Chapter 14

 “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”  Revelation 21:2 

Deidre

Every joyful bride remembers vividly how it felt to stand in front of the mirror in her wedding gown. Mesmerized by her own beauty, the stillness of that moment feels suspended in eternity. Even years later, when closing her eyes, she can see that reflection dance through her memory to the tune of her heart song… “I am loved.” 

Standing in front of the mirror, dressed and ready, endless thoughts flashed through my mind. The journey I had already walked and the one I was about to begin, weaving themselves together in a beautiful tapestry of love and life. Steadying my nerves, I took a deep breath and soaked in the gravity of the moment as it held me anchored to the source of my peace.

I smiled as my mother’s likeness came alive in the details of my features, soothing the deep ache and longing for her presence in unfathomable ways. The Holy Spirit’s kind reminder that she would always be a part of me, breathed comfort into my heart, as I enjoyed that precious moment traditionally reserved for mothers and daughters.  

Immeasurable gratitude filled my spirit. So many people, through sacrificial love, had poured grace over my life again and again. I was thankful for parents who had loved me well and always spoke to the truth of my worth, even when I didn’t see it. I was thankful for family, that prayed for me, stood with me and showed me, by example, what it meant to love without reservation and give without expectation. I was thankful for sweet friends that walked with me in faith and always chose to see the best in me. A joyful hallelujah rose in my spirit and my heart sang praises to the God who pursued me relentlessly through it all.

As people bustled around me, readying us to head to church. The most profound moment came as a quiet whisper… 

“Do you see beloved?” 

Perhaps for the first time, I truly understood. A striking visual image of the redeeming love of Jesus met my gaze as I stared at the reflection. All of my imperfections and iniquities,  beautifully draped in grace, standing flawless before the mercy seat. A bride, who comes spotless and perfect to her husband as He holds His hand out to her.  No greater love is there than this, for He had laid down His life for me (John 15:13). 

As I made my way to the church, I knew beyond doubt  that the man who waited for me there, understood this truth with his whole being. It is by grace alone that we had been saved, held and then brought together in common purpose. To love and honor each other as we build a family and to tell all who would hear it of the goodness of God. 

My dad held my hand tightly as the music began to play and we stepped forward in hope and faith. The heart song that echoed through my spirit as we made our way down the aisle would carry me through the rest of my days. "I always have and always will be perfectly loved"