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Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken, both Christian singer/songwriters, have been married three years and live in Nashville. Derek, a former member of Caedmon's Call, released his first solo album, She Must and Shall Go Free (INO Records), last March. Sandra has released several independent CDs, and went into the studio to record a new one when we went to press.

How did you meet?
Derek: Caedmon's Call was in Nashville recording an album. Two doors down from our studio, Sandra was playing at this little coffee shop. I was making a coffee-and-sandwich run for the band, and I heard her play a song and really liked it. We didn't meet that day, but I picked up one of her records. I got the band hooked on it, and we invited her to open some shows for us. I was looking for an excuse to call her!

Did you hit it off when he called?
Sandra: We had instant compatibility. It was as if we always knew each other, and were working backwards trying to fill in the gaps of what we didn't know about each other, sotries we hadn't heard. We talked about things the same way, and had the same views on life. It seemed effortless to get to know each other.

Anything funny happen at your wedding?
Derek: During the part where the father gives away the daughter, her dad pulled back her veil, gave her a kiss, and put his arm around her. Then he put his arm around me and gave me a kiss, right on the cheek!
Sandra: The whole church started laughing. It was really cute.

What's the hardest thing you've faced in your marriage?
Sandra: Just figuring out how to be open and vulnerable with each other when all you want to do is pretend everything's all right and say, "Leave me alone." That's the tough thing about marriage, and the beautiful thing at the same time. That's when redemption comes to you most intimately, because it's a different kind of commitment than you've ever been in. And it's a beautiful picture of the gospel, because in most other relationships, you might just walk away. But for us, that's not an option, and never will be. I think that's why marriage is one of God's greatest tools of sanctification.

Anything to add, Derek?
Derek: How can I add anything to that? She's so eloquent. I'm learning the more I keep my mouth shut and let Sandra do the talking, the better things end up.

What advice would you give couples?
Derek: Never have a TV in your bedroom. You need a place just for the two of you to be together and to talk about things without any distractions.

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	Read more from 'Snapshot'

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