A broken and
shattered heart is not easily healed. Four years ago, my heart was a mess of
pain and sadness.
Little did I
know, just five miles across town, lived a man who was in the middle of his own
heartbreak.
Neither one
of us knew the plan God was constructing, to heal our hearts and bring us
together, even though we had not met!
Two years
ago, on a hot summer night, I looked across a field at a cheerleading practice
and saw a handsome man. He caught my attention, even at a time when I was not looking
for love.
One week
later, I received a “friend request” from the handsome man. I assumed my friend
Marion had played matchmaker, but it was determined she did no such thing. I
questioned the man, and learned he saw me on Linked In, and “felt led” to
contact me.
We exchanged
messages back and forth on Facebook for a few weeks, and Trey FINALLY asked me
out on a “non- date.” (I still have no idea what a non-date is, but it has
become a joke between us). Trey and I met at a church parking lot and set off
on the "non-date." There were NO fireworks and electricity between us. It was
just awkward! We were both nervous, and I assumed Trey didn’t like me at all,
since he did not smile one time!
I came home
that night convinced there would be no second date. My boys asked about the date. I relayed the awkwardness of the date, and Noah encouraged me to
give Trey a second chance. I am so glad I did!
Within a few days, Trey asked me out for a “real date.” Wow! Our first, real date was full of fireworks!
We ate sushi, laughed, and I will never forget the current that coursed through
my arm when he held my hand.
That night
marked the true beginning of our love story. The last two years have had ups
and downs as together, we have both learned to love again. Trey and I have
similar stories of heartbreak. We have diligently worked to heal from past hurts, and fully
trust one other. It hasn’t been easy. We have learned, love is work.
Love does not just happen. Love is a choice.
My Trey is
the most patient and loving example of Christ I have ever seen in a human. When
we first met, I could not even say the word, “marriage.” I continually pushed
Trey away and kept walls around my heart. Each wall and push of resistance was
met with patience and love. Trey has loved me at my best, but his demonstration
of love at my worst has been the best demonstration of love.
The theme
verse for our relationship is, Romans 8:28. This powerful verse says, “And we know that God causes everything to
work together] for the
good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans
8:28 (NLT).
This scripture has been the foundation and
theme for our relationship. Both Trey and I have stories of devastation,
heartbreak and loss. In the middle of loss, it is difficult to grasp how God
could possibly work anything together for good.
Trey and I have a strong relationship with God. Both of us prayed for God (even
in the middle of utter hopelessness) to somehow
work everything together for good.
And He did.
Here are a few ways God has worked for good.
- Trey prayed for a godly woman who was perfect for Him, and who would love his girls.
- I prayed for a godly man who would understand my wounds, and who would love my boys.
- Trey always longed for a son. God gave Trey two sons.
- I lost three daughters. One through a late miscarriage, and twin girls because of a failed adoption. God has now blessed me with three daughters.
- Our five children often voiced their desire for a family, with a Mom and Dad. God answered by bringing them together as a family. We call ourselves, The Magnificent Seven!
Since our engagement, Trey and I have
received correspondence from many who have been encouraged by our story. This
brings us such joy! This is an answer to prayer because our greatest desire is
that people find hope through our story. Hope, that God takes what was meant
for evil and through His extravagant love, brings beauty.
We have experienced the Redeeming Love of
God and a redeeming love for one another. It is our prayer that our lives, our
stories, and our family, are a testimony of how God causes everything
to work together for good. God takes our brokenness and makes us whole. On
October 4, 2015, Trey and I will become husband and wife. This is good!
He truly “causes everything to work together] for the good of those who love God and
are called according to his purpose for them.”
