True Love Waits

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

God is holy and still chose us! Incredible! I am a Preacher's Kid, raised in the church and taught God’s truth. I was quietly rebellious and did all that you do when you are rebelling against God. I was brought to repentance when my daughter was two years old, her father had broken my heart and I felt abandoned. A friend invited me to Harvest and I started attending the early service and then on to my Dad’s church. God blessed me with amazing parents that allowed me to stay and raise my little girl in their home. I always longed for a husband and was determined to “wait”. I jokingly prayed that God would point an arrow at “the one” or flash a neon sign above his head. It took 13 years but I heard God’s voice say “that’s him” when my future husband walked into the bank where I work.

Our first date was 11/22/07. My sweet Joseph had been homeless and drug addicted for 25 years. He had fought addiction several times and had a true, Paul on the road to Damascus, conversion. My husband used to hold a sign and bum money at the Tyler off ramp. We were married on 03/15/08. Moved into our cute home that my Dad and Joseph re-modeled together. Joseph had such a child like faith and taught me so many things about God’s way and His love for us, sinners. Joseph had a heart for the lost and so genuinely cared for those around him, especially the homeless.

Joseph was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in July of 2008, the treatment conflicted with the medication Joseph was on for bi-polar. The side effects are severe depression and as Joseph struggled we decided to discontinue treatment after 10 weeks. The damage was done and Joseph began a downward battle with severe depression. An old friend from drug rehab started coming to church in mid March. Joseph, wanted to help him, but was physically and emotionally weak himself. Soon Joseph was immersed in a life he had left behind and was battling. On April 19th Joseph and I sang “there will be a day” by Jeremy Camp. Joseph cried and I cried. He told me that he had “let the devil in the door and he got the upper hand”. Joseph took his life that night. I believe he did it to spare us the spiritual battle that was ahead and the suffering, he knew all to well.

Joseph reminded me that day that Jesus was coming soon, sooner than we think. I know God carried my weak and worn out husband to Himself. I last saw Joseph at 7:45 in the evening. I knew he was sad but I didn’t know how sad. God impressed upon me to pray for him, and I did. I rejoice in knowing that as I prayed, my husband was seeing our Savior. I cried out to God, begging him to comfort my husband and hold him close like a father would a son. God did. The great I Am came to our little workshop and carried my husband to glory. I know my Redeemer lives and I will see my sweet Joseph again. He will be complete and whole in Christ. I mourn for myself. Joseph is not “lost”, he is face to face with Jesus! Even so, Lord, come quickly!