“Well I wanna love you forever I do
I wanna spend all of my days with you
I'll carry your burden and be the wind at your back
I wanna spend my forever, forever like that” - Ben Rector
A few weekends ago I drove down to Charlotte, North Carolina, to surprise one of my best friends; however, my surprise was not the biggest one of the weekend. I arrived on Friday, July 12th, and met up with another one of Ashley’s friends, and Ashley’s mom, dad and brother. On Saturday morning, we all surprised Ashley at a local diner for breakfast. Upon arriving to the diner, Ashley was greeted by her mom and it was at that time Ashley knew something was going on. Her mom then led her back to the table where the rest of us were sitting and at that point she knew this was about to be a very great day, one probably ending in an engagement!
We had a great breakfast full of excitement and curiosity as all of us had told Ashley we were doing other things that weekend. We shared fun stories and talked about Ashley’s relationship with Ward, and I got to pray over Ashley and the day ahead and then we sent Ashley home with her mom and sister. Ashley went home to find a new dress on her bed from Ward, a gift from Meaghan and I, a gift from her mom and a gift from her siblings. Along with all the gifts, there was a note from Ward that told her to be ready by 1pm. At 1 o’clock, Ward arrived and they headed out for an afternoon that Ashley and Ward would forever cherish.
Ward took Ashley to a parking garage that overlooked the city of Charlotte (sounds weird, going to a parking garage, but the view is truly beautiful). It was something special because Ashley had moved to Charlotte out of obedience to the Lord after an incredibly difficult year in Ohio a few years ago. She moved not knowing what was ahead of her but knowing the Lord had provided a job for her and trusted he would continue to provided for her, and the Lord did provide in so many amazing ways. And now with the city of Charlotte as a backdrop, Ward got to express his love to Ashley for the first time and then he got down on one knee and asked Ashley to marry him. And she said YES!
Getting engaged is one of the most intimate experiences two people can share and to get to capture that is nothing short of an honor. But to get to see your best friend say yes to the man she has prayed for, longed for and dreamed for was something even more special. Ward; thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day, thank you for loving and caring for my best friend so well and thank you for loving Jesus more than her. Thank you for listening to the spirit and desiring a life that is Christ-centered and a life together with Ashley that is on mission for the Lord.
Congratulation to you both; I love you both and can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for the two of you together.
