the church. It was a large, lovely, square space. Our guests were seated in chairs along the walls. Scott and I walked from one small group to the next, greeting and thanking each person for sharing in our special day.

We eventually approached the father of one of Scott’s close friends. I had never met him so Scott introduced us, using only my first name. The man said, “Pardon me, what was your name again?” I responded, “Tiffany Whiteside.” Then he said, “Well, not anymore!” And he proceeded to laugh and laugh! That was when it really hit me. I was the proud owner of a new name - a precious  connection I would forever enjoy as Scott’s bride.

August 20, 1983, was a great day in my life. But August 24, 1981, was hands down the best!

That’s the day I surrendered my life to Christ. I admitted my guilt before a holy God and asked for His forgiveness. I joyfully accepted the gracious gift that Jesus offered me – His righteousness that covered my offenses against God. I could hardly believe that He would want me – and yet the lengths to which He’d gone to rescue me from the consequences of my own waywardness were proof enough of His sacrificial love for me. I renounced who I had been and took a new name that reflected my Lord and Savior – “Christian.”

I was baptized that evening in a little church – “in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life.” I can still remember how light I felt as I came out of the water. The weight of my sin had been washed away, and pure joy filled my heart.

What happened in that church on that Monday so long ago was life-changing for me. But what happened in heaven that day was even more amazing!

Y’all, for little ol’ 18-year-old me, there was a party in heaven! In Luke 15:10, Jesus says, “…I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Angels! Beings who exist in God’s presence and constantly experience His glory and holiness took notice that day and joined in His delight that I was now saved! I was a lawbreaker – turned little child of God. I became a new creation, and my name was written in the Lamb’s book of life. That day, I became a part of the Church – the Bride of Christ.

Wedding customs in His time began with a bridegroom or his family paying a dowry for the bride. A period of time comparable to what we would know as an engagement would then begin. At some point, the groom would notify his bride that he and his friends were on their way to her house. She and her maidens would wait for his arrival. They would join with the groom’s party and parade down the streets of the village to his family home. And then the party would start - an elaborate, days-long celebration of the new couple!

This girl from West Texas became a part of a wonderful celestial drama when I gave my heart to Jesus. My “dowry,” His blood shed on my behalf, was paid to the Father.

And now I wait expectantly and watch with the Church for Him to appear. In His perfect timing, Jesus will come in the clouds to claim His Bride and take her to His Father’s house. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) And the grandest celebration – beyond our imagination – will begin!

“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said, ‘Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’” – Revelation 19:6-9

I’ve loved being Mrs. Vick for the past 40-plus years, but even more significantly, I’ve loved bearing the name “Christian.” I’ve loved being a part of the Bride of Christ, and I look forward to sitting at that heavenly banquet table, surrounded by the family of God. Jesus invites all who will come to join His beautiful Church at that incredible wedding supper. The angels are waiting with Him to rejoice over the one who says “Yes!” And I pray I’ll see you at the table.