Trust God and Remember Rule #1

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January 4, 2009
Let it Go Already!
The Latin term “tabula rasa” meaning “blank slate” represents an opportunity for a fresh start. As we enter 2009, I’m wondering if you might be willing to declare a clean slate for a relationship that you hold close to your heart. Are you continuing to have the same argument time and time again? Are you holding on to past hurts and wounds? Are you failing to extend forgiveness to those closest to you?

Years ago a situation transpired that resulted in an unresolved conflict between a family member, whom I’ll call Mark, and I. Because Mark wouldn’t acknowledge (to my satisfaction) what had happened between us, resentment began to manifest in my heart toward him. Often when I would interact with Mark, my inappropriate response to him was less about the situation-at-hand and far more about the unresolved issue between us. For years, I was very touchy in Mark’s presence making for an uncomfortable situation for those around us.

Over time, the Lord began to deal with me and my attitude toward Mark through the Holy Spirit’s promptings and through the wise counsel of my Pastor. I found that I began to see Mark differently and to put his actions and words into more healthy perspective. And then...when it seemed as though I was "over it"...Mark and I had a very bad moment during a phone conversation just before the holidays…

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September 11, 2008
Trust God and Remember Rule #1
They say that love often finds us when we're looking in the opposite direction. And so it was on that pivotal day when Wendell went along for the ride with a friend who was interested in the eldest “Johnson girl”. Little did Wendell know that he, too, would become interested in the young woman, that they would soon begin dating, that she would one day become his wife and that on today, September 11, 2008 they would celebrate 43 years of marriage. The couple I’ve described happens to be…

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Thu, 09/11/2008 - 7:21pm

Submitted by drkenya

They say that love often finds us when we're looking in the opposite direction. And so it was on that pivotal day when Wendell went along for the ride with a friend who was interested in the eldest “Johnson girl”. Little did Wendell know that he, too, would become interested in the young woman, that they would soon begin dating, that she would one day become his wife and that on today, September 11, 2008 they would celebrate 43 years of marriage. The couple I’ve described happens to be… my parents – Wendell and Annie Ayers - who, as I’m writing this blog, are enjoying an anniversary dinner together at a Brazilian Steakhouse. Theirs has been quite an adventure so I thought I’d ask them two questions appropriate for the Relationship Solutions community.

MOM AND DAD ON THEIR WEDDING DAY - SEPTEMBER 11, 1965

The first question I asked each of them was what it takes spiritually to get to 43 years of marriage. Ironically, or perhaps not, each of them stated that prayer and staying in the Word has sustained their relationship through the vicissitudes of life.

The second query I posed was, “What advice would you offer to couples wanting to make it to 43 years of marriage and beyond?” My mother’s answer? “Take things one day at a time. In fact, take things moment by moment.” My father’s advice? “Tell them to just remember the rules. Rule #1, the wife is always right. Rule #2, when all else fails, remember rule #1!”

I’m also reminded today of a biblical marriage that weathered many ups and downs as well. In Genesis the 18^th chapter, the Lord (through three messengers) appeared to Abraham in the heat of the day and began to speak to him about the promises He’d ordained for Abraham and Sarah including the fact that they would become parents despite their advanced age. Abraham scoffed at the notion and Sarah laughed to herself at the absurdity of it all. Then the Lord asked Abraham in Genesis 18:14 (KJV), “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” and declared that what He had promised Abraham and Sarah would indeed come to pass. And the rest - as they say - is history.

Just as this message of hope came to Abraham and Sarah in the heat of the day perhaps your marriage is not all that you desire currently and things are more difficult than you’d ever imagined. I want to encourage you to stand on the promises of Numbers 23:19 (NIV) “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Just as He challenged Sarah and Abraham, He is issuing a question to you today, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

With Wendell and Annie and Abraham and Sarah in mind, I want to encourage all of the married members of our Relationship Solutions family to stay the course, to stay in your Word and to stay on your knees in prayer. There is nothing too hard for the Lord!

Agape –

Dr. Kenya

P.S. Fellas, don’t forget rule #1!

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