“DID YOU GET A DIVORCE?”
That was my neighborhood friend, Marcie, close by my God tree today. “I’m not leaving my husband!” I replied! I told her that I had just returned from Nigeria and stopped in New York to see my daughters, who both make us so proud, and that the boys were stepping up as these incredible little men with their dad. I love my family, y’all! I always say, “We ain’t perfect, but we’re pretty close!” Wink! Wink!
I was so happy I got to teach my daughters about loving other’s God’s way. We have to be so full of God’s love that we only have His love to share. So, when the disappointments come, we can keep our hearts and minds focused on God, asking what He would have us do in every moment, knowing He is our strength to help us do His will. These verses have beautifully guided my actions based on my conversations with God in my alone times with Him:
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8 Ain’t nobody perfect! Just how hubby puts up with me, I put up with him!
“Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.” – Proverbs 3:3-4 I tell hubby that I am his ride-or-die wifey! Whatever we must go through, we’re going through it together! I think of my sister-in-law Verona’s words to my brother, Kevin, when he threatened to leave her. She said, “You’re not leaving me to raise these kids by myself. Go to the room and get some sleep!” That’s me all the way! Ain’t no breaking up over here!
“But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.” – Galatians 5:22-23. God even has the number 311 showing up all over the place for me, which means He is asking me to stay on the highest road with Him going the extra mile in love, patience, gentleness, and faithfulness. He is our strength in helping us to be the loving people He would have us to be!
And like Ceri always says, God has asked us to do two things: LOVE HIM AND LOVE OTHERS. That love for others goes unconditionally, the same way God loves us!
I take my vows seriously: For better or for worse. In sickness and in health. Until death do us part! I have an essential role taught to me by my other sister-in-law, Aima, to be the glue holding my family together! God is our strength as we live our best lives, all for His glory!