Wednesday, August 20

A Love Story



Recently, a man by the name of Pat Robertson made national news when he declared that it's okay to divorce your spouse if he/she suffers from Alzheimer's or Dementia. He justifies his stance by stating that these conditions are "a kind of death". This idea is in direct contrast with the picture of marriage we find in the Bible. At the heart of a Christ-centered marriage lies the vow to remain faithful "in sickness and in health".

Let me share with you a beautiful story that portrays this truth.

A very dear friend of mine has traveled the heartbreaking journey through dementia. His wife was diagnosed with vascular dementia nearly five years ago and from beginning he has been the picture of what it means to honor your spouse. My friend cared for his wife as much as possible, until the disease reached a point where outside help was needed. 

His wife was eventually placed in a nursing home where she could receive the care she needed.
While this time of his life has been the hardest he has ever faced, it has allowed his love for Jesus and for his wife to shine, even through the darkest days. 

My friend made a promise to his wife on their wedding day many years ago, and he has kept that promise- even amidst the loss caused by dementia.

The Bible instructs husbands to "love your wife as yourself" and I've never seen this lived out quite like I have with my friend. Despite the pain of seeing his sweetheart gradually declining, he never left her side. He could have justified leaving- or not visiting her so often- because it was so painful, or because she didn't recognize him. In doing so, though, he would have been putting himself first. In a marriage, your spouse comes first and my friend knew this truth. He put her needs above his regardless of the fact that his heart broke daily for the love of his life. 

I've watched my friend navigate life without his love by his side. I've seen his heart on the many morning runs we've had as he shared his struggles, yet he never once considered leaving her side. You see, when he made that vow so many years ago, he didn't know this battle would one day come. He vowed to love his wife regardless of what the future held, and that is exactly what he has done.
My dear friend lost his precious wife last week. He honored her until the very end. He loved her to the fullest. He did so much for her even though she had no way of knowing- at least not on this side of heaven. She now knows the depth of her husband's love and devotion to her, how he honored his promise to stay by her side even during her darkest times. 
 
I know she is smiling down at the man who truly loved her as he loves himself.

In a world where marriage is no longer sacred, love stories like this give us hope and set an example for the way we are called to love- deeply and regardless of what life may bring our way.

Monday, August 18

Our Gorgeous Girl

She is stunning inside and out :) Love our beautiful baby!

On another note: a big thank you to everyone who has been praying for myself and my mission team. I am home safely and feel like I am finally settled and caught up. I hope to start sharing all the amazing stories from Nicaragua soon!

To sum it up in one sentence: I was born to be a missionary. 

Stay tuned!