"i still fall for you, everyday..."

Because Monday was my husband's 28th birthday, I wanted to write a little about him; maybe you'll see just a few reasons of why I'm always bragging on him and what an incredible man I have been blessed with. 

Each year when the cold weather starts rolling in, we begin reminiscing on when it all began. Last night after dinner, we had our french doors open letting the cool air inside, I was sitting at the bar and he (being the amazing husband that he is) was doing the dishes (even though he is sick and felt horrible last night). One after another, we began recalling memories of when we first started dating. In our conversation, Bryant asked me something, followed by a statement that kept me thinking and reflecting all night long. 

Why'd you stay with me? I had nothing to offer you.

Bryant has been married before and was biblically dismissed from that marriage (Matthew 5:31-32). At the time, he was working in the call center at TSYS and absolutely hated his job! He barely made enough to get all the bills paid, take care of Bryson, put gas in his car & buy groceries. At the time, even though the custody arrangement was listed as "joint custody" it was set to where he was only "allowed" to see Bryson every other weekend, or twice a month. Those were the hardest days: taking Bryson back to his mother's house while he cried his eyes out because he wanted to see his daddy more. No parent should have to go through that. (Luckily things have gotten better since and as Bryson gets older, he's able to voice what he wants more.) But I remember the look in Bryant's eyes as he took Bryson to the door, holding him in his arms...and I knew if my heart was breaking, Bryant's had to be torn in half every time we had to do that. I remember the lunches that he packed each day; a simple sandwich, chips, a piece of fruit and a water. I remember the Fridays that we would pick Bryson up and head to Burger King; that was splurging ;) I remember the grocery store visits when he had to make a choice over not what he wanted, but what he needed because he only had a certain amount of money to spend on groceries. I remember his rotation of shirts that he wore each week; after being with him a while I noticed something...he never bought anything for himself! Whatever extra money he had, he spent it on Bryson. 

Christmas morning 2011 in Bryant's apartment

 The more I tossed and turned last night, the more I wanted to wake him up and tell him how wrong he was. 

No, he didn't have a "high and mighty" job, but...                                    at any time, a lay off could come.

No, he couldn't offer me a huge salary at the time, but...                            money doesn't last.

No, he didn't have a perfect past, but...                                                         neither did I.

No, he didn't own his own house or drive a nice car, but...                          he had just what he needed.

He offered love...in the purest form. He chose to love even after being burned and hurt...unconditional, strong love. A love that willingly lays down anything he wants for my sake. He offered loyalty. I once heard it said, "those who don't know the value of loyalty can never appreciate the cost of betrayal." I never worry about his faithfulness...I can see the love he has for me in his eyes. He offered honesty. His legacy is wrapped in honesty. He doesn't just "tell the truth", he speaks the truth, lives the truth and loves the truth. 

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

He offered to be my biggest fan. Often meaning, he sits on the sidelines and supports my dreams. He comes along side me when I'm down and encourages me and corrects me when I'm out of place. He offered me a future. Not one that was made for us already, but one we built together; one built on the rock, Jesus Christ. He offered me the ability to dream again, taking my hurt and past experiences, throwing them to the side and teaching me to trust again, making this life what we wanted and what the Lord has called us to. 


The more I thought about it last night, the more I realized...he offered me what truly matters: a life, one that we are building together, in total submission to our Savior. He offered everything I dreamed about as a young girl. I love thinking back over where it all started and where we've come from. The Lord has blessed us tremendously and I am so thankful for the daily blessing he gives me...my husband. Till this day, this is one of our favorite verses. The Lord has proved Himself faithful in our life time and time again.

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14  

{Bryant Reid, I love you. I am proud of this life we are building and I still fall for you...everyday.}

Here's to you, my love.