A Covenant That Endured: A Legacy Letter from Pastor Terry.

To the One Who Walked Beside Me, and to the Generations Who Follow Behind Us,

There comes a time in a man’s life when words must speak what presence alone cannot—when the deep places of the heart must be opened, that others may see not only what was endured, but what was gained in the presence of God.

To My Beloved Spouse,

We have journeyed together for more (or less) than half a century. We’ve raised seven children, now grown, some of whom have children and grandchildren of their own. Through changing seasons, victories, and valleys, we have weathered much.

Though these decades were not always filled with tenderness or closeness, and though affection grew distant in some seasons, I want you to hear this from the most bottomless well of my soul:

I have loved you.

Not only with the warmth of emotion—but with the unwavering strength of a covenant made before God. I chose you once, and I chose to honor that vow every day since.

There were long years of silence. Seasons of spiritual loneliness. I longed for more—for oneness in heart, mind, and body. And when it never came, I did not turn away. I turned to the Lord.

Thank you for the faithfulness you showed in your own way. For standing with me when my health declined. For enduring the pressures and pains that only the Lord truly sees.

To My Children and Their Children,

You are the living legacy of a marriage that endured—not because it was filled with ease or romance, but because it was held together by faith, grace, and obedience.

There is a lie in the world that says, “If it no longer makes you happy, walk away.” But I tell you—there is a higher way. Faithfulness is not always uncomplicated, but it is always right.

I remained faithful not because I always felt love, but because I made a covenant before God. I wanted you to see that sacred vows aren’t seasonal. They are eternal.

If you take one thing from my journey, take this:

Marriage is not about perfect joy, but about perfect faithfulness offered to an imperfect partner, trusting God to fill what is lacking.

To My Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren,

If one day you marry, choose someone who loves Jesus more than they love being loved. There will be days when passion fades, when feelings cool, and when words fall short.

In those moments, don’t turn to the world—turn to the Cross.

Let prayer become your intimacy. Let honor become your language. And let faithfulness define your love.

A marriage that leans on Christ will never be wasted, even when it is weary.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t love perfectly. But I loved faithfully. And I loved through Christ, who walked with me when my heart ached, when my prayers felt unanswered, and when my hope was thin.

He held me steady when I felt alone.He reminded me that covenant still matters. And He rewarded the obedience that no one else could see.

If you remember anything about my life and marriage, let it be this:

I stayed faithful—to my Lord, to my wife, and to my calling. That is love in its truest form.

With grace, with truth, and with unwavering hope in Jesus,

Pastor Terry—Your Husband,

Your Father,

Your Granddaddy,

Your Great-Granddaddy—

Remember, my last breath on Earth was followed by my first breath in Heaven!