Fairy tales have never really been my thing. As a kid, I suppose I enjoyed Cinderella as much as the next little girl. But I wouldn’t say I was ever excited; I never really bought into the whole thing. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy The Wizard of Oz or a Sunday afternoon, after-church viewing of King Kong or Godzilla (in black and white). Fairy tales are defined as magical, imaginary, and extremely happy. I’m getting ready to tell you about a few fairy tales.
This picture was taken last weekend. Kenny and I traveled to Grand Forks, North Dakota for the wedding of two very dear friends ~ Greg and Jess. The other couples are a few more of “our people”. Although we span a wide variety of years of knowing each other and depth of relationship, we are SOLID. The reason for that foundation is JESUS; it’s as simple as that.
This picture represents one couple who have fought and battled against the enemy to maintain their marriage for over 30 years. Through failure, loss, deceit, and a myriad of other trials, Jesus has remained their anchor and continues to write their fairy tale. They give hope to so many!
You also have several examples of people who have survived failed marriages. Failed marriages obviously don’t fall into cookie-cutter categories. Rarely is a situation one-sided. Both parties are in some way responsible for the fall. Often mistakes are repeated as we don’t take the time to sit and examine our hearts; to flesh out the darkness that takes up residence and infiltrates everything we touch. But even those stories weren’t “The End”.
In God’s grace, mercy, and love He has redeemed our stories. He has taken the broken and shattered pieces of our lives and created this new story. A fairy tale even. It’s not a fairy tale that only has magical moments, imaginary friends, and happiness. It often leaves us crying, frustrated, confused, and hurt. But it’s rich. So very rich. Full of joy that wraps itself around the sorrows. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’ve prayed for a fairy tale like that for Greg and Jess. One that has Jesus at the center. One that withstands the storms of life while standing shoulder to shoulder with other like-minded characters.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ~ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!