In celebration of the month of red roses and valentines, I'd like to share two stories of how love heals.

The first is a new story recently submitted of a marriage in dire straits that over years of effort eventually found healing. It can be found below and on the Stories page.

The second story is one of ultimate "forever after" healing. Many of you may know of our Kay Yow and her long struggle with Breast Cancer. I say "our" as she was the NC State Woman's Basketball coach since the organization started in 1975 and she passed on January 24, 2009. She and I had at least 4 things in common: Breast Cancer, the same Oncologist, she wore a "Hangin' on Faith" necklace (bought for and presented to her by our Oncologist), and we both share a deep love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. See below to read the rest of my story about Kay.

Kathy Wood

A Marriage That Survived

Before I got married someone warned me "Marriage is hard." I understood that it meant the blending of two families and how their past and traditions won't always mesh with mine. I also understood that sometimes I would have to put their wishes before my own and I knew the importance of good communication. However, I wasn't prepared for the serious marriage issues that were in store for us.
Maybe we got married too young.Maybe we weren't emotionally mature. If you define mature as understanding life, do we really ever mature? Isn't it a lifelong process as we experience new things in life? Maybe it was that seven-year itch thing. Maybe it was a lot of change too fast. Whatever the reasons, our marriage was in trouble. It was full of lies and deceit on both our parts. It was ugly and full of deep heartache and pain. Read the rest of the story

Remembering Coach Kay Yow

I had the opportunity to speak with Kay several times. She seemed to be a person who would do anything to support the cause for Christ. I initially contacted her through her office at NC State. They were just ramping up for the basketball season so she called back and suggested we work through her cell phone. After several discussions about who we were she agreed she'd like to submit a story and possibly speak at a fund raiser some time depending on her health. Since it was a busy time of the year she would have her secretary work on the story.
As the season went on, it was clear she was struggling more than ever with her Cancer ... I just couldn't find it in myself to follow-up on getting her story. I know her heart and knew she'd try to add that to her very busy schedule and so I decided to wait until the season ended.

Her life ended before the season did.
If you are not familiar with Kay - she is nationally known, especially her creation of "Hoops for Hope" - an event where for one game they raise money to support Cancer research. As a survivor, it is was great to attend. It's an event that has now spread to other universities around the nation. Her funeral was televised locally and featured a 20 minute video that she made for the event. In this funeral which she planned, she wanted no eulogy about her, only her video which focused on Christ's Love and how important it was for all to tap into it. I encourage you to hear what she had to say. Click here to view the video
In this life we often ask for healing for whatever challenge we are facing and we don't understand why God doesn't always answer as we'd like. But He does have a plan (Jer 29:11) and I am confident that now, while we miss her, I rejoice with her that she is in a better place where there is no cancer or pain and ... well, I envision miles and miles of basketball courts and women for her to love and care for as she did with her girls here.