Everyone’s got a great story about how they met. Some claim “love at first sight.” That’s not us. We met on a blind date…one that neither of us really agreed to. And what followed wasn’t love, it was lust.
July 1st we celebrated our two year wedding anniversary. We have a daughter who is almost four. If you passed the 2nd grade, it doesn’t take much to figure out that our daughter was born before we got married. The interesting part of our story is that we didn’t continue dating (or even talking) while I was pregnant. And after our daughter was born, what followed was fighting, distrust, and lawyers.
I feel called to share our story of how my husband and I met, had a baby, fought dirty, and finally gave the situation to Christ. It’s too long to write about (17 pages to be exact). But if you have 20 minutes, I’d like to invite you to follow the link below to our video testimony. We shared our story at a marriage program called Re-Engage this past April. (Just 3 months after Gideon was born).
I’m not proud of our past. Mostly because the way we handled things was immature, selfish, and wrong. What I am proud of is how we (finally) allowed God to take control of the situation. We put our trust in Him to work out the details that we so desperately wanted to control ourselves.
Much like the story of Jesus, ours is a story of redemption…a story of second chances…a story of forgiveness. I hope you’ll find time to watch. It’s because of our story that we can face anything united as one. We can face the future with all it’s uncertainties and declare to the world, “We will not be shaken.”
Statistics show that most marriages don’t last when a child is terminal. I speak for both my husband and I when I say that we are not worried. The statistics have never been in our favor anyways. For example, my husband was married once before- Strike 1. Also we had a child before we were married- Strike 2. And finally, we lived together before we were married. Strike 3. We are not proud of (nor do we suggest) these things, we are just aware that each one of these events leads to a higher divorce rate.
All that being said, we are not blind to the fact that Satan prowls around looking to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8). That’s why we choose to know Jesus. We don’t just know about Jesus, we intimately know Him. Also we pray together. And not just at the dinner table. We pray together before we make big decisions, we pray together when one of us is troubled or hurting, we pray together just to thank God for what he’s done for us… we pray together.
So here’s our story. We hope you find it encouraging. We hope you find it helpful. But most of all, we hope you find the Author behind the story.
(This link may not pull up on your phone. You may have to watch it on your computer. Also, we spoke too softly, so turn your volume WAY up.)
Thanks for watching.
John 16:33
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Amen!!!
Samantha, I am in tears. I just watched your video from Re Engage. My husband and I just went through that at our church (as a pilot program) and I must admit it was tough. It ripped us a part and brought us back together again. I have a new respect for you. When I first starting reading your blog just a few days ago I thought you must be much much older with your wisdom. Your attitude is amazing and God just shines through you. My husband and I have been married for 14 years. I am just amazed at how you have handled the things with Gideon and WOW so excited that you saw the doctor you did. Also, meeting someone with a child 11 years old with Gideons disease!! I will pray for you and walk with you in this journey.
I have a special needs child who is by no means as critical as your son. It has been a long hard journey and taken a toll on our marriage. He is now seven and thriving.
Stay close to God. I am hoping to get back to being close to God. For the last 7 years I have not had time, I know an excuse. But what I have used since I am just plain worn out at the end of the day after doctor appts and therapies of all kinds and a four year old on top of all this.
However, you and Kevin have inspired me to dig deep and do what I am called to do in obedience.
The one thing I have learned with my son and all the therapists and doctors: Never, ever put God in a box.
(((hugs))) to your precious family and thanks for sharing your story.
JulieAnn, Thank you for taking the time to read my blog & message me… it means a lot. Especially because you have a lot on your plate!! I know how having a child with special needs takes a toll on a marriage… I watched my parents go through it. They are still happily married today, but it has been a hard road. No marriage is immune to hard times. Unfortunately some dealt a hand harder than others.
I am so glad to hear that you went through the ReEngage program! Do you have a support group? One with people who are dealing with the same type of special needs children? If not, it makes all the difference. Blogging this week has connected me with a whole new “family” that is going through the same struggles and its been of great encouragement. (And even the people who are going through something different have been an encouragement!!) find a way to connect.
I will pray also that you find time to spend with The Lord. I know it’s hard. I haven’t been reading my Bible like I was before Gideon was born. I need to get back into my morning routine.
I so appreciate you messaging me. You have no idea how you have encouraged me. 🙂 If you ever need to talk please email me! God bless you & yours!
Sam & Kevin,
Your story is an incredible journey! I am so glad that the two of you stuck to and with God to lead you back to each other! We (Roy & I) have a lot to learn from you two! Thank you for being such a great example! We will continue to keep your family in our prayers! Live you guys!!
Tiffany, you’re so sweet! We definitely need to get together! Love and appreciate you guys!!
Oh I loved your story! It’s so amazing how God does work everything out way different than we ever imagine and how much greater it is than our version would be. Gideon’s story will be no different, it will just be exciting to see what he does with it. Through much pain and tears will come HIS plan/will for Gideon continue always trusting, leaning on God. Allow others to come into your life during this time to serve you and to be a blessing to you.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4”
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2”
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10”
Bearing One Another’s Burdens
by John MacArthur:
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/bearing-one-anothers-burdens/
Jacey, Thank you again for the encouraging words! His version is much better than ours. And also thank you for the scripture and article. I am going to read the article after I finish responding to comments! God bless!!!
Praying for you and your family Samantha! So glad God can use you and your love story to help others!
Thank you Amanda! We are blessed!!
So glad that you’re my best friend. Lunch 🙂
Likewise!!!! Snappy salads????
I believe you are handling this with such grace. You may not think it, but you’ve been blessed with a life of great testimony, not only for those who may have a child with special needs, but for people in general. I will continuously pray for your family.
Brittaney, thank you so much! Looking back on my life I definitely have some major life issues The Lord has used for good. My husband and I appreciate your prayers and encouragement. Thanks for taking the time to message me. 🙂 God bless!
Thanks for sharing your story. I had my daughter when I was 18 and met my husband when she was four months old. We lived together before we were married, more or less so that my daughter had a “dad” present as far back as she can remember. He adopted her when she was three and much of her family from her biological family is still involved in her life. Sometimes it’s embarrassing, especially that I’m a teacher in a small town where many people know “my story”. I’m sure people look at my life and ask themselves how I’m at all qualified to be teaching their children when I’m not exactly an example myself. What I do know is that God has called me to use this story to encourage others in the same situation I was in. Making a few wrong turns doesn’t have to be the end all be all, and in some cases can be exactly what turns you into a vessel for His glory.
You are becoming a favorite “go-to” blog when I have free time. Thanks for your stories! 🙂
Mandi, you are so right!! Wrong turns in our lives do NOT mean the end! I was a teacher myself when I got pregnant and was SO embarrassed because my kids were 7th graders and they KNEW I was not married. I even gave my principal permission not to re-new my contract. (To which he replied, this isn’t 1950, no one is going to stone you..lol). I think our story is more common than we think. God has definitely used us and will continue to use us. Anytime we give our lives to Him, he can turn the worst situation into one that can glorify Him.
Thank you for sharing and taking the time to read my blog! God bless!!
Sam,
I wanted to thank you for sharing your story. I know I have not met Kevin yet, but I truly see that God has brought you two back together to show others that with Him and Prayer, anything is possible. I have known you and your family for sometime now, seen you go through good, bad, and worse times. You and your testimony are an inspiration to me and my family. You know how my relationship started with my wife, and I too need to trust in GOD & Prayer to make sure that my family is better for it. I thank you once again for your and Kevin’s word of encouragement. Love you! – Hap
Happy,
It means a lot to me that you took the time to read our story. We have known each other for quite a while, and while we haven’t always made the best of choices our God has been able to use our circumstances for His glory. I am so thankful to call you my friend!! You are a wonderful person and I just love you and your family! Let’s get together soon so our kiddos can play! Thanks again for taking the time to message me. 🙂
I found your blog through Momma Laughlin, and I pray for you and your family and that your time together is full of love and laughter. I can’t even imagine what you must go through on a minute to minute basis. You are so strong it is amazing.
Although your son’s story led me to this blog, I found this post that really moved me. My marriage is far from perfect and we do not have a close relationship with Jesus and often think that it would be so helpful to us. We have a crazy busy life and never seem to find the time, as trivial as that may sound. This post gives me encouragment to find the time to find Jesus for myself and my children. I don’t know if my husband will follow but that is not up to me. Thank you so much for your clear and heartfelt way of communicating. I will be praying for you and your family!!
Denise, thank you so much for your encouraging words! This time has been extra special with my family. Im so grateful for Mama Laughlins friendship am all shes done for us. I want to encourage you in what you already know. Jesus is everything to a marriage. Knowing you need and will seek time for Jesus blesses my heart so much. There is a verse that says a woman can win over her husband without a word spoken. So if you seek The Lord know He will take care of your husband. I will pray or your family and your marriage, that you will seek Him out on a daily basis. It’s the hard times we find than we cannot make it without Him. Don’t wait until then. God bless you and yours.