The hot, sexy one with the cigar is my dear Lisa. Now, I will admit, that the way in which we met, was not ideal. I will never forget the first time I saw this picture. I felt like I had been hit by a ton of bricks. "She is so beautiful", I thought. I knew anything I tried to do from that moment on was a lost cause.
As God would have it, soon I was able to fly out and meet Lisa, this person who had changed the course of my life forever. The first time we met was in a group of people that all knew our "story". I was there first, and had my back to the door, talking with some people. I knew the instant that she walked in the door. A blind person would have known, the room was suddenly, eerily silent. I think half of the people expected there to be a fight or something. In the minutes that followed, the introductions, the hugs of hello, the glad to finally meet you in persons.... was the beginning of a steadily growing friendship, that has blossomed from those first fearful moments in Memphis.
I hope that our friendship is a lesson in forgiveness. I hope that people look at our relationship and see how Christians are supposed to act even when everyone else in the world says you have permission, even the right, to act differently.
Lisa, you are an amazing woman. I learn from you all the time. Your strength in the midst of your challenges, is inspirational. This year has been tough. Last Birthday you got a present you would have gladly white elephant-ed to anyone else in the world, and yet you face it, and all that it brings with grace.
On your birthday, I want you to know that I am here for you. I will continue to pray for you. I will continue to share the wisdom of the Scriptures with you. I will promise to hug on you when the days are hard and you just have nothing left. I promise to cry with you, and bring lots of tissue. I hope to be a person that you can just be real with, and say " I am tired, I hurt.... I need help", and know that there will be help, no matter the time of day, or reason.
I am glad God brought you into my life.
I love you.
Have a Wonderful Birthday.
What can I say other than, WOW- and thank you. You are truly a blessing in my life, every single day. I do believe God had a hand in this crazy most people won't understand relationship- maybe not from the beginning- but from just a little bit after that.
ReplyDeleteNot only are you such a blessing, but Evan, Tayler, Hunter, Jeremiah, and even your "Wants to be Crunchy But I can tell the truth" groom.
I thank God daily for bringing you all into my life!
Love you!