When Karen Met Sally
The marriage story of two Christian women.
On December 5, 2020, Sally and I stood before each other in a grove of pecan trees at a small Texan park to make one of the most consequential decisions of our lives. It was a beautiful, fall day—crisp enough to wear our cozy sweaters, but warm enough not to need a jacket. The forest of trees held hands around us and the white clouds gazed down peacefully. They were our witnesses, along with squirrels and birds, as pastor John shared a word from Scripture and led us through our vows.
We had deeply desired a church wedding to reflect the sacredness of the moment. But Covid robbed us of that. And yet, like the first couple in the primordial Garden of Eden, our cathedral was the great outdoors—God’s green canopy.
How was it possible that we had arrived at this place? What we both thought was forever out of reach was happening—really happening! After so many years alone, our hearts had finally found a home. And we knew God was smiling on us.
The road to this day was not easy. Nor have the days since been without grief. Choosing marriage, normally an occasion of celebration, has created stressors no couple should have to face. But let me start from the beginning. Let me tell you the story of how Karen met Sally . . .
