Love
A word that
Comes and goes
But few people
Really know
What it means to
Really
Love somebody
by Kirk Franklin
Can you imagine a love that has endured, evolved and expanded 5 decades?
A love that has honored the vows through sickness and health through not one but two strokes?
I know a MAN who knows the meaning of love…Deacon Wilson Henry Williams
Early on his mother and grandfather taught him the importance of loving his fellow man, as well as self. This nurturing advice prepared him to meet his wife Wanda Lee Marshall in 1959. I asked him would he describe their meeting as love at first sight. He said it was care at first sight not to confuse it with love or lust at first sight. The care he felt at first sight turned into love. And once he came to know Jesus Christ as his personal Savior his understanding of love and loving grew deeper.
Now, Deacon Williams is 12 years his wife’s junior. For him that has never made a difference to him. He knew what he was looking for and he found that in his Wanda Lee. Six months after meeting Wanda Lee he proposed. Deacon Williams says their love has gotten better over time; it is stronger. Wanda Lee is his partner and they have truly become one as the Word of God says.
When asked, “What has marriage taught him about love?” he responded “You have to love your mate. People don’t put up with each other.” He recalled his childhood lessons on loving self and how if you love your mate as yourself…“You’re not going to separate from yourself.” He undoubtedly admits they have had their ups and downs like any other couple. He shared this sentiment “Love must be maintained, deep down, rooted love.”
When I look at Wilson and Wanda Williams I see a love that is pure, unconditional and kind. I have always admired Deacon Williams. He is exactly what the world needs more of. Genuine, kind, loving and God fearing.
To this generation he shares this about love:
“As you get older You can’t look back Life slows down It becomes something else Stay Committed Don’t lose the love Be careful Not to confuse love with lust Important to know Jesus And love as Christ loves the church.”