There are a lot of things I've had to sacrifice since moving here. Culture... language... job... relationships... comfort... familiarity... and so on. One of the most difficult things to continually sacrifice, is being a consistent part of the lives of my friends and family. The Rock Solid Pebbles are all growing up (quickly and gorgeously, I might add)... the KIDS from RS are growing up and graduating [Congrats, Kels and Steph (and all the others)!]... and the recent, most difficult sacrifice- weddings.
Justin and Debbie married on Saturday 20.6. Since I couldn't be AT the wedding, here's my blog tribute to this awesome couple.
This is a relationship I've seen go through the races and come out strong. Their continual battle to keep Christ centered in their relationship is inspiring. They stand together in the natural and supernatural, supporting one another with the greatest strength the Lord can provide. They go into battle zones together and they go into the tent of David to worship together. They love their friends unconditionally, together. At times, I have advised them both to be "less serious" about some things... but their "seriousness" was only a quest for purity and true light between them. Worshipful obedience is at the core of this relationship. When the Lord told them to separate for a time, they painfully did so. When Deb went to Sudan and Justin to Texas, they clung to the cross in their relationship and persevered. When they were together at UNL, they re-learned how to relate face-to-face with one another. They learned how to accept change and growth in one another. They learned how to encourage continued change and growth. When the time came to separate again, they both were willing to sacrifice their own dreams and visions for the sake of the Kingdom. Upon reuniting (again), they grew together in a new territory- where they could learn to manage life together within a new church family, a new ministry environment, and with a different type of spiritual support from their loved ones.
I have had the honor to know both Debbie and Justin as a couple and as individuals.
With Deb, a relationship that began as a student-leader discipleship quickly became a very close, best-friendship, sisterhood. She is one of the most reliable persons I know (even if she is running/thinking on African time). She is disciplined, discerning, and growing more accurate in both. She is a joy.
With Justin, he started as "Debbie's shy boyfriend" who became one of the greatest, strongest, most courageous of my mighty men. He always took everything I could offer and ran to the throne room with it to get more from God directly. He is dependable, loyal, firm, and wise. He is... crazy.
Their gentleness, humility, and willingness before the Lord is encouraging. We've spent many nights praying, worshiping, sitting, crying, laughing, and exercising together. I trust them both with my life and my crayons. Aside from all the serious details- they are both fun. Their adventurous flair compliments one another like coffee and cake. Some of my most enjoyable, most embarrassing, most HILARIOUS memories are shared with this couple. Some of my deepest, most rewarding/encouraging, and even most painful memories are shared with this couple.
Mr. Justin LeRoy and Mrs. Deborah Sue Williams- I love you. You're two of the greatest and it is an honor to share in this carnal life with you. I look forward to more memories - supernatural highs, circumstantial lows, fun, and crazy (I was crazy once...) memories. When we meet face-to-face again, we'll share a toast with Asti and a glass of beer!
