A Lifetime of Love: My 30-Year Journey with the Holy Marriage Blessing
- Tinko Tinev
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Good morning, friends. As I sit here in the quiet of dawn—6:41 AM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025—I find myself reflecting on a life that’s been truly blessed. I’m 54 now, a husband of 30 years, and a father to five wonderful children. It’s hard to believe that three decades have passed since the day my wife and I stood together to receive the Holy Marriage Blessing. That decision changed everything—it shaped who I am, what I live for, and the legacy I hope to leave behind.
Over the years, I’ve often gone back to the words of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and the lessons that first inspired me. His teachings guided me as a young man, and today, they still speak deeply to my heart. As I look back, I see how one moment of faith set in motion a lifetime of purpose, love, and victory.
The Day It All Began
August 20th, 1995—Seoul’s Olympic Stadium. I was a young man, standing among thousands of other couples from around the world, yet in that vast crowd it felt like only two hearts beating—mine and my bride’s.
When we made our vows, I felt something far greater than ceremony. It was as if heaven itself had wrapped us in light. Rev. Moon often spoke of the “cosmic wedding,” where heaven and earth join together. That day, I truly felt that union. It wasn’t just a promise between two people—it was a commitment to live for something higher, to build a love that could heal and inspire.
That was the day my real life began.
Lessons That Shaped My Journey
The teachings I’ve carried from that moment became the compass that guided every major choice since.
A Legacy for My Children. One message that stayed with me was about creating a clean foundation for future generations. My wife and I took that to heart, striving to raise our children with sincerity and faith. Today, as I watch them grow into kind, confident young adults, I see that light in them—the peace of knowing where they come from and the purpose that awaits them. That, to me, is victory.
A Marriage That Endures Thirty years is no small feat. We’ve had our share of storms—financial struggles, long nights, the chaos of parenting—but our foundation has held strong. We learned early that real love isn’t about taking turns giving; it’s about giving fully, even when it’s hard. That kind of love has carried us through every test. My wife isn’t just my partner—she’s my lifelong companion, my best friend, and the anchor of my soul.
A Family That Bridges Worlds Ours is a marriage that brought together two different cultures, and in that union, we’ve found something beautiful. Through gatherings, service projects, and community work, we’ve tried to live out the idea that love isn’t meant to stay within four walls—it’s meant to flow outward, to heal and connect. In our small way, we’ve seen how love can truly bridge divides.
The Rewards of a Blessed Life
When I look back over the last 30 years, I see the fruits of that single decision made in faith. Many couples from that same 1995 Blessing have shared similar stories—how it gave them strength to endure, to grow, to build families rooted in something deeper than themselves.
Our home has been full—five kids, endless noise, laughter, and love. Through it all, our marriage has been steady. Where others might see the world pulling families apart, I’ve seen that a shared spiritual foundation can keep one together. It’s not always easy—but it’s worth every effort.
I can say without hesitation: the Holy Marriage Blessing gave me the greatest gift a man could hope for—a family that loves deeply, stands firmly, and shines a little light into the world.
Passing the Torch
Now, at 54, I look back not just with gratitude but with pride. The Blessing gave me more than a marriage—it gave me a mission. It taught me that love isn’t something we just feel; it’s something we build, protect, and pass on.
To anyone reading this—whether you’re newly married, seeking faith, or simply wondering what love can truly become—I want to tell you: it’s possible. With faith, commitment, and a heart willing to grow, you can build something lasting and beautiful.
Thirty years later, I stand as proof. Our love has endured, our children are thriving, and the foundation we built continues to bless our lives.
What’s your story of love, faith, or family? I’d love to hear it. Let’s keep growing together on this path of love that unites us all.
Comments