Lisa-Marie and I have been married 10 years as of November 4th! May not seem like a huge accomplishment for all you long-time married people, but… for us, it is a miracle that I am very proud of. They did a documentary of our lives a few years ago; to watch that now and see were we are today still takes my breath away…
Most of you know our story; Lisa was widowed as a young bride and mother of two beautiful daughters. My first wife left our family for another life… God took the abandonment, the tears, the death and brought two family’s together to prove a point.
Lisa-Marie had been widowed for 5 years when I met her; she was strong, independent and focused on her career as a Crises Counselor for the pregnancy center. I was beaten down, lost and fighting for the life of my kids. She had NO idea what God was about to ask her to do… (although she tells me all the time she would do it again)!!
Three wild boys, one broken man and turmoil from our Church, our community, our friends, and on and on… I had a ministry at the time that within a few months of my first wife leaving was gone. My pastor looked at me one day and said, “I know you are innocent in all this Gary, but you are making us look bad, I am going to shut things down” and he did. Lisa stepped in and brought life. She hoovered over all the chaos of our lives and brought order. Adam and Eve were the first people God created: Eve means “Life-Saver” she saved Adam’s life, and, yes, Lisa-Marie saved my life and the life of our boys. We would sneak around the city of Colorado Springs and have coffee at back tables where we couldn’t be seen. It seemed like the world was against us; we know now that wasn’t true – but… it was a crazy, horrible and fun time!
So, here we are ten years later… five teenagers living for God, traveling around the world, and an eight year old Noah that brought our two family’s together.
Happy anniversary Angel, I wouldn’t trade any of it… God takes the weak things of the world and restores, multiplies and turns everything to good – you are still my life-Saver.
thank you for sharing your lives, testimony and passion for our Creator with so many… you two are incredible and all the glory is continually directed back to the Source! congratulations and much love from alaska!
Love the story any time I read it! Love you both. Can’t wait to see you!
Oh, that every wife could have such poignant, beautiful comments made about her on an anniversary. You are right – she is all you say and more. But you are pretty special yourself, GB. Love you both so much. Happiest 10th to you!
Congratulations you two. Congratulations on love, patience, faithfulness and trust…you are amazing people full of the grace of God! We love you both so much!
What a love story! You two are amazing.
Love from Spain,
Barnes & Shearmans
Black – poignant and honoring words Man of God . With His human partner God takes the chaos of our lives and brings order and beauty . You two are a joy and a blessing to all who know you . Much love and congratulations , Andrew & Mo
congratulations to you and lisa; what a blessing you both have been to me and so many!
Happy Anniversary you two wild people! Hope you had a great day and an even better night – brown chicken brown cow…
Congratulations on 10 years of marriage. You have such a beautiful transforming testimony. I’m glad God brought the two of you and your children together. He surrounds you with favor as with a shield. Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill His purpose for Gary and Lisa and their family. God bless you.
I witnessed that wedding ten years ago. IT WAS A GOD THING AND STILL IS!
HAPPY 10th Gary & Lisa! I LOVE YOU BOTH MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY!
You guys are the bomb!!!! Love and miss you from me and Kriek.
My friend I really congratulate you and the Queen of the Blacks Tribe. You are two amazing people, what you two touch turns gold. As a man you have taught me a lot and still continues to teach me though you are thousands of miles away from me. Congratulations and Shalom. I personally miss you and would sometimes shed a tear or two when my emotions overcome me. Covenant brother, you are missed.
love from Nsoko, Swaziland
What an incredible story you both share! Love to all!
Man, I love you guys so much and haven’t even met you yet…. yet. Nice.
Happy Anniversary! Love you both so much!
you two are incredible…love that i was able to witness first-hand the love, commitment & passion for god, each other & life that you two have. blessings upon blessings…love you both somethin’ fierce
Wow you guys! Your story breathes HOPE and LOVE! We’re so blessed to be under it! Love you both SO MUCH. xoxoxoxoxo
Love you guys! You make me smile! Happy Anniversery!
Congratulations to you both. You are an inspiration to the Bennetts. We wish you the best from Texas!!!!
Love the story and love you both! When are you guys going to write a book on marriage and parenting?!?!?!? Congratulations!
Gary, mad love from Judy and I down under! Keep going, the best is yet to come foshure.
A truly inspirational LOVE STORY – and we love you both. See you soon?? (Please..)
you’re the man (and the woman). it’s this thing that gives you the credibility to talk about turning the barrenness into the garden of eden.
inspiration!
GOD makes everything beautiful for its own time indeed HE is always there for you both. LOVE YOU SO MUCH.congratulation!
Love, love, love it and love you both dearly!
How blessed you are to know that love abounds in your life and your journey is under the watchful eye of God.
Congrats.
bruce
I love you both madly! What an honor to know you and watch you love story. Miss you and love you!