One couple resides in California, are in their 60’s, and have been married 31 years. The other couple resides in Pennsylvania, are in their 20’s, and have been married 3 years. Such different stages of life, yet both couples have interrelated experiences. Each couple has been challenged more than most to live out their marriage with great patience, strength and courage while facing daily physical difficulty. Meanwhile their focus remains centered on God’s immeasurable grace, His unfailing love, and their own unwavering commitment to their Savior and to one another.
Who are these couples and why are their love stories uniquely exceptional?
First, let me introduce you to Ken & Joni Eareckson Tada, whose love story was published last year and is simply titled, Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story. Joni is the most famous quadriplegic known today. She has lived each day with her companion wheelchair from when she was a teenager and suffered paralysis from a diving accident. Joni has enjoyed phenomenal success from a thriving ministry in serving other families all over the world who have been affected by disability. The Tada’s book is from the perspective of husband, Ken, who chose to trust God, sacrifice his own comfort, and release his dream of the ideal marriage relationship to come alongside Joni and become one with her and her disability.
Second, let me introduce you to Ian & Larissa Murphy, whose love story will be published this August (8/28) and will simply be titled, Eight Twenty Eight: When Love Didn’t Give Up. They have publicly blogged their love story and posted videos chronicling their journey together that began just prior to Ian’s life-altering car accident, which left him with a traumatic brain injury. The Murphy’s book is from the perspective of wife, Larissa, who also chose to trust God, sacrifice her own comfort, and release her dream of the ideal marriage relationship to come alongside Ian and become one with him and his disability.
Neither journey for either couple has been easy and painless, as they deal with daily challenges beyond what many of us could fathom. But each difficult road is being travelled together, as husband and wife, with God as their Father and Guide. He has brought these spouses together and has remained completely faithful to them, even when they don’t understand His ways. He continues to extend His grace and mercy to both couples while using their love stories to glorify Himself and display His work in their lives. Their love stories will encourage and inspire you, but mainly point you to Jesus and the Gospel. After all, Christ is our ultimate example as our Groom since His love for His Bride, the Church, is holy, perfect and complete.
Tamar Miller