Christian reality stars Chip and Joanna Gaines from the HGTV show "Fixer Upper" cannot be more different from one another. However, they manage to set aside their differences and thrive not only in business but also in parenthood and marriage.
The couple talked about their relationship with motivational speaker Jefferson Bethke. In the short video published on Bethke's YouTube page, Chip says they first started dating in 2001 and got married in 2003.
Because both their parents were believers, they grew up in very similar environments. But that's about it as far as their similarities are concerned.
Joanna explains: "I was a safe, overprotected child and Chip was kind of this rowdy, risky guy. If you can imagine those two worlds colliding, it was very interesting, but we could somehow figure out a way to make that work and have fun with it."
Being total opposites isn't really a bad thing, adds Chip. But the love and dedication he felt for his wife really grew when he decided to embrace who she is as a person.
"When I learned how to embrace Joanna for who she is and really support her all the way, I feel like that was a real light bulb moment for me in my relationship with her," he says. "As I really enveloped this concept of I'm going to support her, and love her, and fight for her regardless, I feel like that opened your heart to be able to reciprocate."
Chip and Joanna Gaines have never shied away from talking about their faith. They earlier shared with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that their business is thriving because they always prioritise God.
"Our family has made a commitment to put Christ first, a lifestyle our parents modelled for us very well. They showed us how to keep our marriage and family centred around God," says Chip. "Jesus said the world would know His disciples by their love for one another, and we've glimpsed this in practice and strive for it every day."
