Born into a loving christian family I was loved unconditionally by both my parents and two brothers. I was particularly close to the brother 4 years my senior. We were inseparable throughout our childhood. Growing up in Jamaica was amazing; climbing trees, riding bikes, totally care free. As we approached the teen years we continued to be close and later though we studied at different universities, still maintained a very unique twin-like bond. Had we known what was to come, how much more would we have treasured each and every moment together. Fast forward, twenty years….
I met my wonderful husband when most women my age were already married. At that point however, I had experienced enough in life to know what I didn’t want in a marital relationship. By the time I did meet the one God intended for me, I was no longer seeking, I was resigned to the possibility of remaining single and just wanted to serve the Lord with all my might. So that morning as I assembled along with the rest of my peers in the college chapel I dutifully followed along until a charismatic young man was called up to lead us in prayer. By the end of prayer, I was curious, the prayer had deeply touched my spirit and although I knew I would never approach him, I was deeply aware of his presence at school. Unknown to me, he too had noticed me and and made some inquiries through a common friend. Time passed and our paths never crossed as our majors were very different. One day, our common friend called me aside and said Sharon, “there is someone I would like you to meet”. I thought nothing of it, until I rounded the corner and there stood the prayer warrior. Instantly, I knew he was going to be my husband. From the start we had a connection unlike any other relationship I had ever had. I had always been drawn to other young men because of their charm, outward appearance or some other superficial attribute. He on the other hand, spoke about things as if we were comrades, friends, colleagues and most importantly joint heirs with Jesus. I had never met a young man so on fire for the Lord and leading others to him. Since I knew that I wanted a life with someone committed to serving others, I knew we were meant to be together. As such on July 6, 2002, I married my true love.
My brother was a little hesitant, but supportive from the start. The fact is in life, we all have our doubts, doubts that cause us to hesitate or to be cautious especially with life’s most impacting decisions. When God is at the helm however, we know we can never truly go wrong. After all, His word states: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Without Rohan, I could not have survived the loss of my brother in July 2011, he was and still is, such a constant pillar of unwavering support. Unfortunately though I had unrealistic expectations for this support. Such expectations can cause damage, unnecessary conflict and emotional pain. I expected him to comfort me in certain way. Therefore, at the outset he was at a disadvantage. I was not the easiest woman to deal with or to console. There were times of conflict, hurt, misunderstanding and uncertainty. But God knew my pain, hurt and heart. He knew how and what I needed even more than I did. Through Rohan, he provided exactly what I needed at just the right time.
Loved ones God is our ultimate source of everything we truly need. He knows what we need, when we we need it. This holds true no matter what stage of life this post finds you, whether you are grieving the loss of; a spouse, a friend, a job, a parent, a child, a marriage, or if you simply feel empty and alone. If you are not grieving, but simply feel lost and as if life has no meaning, know that God is the solution to all of your challenges and fears. He loves you more than anyone else in your life ever will; He promises that he will never leave or forsake you and that: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…”