The power of love

What does it take to change a man’s heart?

Dave Daniels (not his real name) was what the world would call a 'man’s man'.  

Dave was man-size when he was 14 and decided that he would be better off on his own, so ran away from home.  He hitchhiked across the country working an assortment of jobs.

When he was 17, ever in search of adventure, Dave lied about his age and joined the army.

Soon it was discovered that he had an aptitude for army things and found himself taking jungle training for the special forces.

Vietnam followed.

He watched men die,  and he killed his share, too.

Dave was 27 when he mustered out of the military, and shortly thereafter he met Shelly.

Shelly, a devout Christian, agreed to marry Dave... if he proved himself to her, and that meant total celibacy until after marriage.

Dave decided she was worth it, and three years later they were married.

They soon had two sons and, by all appearances, Dave was not only domesticated, but he was also civilized.

Time passed, life went on, and in spite of the fact that Dave loved his family, he started thinking that the grass surely was greener on the other side of the fence.

Dave was determined to proceed with getting a divorce.

Shelly prayed for her husband, and she prayed for her family.

What is the power of prayer?

At first, it didn't seem to be doing much. Dave was living by himself, and more determined than ever to stay on the path of separation.

But then Shelly asked Dave to attend some marriage encounter meetings.  She said if he would go with her, it would be the last thing she would ever ask of him. So Dave agreed.   Anything to shut her up!

The last night of the meetings the leader quietly asked if there were any of the couples that would like to be remarried.

At this Dave, as determined as ever to go through with the divorce, stood up and began to leave. 

As he stood to go, though, he glanced at Shelly just in time to see her lips move, mouthing one word.

What power does a single word have on the human heart?

And what was that word?

Obviously, it was more than just that word; Shelly epitomized a Godly wife, too.  So it was with love in her eyes that she whispered that one word.

And warrior Dave responded.

They have now been married for over fifty years.

Curious what that word was?

With a prayer in her heart and love in her eyes, Shelly whispered...

Please.

Charles Towne