Lessons Learned from My Sickness Part 9: In Sickness or in Health
By Pastor Ronny Luces
I’ve solemnized marriage ceremonies of many couples.
In fact, I have already lost count how many I had pronounced as husbands and wives to be united in holy matrimony.
But there’s never an instant in which I forgot to include in their wedding vows this statement – do you promise to remain faithful, to love, comfort and honor your spouse, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in SICKNESS or in health…?
And all of them said, I DO!
I’ve made the same vows myself with Mam Martha (we will celebrate our 25th anniversary this coming July, 2015).
I discovered the true essence, meaning and application of this vow in my sickness!
Without Mam Martha’s presence by my side, sacrificial service, in depth affirmation of love and earnest prayers, I could have succumbed to hopelessness.
I was very vulnerable to negative emotions like fear, uncertainty and confusion.
It was easy to issue denials, blames and complaints if only to ease my mind of these negative vibrations.
Mam Martha ensured that in sickness, our vows would be strengthened, our relationship would be closer, our love for each other more meaningful, visible and pure.
I get stronger everyday because of Mam Martha’s consistent affirmation of our marriage covenant.
She’s there for me, in the moments I certainly need her.
I thank the Lord for giving me Mam Martha!
Posted on FB: 5 March 2015 – 4:24 PM
About the Author
Rev. Ronny Luces was the Minister for Administration and Community Service of the Jaro Evangelical Church (JEC), Iloilo City, Philipines. He and his wife, Martha have been with JEC’s ministry since 1994.
Pastor Ronny graduated from Central Philippine University College of Theology in 1985 and was pastor of several Baptist churches.
In January 2015, after tests and two long hospital confinements, Pastor Ronny got the word he had lung cancer. He underwent chemotherapy.
Praying for healing and going through all the medical processes, Pastor Ronny wrote his reflections “Lessons Learned from My Sickness”. In July 2015, he passed away.
May Pastor Ronny’s series of reflections and meditations strengthen your hope and faith as you go through your own life’s battles.
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