Macramé is a form of textile produced by knotting individual
strands together. I first learned it for an Arts and Crafts class in college.
For years, I have been crafting bracelets using this technique. I am now
selling my bracelets in two local shops using “3strands” as my logo/brand.
I based the name on one of my favorite Bible verses: “A cord made of three strands is hard to break.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) I love the imagery of bonding this verse evokes concerning relationships. When both people (represented by two strands) love God and want to please Him, God becomes the third strand, lending strength and endurance to the union.
Those who camp or climb know the truth of Ecclesiastes 4:12: Fibers that are twisted or braided together are stronger than a single, straight strand. Why? A braided rope can withstand more weight than an unbraided rope of the same thickness. By distributing weight along more than one strand of rope, you improve its tensile strength. Braiding the cord gives it more capacity to stretch. This makes for greater elasticity as well as superior abrasion resistance, but more importantly it prevents snarls and tangles.
This is true in relationships as well. The verses leading up to Ecclesiastes 4:12 talk about lending each other help and strength. “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it's just too bad, because there is no one to help him. If it is cold, two can sleep together and stay warm, but how can you keep warm by yourself. Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone.”
The passage concludes by saying, “A cord of three strands is hard to break.” Whether in marriage, family, or in friendship, as each individual grows closer to God, they also grow closer to each other. They share common goals and struggles. They can help one another through tough times and can share the wonderful moments of joy. When God is in our relationships, we are even better equipped to face the challenges of life. Not only is each individual strengthened, but God binds the relationship together with a glue that surpasses even the claims of Gorilla or Super glue! The cord of three strands is hard to break!
God brings special people into our lives with whom we share this spiritual bond. What relationships made of three cords do you depend on in life?
Be encouraged!
©2022 Pamela D. Williams.
