Todd & Katy (Part Two)

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails."

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (NIV)

Girlfriends, I hope your Friday is off to a fantastic start with the simple knowledge that you are loved!

Today, I will conclude my story of Todd and Katy, so if you missed the last two days, please go back and read before continuing.

In the years since Katy's accident, hurdles have been cleared and mountains moved. Katy battled deep depression but now lives to help others recognize the signs, realizing they are not alone and urging them to  reach out. With Todd's assistance, along with help from a wonderful school, Katy finished her degree and graduated from Trinity Christian College. She now works part-time at the local high school. Todd continues to serve as a fireman and paramedic. He also speaks publicly about their ordeal, attempting to reach the youth within his sphere of influence. His passion for speaking God's truths into their lives is evident with every presentation. He devotes much of his free time to attending various youth groups and high schools with Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddles. By all evidence from the outside, their life appears "normal." And God's promises remain unchanged.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

But what is "normal"? Katy recently began speaking to groups about her ordeal. She states that many people do not realize the severity of her trauma nor her persistent symptoms because her appearance is "normal." Yet Katy admits to simply losing her balance and falling over sometimes; not something normal people do.  As she is in the middle of her speech, an alarm sounds on Katy's phone--it's one of the many reminders she has to set for herself. She also gives a shout-out to post-it notes, without which she would be completely lost. Perhaps this does not sound so foreign to you, but remember Katy is only 29 years old! Katy's memory issues cut across the spectrum from daily tasks to the fact that she never regained her memory of those precious years of falling in love with her husband. "Normal" is not the word for Katy's life.  Yet Katy will be the first to tell you: God's promises remain unchanged.

"Job answered, 'You are talking nonsense! When God sends us something good, we welcome it. How can we complain when he sends us trouble?' Even in all this suffering Job said nothing against God." Job 2:10 (GNT)

And then there is Todd, a wise man who surely must have built his house upon the rock because the waves have come crashing down and yet he stands, glorifying God and trusting in His providence. In a world where many men would advise him that he has every "right" to leave and pursue a new relationship, Todd has remained steadfast and true to his marriage vows and commitment to Katy.  Recently in a conversation, Todd honestly admitted that yes, he could sit around and contemplate how life should be right now: how he should have more happy memories and fewer painful ones from his first years of marriage; how he should have a wife who is attracted to him and feels the crazy love she once recorded in her diary; how they maybe should have already started a family; how, how, how...and the list could go on. However,Todd quickly points out, making those assertions is trampling upon God's Sovereignty. Basically, it is like saying, "Hey, God, you know my plan is a little better than your plan" and that, my friend, is a dangerous ground upon which to tread. How many "normal" people do you know who think like this man? His grasp of the truth amazes me!

I believe Todd and Katy have a true "1 Corinthians 13" love story. God wrote the book on love, and He desires that we embrace His plan, loving one another by the definition His promise gives. All evidence points to Todd and Katy's understanding of God's plan as they love according to these verses:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Todd and Katy go forward, one day at a time, in trust and reliance upon one another and upon the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. They both have a heart to reach the youth with their message of hope and salvation. I have firsthand experienced the way God moves through a crowd when one or the other of them speaks. Truly, the Lord is working out something good from this tragedy. Even in my own family, just last night at 2:30 am, I was able to minister to my daughter, Joslyn, through her excruciating pain and suffering by reaffirming God's faithfulness through the examples of Todd and Katy.

Girlfriends, what I have written here is only a small snippet of this couple's life story. Yet the lessons they impart are monumental if you will open your listening ears and seeking heart to what God has to speak to you through them. I pray for Katy's continued healing and for the restoration of her physical health and her memory. I pray for Todd's strength, patience, kindness, and commitment to remain strong and unwavering. I pray for their marriage, that they may grow in love and devotion with Christ at the center. I pray for their ministry as they continue to speak and spread God's message to a hungry and hurting world. And, my sisters, I pray that you will meditate upon the verses in 1 Corinthians 13 which speak of God's perfect love for you and which teach you how to love others perfectly. God promises surely do remain unchanged!

Enjoy your weekend!