How I Met My Husband…

I’m not sure where to start this blog other than the beginning… When on the road with my husband, I have been asked more than a few times about how we met, where we met, how we knew to marry, how long we dated, did we court, etc.  So here is the story (from my point of view only – we’ll get Charlie’s later)

I was 18 years old and armed with two scripture verses, previously plastered to my bedroom mirror.

“Ask of me, and I will give the nations as your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession.” Psalm 2:8

“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, Do not stir up or awaken love until the time is right.” Song of Solomon 8:4

So there I was, my car jammed full with college “stuff” including a now “over-sized” desktop computer, small plant from a dear friend, and a world map as I waved goodbye to my Mom and drove off to Columbus, Ohio (my Dad was in a car behind me to ensure my safe arrival).

Maybe I had read too many Joshua Harris books during my tween years, but I had kissed dating goodbye and was off to Bible College to be a missionary like Elisabeth Elliot- who also wrote Passion and Purity (loved it). It was during registration, the second day of being in Ohio, that I met my husband. Well, he didn’t know it then and I sure wasn’t about to tell him.

I had signed up for all my necessary classes and headed to the book store to pick up all of the required materials. I pushed through the heavy wooden door and after skimming through my list I glanced up to find the books. There he was, a tall, clean shaven, dark haired, nerdy looking guy in a white dress shirt with a red bow tie. He stood out to me and I heard something inside say, “That’s your husband.” Huh?! What was that about? I pondered to myself. I did not go to Bible College to look for a man, I was focused on my purpose and plan God had for me. I was committed. I was not awakening love until God’s perfect timing. I was hardcore about this. So I continued on my way gathering my books into a giant pile in my arms. I went to step in line, and there he was again – this time – right in front of me.

He glanced at me and asked… “What program are you in?” To which I responded, “Missions.” He then proceeded to tell me that he had spent some time in Uganda the past summer and how amazing it was. UGANDA? REALLY? NO WAY! You see, when I was 13 at my Christian school, a missionary to Uganda had come and spoke and then spent some time going around during lunch and talking with the students. I had shared with that man that I wanted to be a missionary when I was older and would love to go to Uganda. So this, on my second day of Bible College, in the bookstore, before any classes even started, THIS was a sign to me.

Charles, (that’s what he introduced himself as) then asked me if I had ever read this certain book. No. No? Well, you have got to read this before we can even talk anymore. He quickly darted out of line and grabbed Leonard Ravenhill’s “Why Revival Tarries”. I bought it. I read it. I went home on Fall Break and read it some more.

This is how are relationship started, with revival. Now, I am not saying we dated after that point… not even close. We were “buddies”. Right? I know what you are thinking, who wants to be buddies with someone you have a major crush on! Yet that is what happened. We went to the library, laundromat, coffee runs, prayer meetings, classes and car rides all while being friends. It wouldn’t be for a few years down the road that we would realize we were meant for each other.

…To Be Continued