By Dr. Melissa B. Manuel
Thirty years ago, we stood before God, our family, and our friends and said “Yes”.
And after all these years, we are still saying “Yes”.
Yes through the joy.
Yes through the stretching seasons.
Yes through the victories and the valleys.
Yes in laughter and in tears.
Yes in sickness and in health.
Yes for richer or poorer.
Yes in moments of strength and in moments when grace had to carry us both.
This 30th Year marks our Pearl Anniversary, and pearls could not be a more fitting symbol for our marriage. Pearls are formed over time; through pressure, patience, endurance, and quiet beauty developing layer by layer. They are precious because they are not created instantly; they are cultivated slowly.
And that is our story.
Over these thirty years, we have built a beautiful bond that has truly stood the test of time. Together we have raised our children, worked side by side in ministry, walked through grief and loss, celebrated triumphs and victories, and experienced the countless ordinary and extraordinary moments that ultimately become a life together.
Through every season, God has remained faithful to us.
We are not only grateful for the years behind us, but also for the love, friendship, partnership, and commitment that continue to sustain us today. After thirty years, we still thank God for each other.
And with hearts full of gratitude, we are praying for many more years to come; still growing, still loving, still serving, and still saying YES every day.