Engaged to the Lord

It was this time of month in March 1990 when I proposed to Jackie at the end of Water Aerobics class at Duncanville Athletic Club. We both loved water aerobics and had so much fun exercising together in the water and we also enjoyed the commaradarie with other class members. Everyone knew Jackie and I was known as the class clown because I would crack jokes or making funny noises as we went through our familiar routines. Jackie and I went several times a week at lunch break from our roles at the Wycliffe Center. So it seemed like a fitting setting to propose.

On this particular day, I arranged with her Supervisor, Gordon Christian, for Jackie to have the afternoon off. I also had flowers waiting at the front desk for her when she left the club. I loved Jackie so much - still do.

Gloria Farah, a good friend and a mentor to Jackie, brought in the ring in her towel and placed it at the specified spot on the edge of the pool. Gloria also brought in a camera to document the moment.

Jackie was thrilled and by the way, she said, “Yes!” She talked of this event for years afterward. And I gained a reputation for being creative that was a challenge to live up to.

Jackie and I were both engaged to the Lord and sealed by the Holy Spirit many years before this day. My marriage to Jackie has now ended. Ahead for us, when we are both resurrected, is a part in the great wedding supper of the Lamb. Jackie is in close, intimate relationship with the Lord right now with no barriers. I will be someday soon. While it may seem sad that there will be no marriage in heaven, our closeness, our intimacy because of our marriage to the Lord will be greater in heaven than our relationship was on earth.

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Jesus replied, "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, Luke 20:34,35

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God's own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). Eph. 4:30 Amplified

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Rev. 19:6-8