As I considered this prompt, my first love -my husband came to mind, my protector and comforter. My children, of course, love me. The best hugs come from my grandchildren. Their love feels like an extension of me as we all hold one another in the reserved space for family.
In November 2023, I said goodbye to a job I loved. I sat at the same desk for almost ten years, watched ministries come and go, and grow and decline. I learned new skills, met new people, and experienced the
deepest growth in my faith I’d ever known.
Changes began to shake up the church months before as their Pastor made a life change and joined the armed services as a Chaplain. My heart broke as he relayed his final message. I fell into his arms, and out of eyes dried up long ago came tears flowing like Niagara Falls. We stood there holding one another. In that moment, I felt Rev. Joel’s love.
But it was on my final day in November that I felt the most profound love.
There was a man who came in multiple times a week to lead classes, set up for events, check the building, and do the fantastic things he still does today. Les was there the day I began working at the church. He came into the office to check on me and chat often, showing his genuine care and dedication.
For nine years, I watched this humble man bend over backwards to accomplish the work of the Kingdom. Gradually, our friendship grew deeper than most, at least for me. He saw me through some of the worst years of my life, prayed for my loved ones, and offered great counsel in the midst of utter chaos. His unwavering faith and kindness showed me what it truly means to live out God’s love. I love Les Fraley.
God handed me the ultimate gift the day he put me to work at the church. Hand-picking Les to be in my life, in that exact moment. To see a glimpse of Jesus as I walk this journey of life is worth more than gold or fine jewels. Les’s integrity, grace, and commitment to Jesus inspire me to be a better Christian. I am grateful for his presence in my life, and for the loving hug he gave me that day I left the church for the last time.
Love is never guaranteed. Family, friends, even a stranger, can make you feel loved or not. I couldn’t answer this prompt from a place of my feelings, but from witnessing love through one of God’s most gracious and awe-inspiring sons, Les Fraley.
Authentic Truths 