By Sharon (SD) Mac
“The Beginning of Us”
It’s a journey I never expected to walk…one that began in laughter and love, and eventually led me to learn about grace in its purest form.
I lost the love of my life… my husband, my partner, my best friend. (My prophet, priest and king as Jesus is to the church, his bride.) The one I thought I would grow old with. And when he left, my world fell apart.
But before the pain, there was so much beauty.
I grew up around Steve’s family. His dad, Pastor Al, was my pastor when I was just sixteen years old. Back then, I was just a girl singing praise and worship at the church and little did I know, God was already writing a story that would change my life.
I first met Steve at his work, a car dealership in Montebello, Ca. when my family was looking for a car. He was polite, focused, and had that quiet confidence that made you feel seen. But it wasn’t until almost ten years later that our paths would cross again.
It happened at church. I had come to do a special number, and there he was, sitting next to Sylvia, his sister , (whom I thought was his girlfriend 😂). That day, something clicked. We laughed about it later, but I think even then, God was smiling.
From that moment, everything changed. We exchanged email addresses, then phone numbers. Every day, we would write to each other…sharing verses, reflections, and lessons. We would study Scripture together, and he would patiently explain every question I had about theology.
What began as a friendship rooted in faith grew into something deeper. We started talking daily…same time, same voice, same peace. We spent time with each other’s families, joined prayer groups, and before long, he confessed his feelings for me.
I panicked. 😅
I wasn’t ready. I told him I wanted to become a missionary…to travel to Zimbabwe! He laughed and said, “You? Miss I Don’t Like Camping?” So, I ghosted him (before ghosting was even a thing).
But when something is written by God, it finds its way back.
Months later, we started talking again—about theology, life, and everything in between. Within two weeks, he asked me out. I told him, “I’ll only date a man who intends to marry me.” He replied, “Then I guess we’re on the same page because my intention is to marry you!”
That Saturday, he came to my house and asked my parents for my hand. The following Sunday, we went to church together in Anaheim and two weeks later, we signed up for marriage counseling. Six months of deep talks, laughter, and growth followed, and we kept asking each other after our counseling sessions: “Do you still want to do this?” Every time, the answer was yes.
On December , he proposed at his parents’ home after counseling. He wanted to get married right away…in January, the following year, he asked. I said, “Too soon.” He smiled and said, “Okay, February it is.”
We went to the church, and they told us the only date open was February 24. He said, “That’s the one.”
And that’s how our story began…one that God Himself penned with laughter, faith, and love that continues to live in every step I take as Pilgrim Sojourner.
Soli Deo Gloria!
To God Alone be the Glory!
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” -2Timothy 2:3
“Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.” -Jonathan Edwards, Resolution, 56
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