To the Man of Courage Who Inspires Me

Dear Husband,

Out of all the things I could tell you on this 13-year anniversary of the day that profoundly changed your life—

I want to tell you that I’m grateful you survived and that you rolled into my life a year later. I want to tell you that I admire you for choosing to cling to your faith in God, when so much slipped out of your control. I want to tell you that I’m proud of you—proud to call you Husband.

You’ve endured much, but the challenges haven’t defeated you because your brave eyes are on the One who is forever in control. You’re a rolling light to those around you—a reminder that no matter how dark life gets, there is a greater Hope that shines brighter.

Because of your presence in my life, I see the world through different lenses, helping me be more sensitive to things I once glossed over. You remind me that there’s a bigger picture beyond the smaller one our human eyes can see. You’ve taught me about perseverance, and also about limits and how sometimes we need to lean on others for help. You’ve helped me to focus more on what God says is true, rather than on what other people think. You’ve extended grace to me and love to me and forgiveness to me and so much more…

You, Vincent Paul, are a testimony to Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13 that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Even though you have known deep pain, there is a joy that radiates through you which is not of this world, but has heavenly roots.

I remember when we were dating and you told me that when you couldn’t sleep at night you’d open up God’s Word, and eventually peaceful rest would come.

So when I was pregnant (before we knew the pink or blue news) and I couldn’t fall asleep one night, I took your wise advice and reached for my bible—and I landed on the very first page of the book of Micah.

And now, despite the odds, I get to witness you being Father to our precious miracle Micah who lights up with joy when he hears you pulling in the garage after a full day of work. You’re exactly the daddy he needs, and you’re teaching him more than you probably know.

When you rolled into my life all those years ago, I couldn’t have imagined I’d be writing this one day…as your wife. But God did, because He knows it all and has the whole wide world in His hands.

Through the smiles and pain, I’m grateful to journey with you. I thank God for creating radiant beauty from ashes, and for the promise that one day He will wipe away every tear. I thank Him for bringing you into my life, and I thank you for drawing me closer to His unfailing love.

Keep rolling…

With the deepest love,

Your Bride

~ June 15, 2016 ~