Raleigh and Tunica Hall are in love. It is a love they celebrated at
their marriage on June 28th.
As is the case for most brides and
grooms, their vows were accompanied by dreams of living "happily ever
after." For Raleigh and Tunica, that dream would be unfulfilled.
You see, one month after they tied the knot, Tunica suffered what she
called the "worst headache of my life." Her headache was a brain
hemorrhage. By the time she regained consciousness, Tunica couldn't
remember her age, the year, or her husband.
Although he was
shocked at having had their marriage forgotten, Raleigh decided to sit
back and wait. He thought, "Time will tell. Maybe her memory will come
back on its own."
Sometimes memories do spontaneously return, but
in this case, after two days, Tunica was still unenlightened, at least
in regard to her husband.
That was when Raleigh decided to do
something. The something he decided on was to cover Tunica's hospital
room with pictures of their wedding day. With considerable deliberation,
Raleigh selected and then posted a picture ... and then another ... and
then another. Eventually, there were 1,000 pictures wallpapering the
room.
At first those pretty photos meant nothing to Tunica, but
then she began to ask questions. She wanted to know: "Who is this?" Or
"What were they doing?" And "What was going on here?" Soon she started
talking about the service and when they had been married.
At long
last Raleigh's patience and love paid off. Tunica's memory returned, and
they happily celebrated their three-month anniversary.
Nice
story, isn't it?
It's nice when patience and love wins out. It's
nice when a groom's patience and love helps his wife remember. It's even
nicer when the Lord's patience and love brings a soul to repentance,
faith and salvation.
That's the point Peter was trying to make in
the text above. Back then, like now, there were Christians who were
wondering how long would the Lord Jesus put off His return and bring an
end to the seemingly endless persecution, pain and problems His people
were enduring?
Jesus assured them that Judgment Day was coming
but, for now, the Lord was lovingly, patiently, trying to gather in as
many lost souls as was possible. As Jesus Himself had said, He had
lived, suffered, died and risen so "... repentance and forgiveness of
sins should be proclaimed in His Name to all nations ..." (Luke 24:47a).
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the world is a sinful place, and it is
difficult for Your people. We ask that during this time when You are
calling people to forgiveness and salvation, we may be found faithful to
the Lord who gave His life as the price for our redemption. In Jesus'
Name. Amen.
Pastor Ken Klaus
Lutheran Hour Ministries All rights reserved;
not to be duplicated without permission.
