I know, I know, this is probably old news... Everyone's been posting Ian & Larissa's story since early Tuesday morning when this video first hit the web. But maybe, just maybe some of you haven't seen it yet? ...and really, it's not a story that you want to miss.
I first heard Ian & Larissa's story almost 3 years ago when my friend, Lydia, posted some pictures that she had taken of them. I cried the first time I read what they'd been through, and how they were still together (though at that point they weren't even engaged) and then I cried again when Lydia posted their wedding pictures with more of their story just a year later.
The Boy and I have talked a lot about the differences between the phrases "falling in love" and "learning to love." We are not falling in love, because love is not something that you happen upon, or stumble into, but is deliberate and an action that requires patience and tenacity. Real Christlike love (and what better kind could there possibly be?) is rooted in a desire to see God glorified through selflessly serving the other person, and can ONLY be accomplished through His power. I can find myself getting caught up in the blog posts detailing how or where he proposed, or sighing over how romantic someone's wedding day or "love story" is, and while those sweet stories have their place, I think we walk a dangerous line when we make too much of our story, and forget that we are but instruments charged with the task of proclaiming the greatest love story ever written.
I cried once more Tuesday morning as I watched this video put together by Desiring God Ministries, because of how challenged I was by Ian & Larissa who are living the gospel in such a simple, mind blowing way. Praise the Lord for his grace and faithfulness through circumstances like this, and praise Him for people like Ian & Larissa who are committed to living counter-cultural lives for His glory!
The video is slightly long, but you won't regret one second of it. Watch and be challenged and encouraged!
p.s. you can read more of Ian & Larissa's story on their blog.
Much Love,
Jessica Shae
