True Beauty: Selfless Love (My Beloved Wife)

Peggy embodies the idea of selfless love.  Scripture teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt 22:39) and to treat others as we would want to be treated (Mt 7:12).  Peggy, however, loves others so much more than she would ever consider loving herself.  For our children and loved ones, she would fight and argue to protect them.  For herself, she would tend to demur.  For others, she gave up months of Zumba to train for and complete the marathon.  For others, she cooks marvelous means while she, herself, would be content with microwave popcorn.

Tomorrow, Peggy will shave her head to support our beloved cousin who's undergoing chemotherapy.  For some, it may not seem like much.  In fact, Peggy doesn't think much of it...except that she wouldn't consider doing it if not for someone else.

We've been preparing for this day for two or three weeks.  As we've prepared people (so they're not shocked or worried when they see Peggy), the reaction has varied.  Luke and Bella aren't sure what to make of it.  With some encouragement this morning, Bella admitted that it seems weird.  That's understandable considering Bella's never had her precious hair cut.  I tried explaining to her that sometimes it's okay and even good to be weird.  Even as I spoke, I realized that she wouldn't fully appreciate what Peggy is doing for many years.  But as a parent, I can't imagine a better example selflessness than from their own mother.

As her husband, I've never found her more beautiful.  I say this while she has a full head of hair; but I have no doubt that I'll feel the same, perhaps more, when I see her on Monday.

Sisters: "Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."  (1Pe 3:3-4, NLT)

Brothers: Honor and appreciate God-given beauty, a beauty that's timeless and ageless.

I had debated whether this post should be written.  I haven't asked Peggy's permission as I suspect she wouldn't grant it.  Is it wrong for me to "brag" about my wife?  No.  I believe that Peggy's selfless acts are a reflection of God's love and grace; so that in shining light on Peggy's selfless acts, I point others to our Lord Himself.