TWENTY-FIVE YEARS
The “Battle Hymn of Love” was playing when I walked down the aisle.
And BATTLE we did…
two strong-willed arrogant egotistical individuals looking to form a rock solid relationship.
He would only consider marriage if I agreed to make God the foundation of our family. I certainly had nothing to lose. So, I surprised him with the “YES” on my way in, instead of the “NO” that he thought would be his way out.
“And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house
and could not shake it, because it had been well built.”
It’s been 25 years today! The house the Halls built is still standing. I laughed when I saw the verse from Luke 6:48 this morning. We sang, “The Wise Man Built His House Upon The Rock” when we were just kids in Sunday school. But, this morning, a deeper truth presented itself.
“…WHEN a flood arose…”
It doesn’t say “IF.”
We’ve survived some real floods, some actual fires, a few financial catastrophes, job changes, children, sickness, and devastating deaths.
It was harder in the beginning, when we battled against each other instead of together.
It’s still hard.
Times change, people change…strangely our entire world has changed.
Last Wednesday night, you might have been willing to bet we wouldn’t make it another minute.
We don’t always stop to process what’s happening, before we arm ourselves with bitter words of blame.
But more than ever, we now realize our only option has always been our firm foundation.
One of us usually remembers there’s a path to peace.
It requires we pray, and sometimes we are so angry we resist.
It takes time.
It takes patience.
Humility is often involved, though neither likes the way that feels.
Resilience.
Determination.
And a strong will to keep walking.
Just keep walking.
We all know there are more battles up ahead.
“Till the battle is won, I will not run. Till my death I will stand by you.”
The Hall House
Est. May 27, 1995
© Copyright 2020, KeziahCarrie. All Rights Reserved
“The Battle Hymn of Love”
Written by: Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz
Performed by: Kathy Mattea and Tim O’Brien
Produced by: Allen Reynolds
Mercury Records
KeziahCarrie 