Memorial Box Monday: Frank

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

As I've shared before, the tragedy of 9/11 sent my life into a tailspin. My pain was so deep, I couldn't even pray for myself. My husband prayed on my behalf instead. He prayed for weeks as I wallowed in self-pity and fear. 

The sermon at church yesterday was about Christian love, agape love that never fails. My husband's prayers for me back in 2001 were answered when God brought Frank into our lives. Frank was the associate pastor at a church we now call home. He is one of the most soft-spoken men I've ever known. When we met, I was still a bit of a mess, but Frank welcomed me as a friend. When I whined, he listened. He didn't suggest I had a good reason to keep whining, he just listened, then gently pointed me back to God. 

For a while, the world seemed to right itself. I was functioning again. Life seemed better. And I fell apart again. Not sure why. 

My husband wisely called Frank, and he came to visit. I wouldn't let him in the apartment -- oh, it was such a mess. Honestly, I was fairly upset with my husband. But we met in the parking lot -- on a chilly winter day. We talked. He gave me a book to read -- though I can't remember what it was right now. He reminded me that God is good, faithful, true and forever loving. Frank, as always, was patient. Not indulgent, though.

I am thankful that God brought Frank into my life. I'm thankful for Frank's consistent reminders that God is faithful, God is our source of hope, and God's love never fails. Even if we don't understand.

I'm a picture person -- so I'm putting a picture of Frank in my Memorial Box -- after I write 1 Cor. 13:13 on the back.  (The dear lady in the picture with Frank is his incredible wife, Mary). Thank you, God, for putting Frank in my life when I most needed to understand your love. Thank you that I didn't walk that dark road alone.

f you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started here: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).


P. S. If you ever find yourself in the Lynchburg, VA area and want to go to an amazing church, visit Frank and Mary at Riverside!!! Tell them I say HI! :) http://www.riversidec2.org/