Tuesday, January 16, 2007

When Dreams Come True: A Love Story Only God Could Write

When Dreams Come True: A Love Story Only God Could Write by Eric & Leslie Ludy
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This is not a book with directions on “the way” to do things. It is simply the very honest story of how God worked in the Ludys’ lives to bring them together. Eric and Leslie take turns writing chapters throughout this book. They begin by describing their childhoods, their adolescences, and how they lost their innocence. They tell of different relationships they went through and left them hurt and feeling dirty and defiled. I thought they were rather too descriptive for young people without the same experiences, but then the beauty at the end is more beautiful when compared to the beginning. Also, I think their story would be encouraging for those who have had the same kind of adolescence and disillusionment regarding true love.

They explain how they came to know the Lord and how their relationship with Him changed their life. They finally gave their entire life to Him, including their love life, committing not to date another person except the one they will marry.

Their meeting is described, at the time when Eric was 21 and Leslie, 16. They tell how they struggled with their relationship, trying to keep it at just friends, yet with the Lord drawing them closer. They came to the conclusion that they were meant for each other, but that they weren’t ready yet for marriage, rather like Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. They continue to grow and mature in their spiritual lives, as well as their love for each other. When they decided it was time for them to become engaged and get married, they committed to save their first kiss for their wedding.

The last pages of the book tell of their wedding. Eric tells of his tears as he waits for his bride. Leslie writes of her nervousness before the wedding, and the peace and happiness that came over her as she walked down the aisle to Eric. It was so familiar; I don’t know how many brides feel that way, but I know I did. They told how their first kiss was so special because they had saved it for marriage.

I thought their book was a sweet story of how God can change lives, and how His plan for us is the best and most beautiful. For those who have similar backgrounds, it may be helpful in their own lives. Those who have grown up with and held to a higher standard of purity in relationships will not find much to apply to their lives. The Ludys have seen God do amazing and wonderful things through the surrender in their lives, but those how have kept themselves to their ideals, to physical and emotional purity, and to a relationships with a greater parental involvement, will have a sweeter story to tell.

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