I Married a Winner!

A few weeks ago, and unbeknownst to me, Luanne entered a contest co-sponsored by Bethany University and KFAX Radio. The winner would receive two free semesters out of a three-semester degree completion program. The total prize value is approximately $14,000. She wrote an essay about why she deserved the prize, emailed it to the radio station, and only told me about it after it was all said and done, .

On Thursday she got a call saying she was a finalist and asking whether she’d be home Friday night for the announcement of the winner “just in case” she were to win.

Friday night came and we were listening to the radio down in our bedroom. They spent a lot of time talking about the program and hyping up the announcement. Then, about three minutes before they made the announcement, our phone rang. Sure enough, it was for Luanne. Pretty soon they were reading the following essay on the air:

“I expected to graduate in 1995 with my husband. Instead I have been blessed with four amazing kids. I’ve been a partner with my husband in full time ministry, and I continue to see how God is using all the circumstances of my life to continue to grow me into the woman He intended for me to be.

God’s plan and purpose for my life is still being fulfilled, and I believe that completing my degree is part of the process. I have seen first hand the brokenness that consumes our lives. I have seen addictions tear marriages and families apart. I have seen guilt and shame leave people without hope. There is a great need in our communities for trained counselors to help individuals, couples and families walk through the process of recovery and restoration. Completing my degree now is even more important to me then it was ten years ago. It’s not about getting a job or a diploma that demands a higher salary. For me, it’s about being equipped with the necessary education to give hope to those who feel like they are in hopeless situations. People need to know that there is a way out.”

Luanne was so excited! She got to talk on the radio for a little while, and then they wanted to talk to me too… It’s just a great gift, an affirmation from God. I’m grateful and excited for her. I always knew I married a winner. Now everybody else does too.