Linda

Many of you have heard the joyous news of the impending marriage of Linda Isbister and Richard Flach. To say we are excited is quite an understatement. Here's a recap on some of the best moments to date:

1. The News
I was late to bible study about a month ago. I decided to stop in anyway to say hi to everyone. It was truly divine intervention that made me stop by. It was over by the time I got there but Linda called me into the old library for an announcement. My heart dropped because, well with the cancer and all, you never know what news is to come. When she told me that Richard had asked her to marry him I screamed and then I cried. Yes, I actually screamed and yes, I actually cried after.

What people don't realize is that Linda has been asking God to provide her with a husband for over 30 years. Her heart's desire has been to love and be loved by a man. She has never been unconditionally romantically loved by a man. She has struggled with loneliness and self-worth. She has never been truly appreciated by a man for her outward and inward beauty, her spiritual gifts, her gentleness, her devotion to Jesus, and her heart for people.

God has promised to take care of those who love Him, and to provide them with the desires of their heart. Linda has an incurable cancer in the later stages of her life, and yet God chose this time to answer her prayers. I know that God heard her aching heart and knew just the man for her.

2. The Dress
Last Saturday, on a whim mom, linda, Aimee, Melissa, and I decided to head to David's Bridal in Torrance to see what's out there. When we walked in a few people in the entrance had the look of shock on their faces when she was the one to sit down and fill out the bridal paper work. Linda hasn't been treated very well by people, and although she didn't see them, Aimee and I did.

All of our fears washed away when we met, Lucy, our bridal consultant. She took one look at Linda and joyously took her under her wing. Linda was not only worried that they wouldn't have anything in her size, but she was concerned that people would think it was silly that someone of her age would be shopping for a wedding dress. Lucy, in her own unique way, gave Linda permission to enjoy the experience. She was amazing.

She tried on three dresses. By the time she was putting on her third dress, the entire shop knew Linda's story. No, this was not an anniversary party. Yes, this is her first marriage. Yes, she has cancer. The best part is that all the other brides there, and all their parties were so excited for Linda. Everyone, including the other consultants were rooting for her. And when she came out in the third dress we knew it was "the One".

I can't really explain the moment that happened right then. But Linda looked in the mirror and was silent for ten minutes. She just kept looking at herself. I asked her if she was okay and she said to me, in a way that was so in awe of what she saw, "I really do look beautiful, don't I?" She could barely believe it. It broke my heart. It was like she had never believed that she was that gorgeous until that moment.

Afterwards we celebrated at Coffee Bean and then headed to Henry and Betty's to show them the dress. We put everything on again and Betty did her hair and make up. Henry said later that watching Linda he realized it was the first time she has ever felt like she was worth it. And because of that gentle heart, Henry treated all of us to dinner, and celebrate we did!

Linda later told me that Saturday was one of the best days of her life. Nobody made fun of her - strangers were rejoicing with her, and she got to experience something she never thought she would ever get a chance to do.

I feel so lucky that I was privy to that moment. I praise God and thank Him for not only fulfilling the deepest desire of her heart - but for allowing her to feel whole as a beautiful woman of God.

3. Richard
There could not be a better match for Linda than Richard. He was scheduled to come visit Thanksgiving weekend, but that 'ole fool couldn't wait that long and surprised Linda by flying in last weekend. Aimee and I took Linda to pick him up at the airport and the first thing he did was give her a smack on the lips and a huge hug. Those big Texans! While we waited for his plane to arrive, Linda was so so nervous. We were sitting down by the exit doors and by the time he had arrived she had found herself standing by the entrance doors! :)

Richard lost his wife earlier this year. Linda and his wife, Judy, were best friends for a long time. Before Linda moved out here she lived with Richard and Judy for many years. Richard says that he has always had a brotherly love for Linda. But about a month ago he was talking with Linda on the phone and the Holy Spirit spoke to him and told him he loved Linda in a different way. And boy has he embraced that calling! The amount of declarations of love and cute nicknames I heard while he was here was sickening!! =) haha!

I know this is a long post - and I'm sorry as I know they can be cumbersome to read. But as the months leading to the wedding come upon us, I know I will have many more stories to add about Linda and Richard. Growing up in the church, I have seen many people fall in love and many people get married. But, by far, this is the greatest wedding I have ever witnessed because it is a story of hope, of faith, of God's provisions, and his ultimate care of those devoted to His glory.

So stay tuned!

oh yes, and P.S. I'm a bridesmaid!! woo hoo!