Epistle to My Wife
My health journey has been quite a burden for Karen and our family. It has been heavy on my heart, knowing the stress my complications have placed on everyone. Worry, fear, and the unknown future as the medical teams care for and seek to diagnose the causes. You all are experiencing something different than I am. For that burden, I am sorry and grateful for your love and thankful for how you care for everyone during this time of trials and suffering. Some might say we are experiencing the perfect storm. However, it feels like we are battling many storms concurrently. This journey has been a bloody war, and Karen, you are my hero. My appreciation for you and our family can never be repaid, which is what love does. You have, without condition, expressed overflowing love while juggling multiple crises. I can only pray that my love extends to the infinite proportions you can give.
Grace, compassion, and empathy exude in your personality, giving you the most profound ability to express your Christ-like love for everyone. You have always loved 1 Corinthians 13 as your favorite verse. It shows through the way you live your life. The way you love reflects everything about you and your Christian walk. I cannot write enough words that exemplify the river of emotions over the past twelve years and these painful years of health troubles beginning in 2023. This year has brought more strain than I could ever imagine, yet you and the kids love deeper. For that, I am forever thankful and blessed beyond measure.
Ecclesiastes 6 shares that God gives some great wealth and honor in everything they want but does not allow them to enjoy what they have accumulated. The tragedy that too many experience is that they will never know where their wealth is. Some find the accumulation of cars, homes, and treasury bills. Culture tells us that it is the epitome of success. Without a shiny new car or oversized home, one is not worthy. Sadly for those, they have missed the entire meaning of wealth, for they will never share the legitimate joy of living in having others to share their life with. The love you share is the glue that brings us together through Christ, Karen. You make our lives and our lives wealthy, wise, and compassionate. Everyone is better because of you in our lives as you expand the hearts around you. For that, I thank you.
Our lives are mere shadows, and it is easy to speak too many words into smoke and mirrors as the world influences our thoughts continuously. Nevertheless, the application of your life verse combined with mine from Ephesians 5:25-30 to love my bride as Christ loved the world has set the foundation for love to continue into the unknown chapters yet to be written. Thank you for making everything meaningful in our lives today and forever more.
2 Comments
Nov 3, 2024, 10:30:12 AM
Lew Everling - Thank you so much!
Nov 2, 2024, 1:56:37 PM
Regina Jeanpierre-Bryant - This is such a beautiful love story devoted to a lovely Woman of God. Karen is a Proverbs 31 woman. I was glad I got to tell her this in person. Thank you, Pastor Lew, for allowing this truth to be shared be shared with others. Karen's love and dedication to her family shall not go unnoticed. May God bless you and keep your marriage strong, in Jesus' Mighty, Matchless Name. Amen!