I, (name), take you (name), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.The day was magical and they have an entire photo album, expensive silverware and crystal to prove it.
I have never been married, but I don't know of any woman who has who has really thought of the magnitude of her wedding vows. Many of the brides I know are too engrossed in wedding preparations, cake tastings, invite sending and dress fittings to even ponder upon what the priest is taking care of (i.e. the vows). These vows, the words you say before God and man to bind your self to another person forever, until death do you part. Until death.
When I think for better or for worse I think of petty arguments, trips to the dog house and slamming doors. I have never, until now, thought of terminal illnesses and the impending loss of a spouse (although I witnessed my father become a widower). I have never considered the handsome face of my lover being contorted by disease and illness or ever once dreamed of his wonderfully sculpted body turning to mere flesh and bone right before my eyes, under the care of my hands.
When I think of for richer or for poorer I am led to think of a lost job, short period of unemployment and stressed finances while putting children through university. I have never once thought of looming medical bills, hundreds upon thousands of dollars spent to keep my God-given, true love alive.
When I think of in sickness and in health I have considered only common colds, maybe a scare of high blood pressure and a broken arm or leg. I have never once considered that my love and best friend could be so sick he would be unable to lift his arm to touch my face or so drained he couldn't mouth the words "I love you". I never once considered that God could gift me this amazing love then allow me to watch it wither away like all of the roses picked and cut to adorn the church.
I have never considered any of these things until now and I'm sure Angie Gray never considered them either as her entire life changed once her beloved, successful Will was diagnosed with cancer and later when the cancer took his strength and right eye and later still when cancer, and let me add the will of God, took Will's life. In spite of the mounting bills and the sudden loss of all that they had built together, within each other, through God...their love grew, their trust in God grew, their testimony grew. It seems as if the death of so many flowers fertilized the ground for a garden of new flowers. On July 26th, 2013 God took Will home - now we watch as the flowers bloom. We look to see their colour and shape and stand in wait of their fragrance.
I really hope this video touches your heart and that it prompts you to count the true cost of those vows you make before God and man on the most amazing day of your life. Count the cost. Cover your future husband and family in prayer. Love, love, love like you don't have a string of tomorrows but only one more TODAY.
Lord please spare my love. Keep my husband and myself healthy and whole to see our children and grandchildren and even our very first grandchild. Lord you have complete and total control and I trust you with my whole life...I pray that you hear my prayer, and even the words I cannot type. Lord please protect us. Dear Lord, you have promised to destroy death and loss. Please along with that loss destroy cancer. Destroy this disease that spreads and kills, that leaves one weak, helpless and wreathing in pain. Lord please bring healing to Angie as she faces the biggest loss of her life. Please keep Will's memory alive in the hearts of his loved ones and in strangers like myself. May your will be done, my king, in all things. May your name be praised. Even out of pain, even out of anger, even out of confusion may You be glorified. Amen.
Zemi, this is absolutely awesome!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. That truly means a lot.
Delete