So in the spirit of Valentine's Day, I just felt that I needed to share this story with you. I read it in a book a couple of months ago called, "When God Writes Your Love Story" by Eric and Leslie Ludy. If you've never read this book- I encourage everyone to go right now and buy a copy of it- this very instant! :) It is amazing and it will change and shape the way you view your love life forever! Ok so moving on to the story: *the names have been changed because I forgot them ;) but this is the same story told from my memory.
Set during World War II, this true love story begins- not with boy meets girl, but in a little library in a small town in Florida. Jim was stationed there right before being shipped out overseas. He was wandering aimlessly amid the rows of books until he found his one of his favorites. As he began to flip through the familiar pages, he noticed little scribbled handwritting in the margins. As he began to read them each individually- he realized that they were very insightful notes about Jesus and the resurrection. Reading on, he found himself enjoying each one more than the last. Finally, he made it to the end of the book where he saw an inscription that read "Sorry for all the notes, Ellen Walters, New York City, New York." Impressed by her intelligence, godliness and insightfulness, Jim knew he had to meet this special woman. Sadly with his departure looming, he set out only to find Ellen's address in New York in hopes to write her a letter. A few days later, he found it and immediately sat down to write. He thanked her for her notes in the book, inquired about her righteous insight and reassured her of his innocent intentions. After sealing the letter, he placed it in the mailbox and left the next day for the dangerous trenches of Europe.
Weeks later, he received the first of many letters between the two. With each note, Jim fell more in love with Ellen. After months had gone by, Jim was due for a leave of abscence and he was desperate to meet this Godly woman. Ellen, being a little hesitant, wrote him her concerns about meeting. She was afraid he would be like everyone other man- completely focused on outside appearances. She wrote telling him that she was looking for a man of honor and integrety- who considered others before himself. After a little coercion from Jim- assuring her that he had the utmost respect for her and every woman; Ellen agreed to meet. They were to meet in the lobby of Grand Central Station in New York City at 6:30pm. She told him to look for a woman carrying a single red rose.
When Jim finally arrived back in the States, he could hardly stand his excitment. Getting off at the train station he walked, more like sprinted, to the lobby. He arrived at exactly 6:30pm., and with his heart pounding in his chest. He began to search for a woman with a red rose. As few seconds later, a group of people got off a train and began to make their way through the lobby. A beautiful slender brunette in a pale green suit that matched her eyes began to make her way through the crowded lobby. His heart stopped as she made eye contact with him. He began to take a step toward her and she coyly inquired, "Going my way, soldier?" ;) Thats when he realized she wasn't carrying a red rose. Before he could respond- he saw over her shoulder a hunched over, grimy, old woman with grizzled hair, a few missing teeth and single red rose in her hand. She seemed as if she was looking for someone. At this moment- Jim knew he had to make his decision- would he turn around and follow the beautiful brunette out of the station or would he muster his honor and walk over to Ellen. With the promise of dinner from their last letter still ringing in his ears, he sauntered over to old woman and introduced himself. The woman looked up at him and replied in her raspy voice, "Honey, I dont know what this is all about, but that gorgeous brunette that just walked out of here gave me this rose on the train and told me that if a soldier named Jim came up and introduced himself- then I should tell him to meet her across the street at the Sidewalk Diner. Oh and I'm supposed to tell you that you passed the test."
Thanking the old woman warmly, he told her to keep the rose and raced out of the lobby to find the real Ellen. After his eyes had adjusted to the sunlight and he had crossed the street, he saw her sitting at a table in the front window. They made eye contact and she smiled the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. He swung open the diner doors and the rest is history. :)
- I love this story because it is a true story of love based not on physical appearance but on one another's love for God, integrity and honor.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Kate
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