With deep gratitude for my husband Calvert Baptiste

Editor: As you celebrated your birthday this week I reflected on all the reasons why I am satisfied and happy that you were born and exist today as my dear husband. I want to publicly thank you for your faithfulness and constant support throughout the changing scenes of my life. I do not only owe you my name Anesia Baptiste, but also my love and deep gratitude for all you are to me.{{more}}

In the Bible, Ephesians 5:25-29 declares: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.” I salute you, dear husband, for you have loved me with that Christ-like love and for this I respect you very much. You have been so patient, kind, self-denying and shown great sacrifice in support of my dreams and work in service to humanity. You do not complain; you work hard and you share my convictions because they are also your own. Such mutual purpose has taken us many places literally and symbolically – through highs and lows, ups and downs, yet always together, serving humanity and stronger each time. Some have said it is foolish for you to bear what all around us know I have had to endure in public life. However, none of such talk moves you. Your commitment has been undying even in the hardest of times. None can say you are a lover of ease or a fair weather spouse. In this regard, the testimony of our lives is as a wonder to many. Your kind is rare. God made you special! Special you are!

The all wise God knew what he was doing when he made man and woman for each other. The two genders God created, when operating at their optimum, after the example of love himself – GOD – have personality traits which are complementary and naturally matched together for the good of humanity. I have a strong husband who bears my burdens faithfully without murmuring. Because he is strong in faith, though not in riches of this world, my life is rich in his self-sacrificing show of love to me. You see me smile, comment on how well I look, my cheeks are fat and you wonder how I fare and manage to do what I do, despite… I say to God be the glory and thank God for my dear husband. You seek not your own fame and consider it not weakness to let me shine. How often have they called you “Mr Richards” instead of Baptiste and you answer with a smile. You are there for me, whether it rains or shines. You spur me on to do the right, whether it is popular or not. You may be simple in appearance and that’s just fine. It is your humility to God and your unselfishness that draws me in and makes me glad you’re mine.

What most may not know is that I had prayed for you. Oh yes, I prayed fervently to God for this husband of mine, understanding God’s purpose and calling on my life. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you,” scripture counsels. I did just that and God added and I just want you to know that I am deeply grateful for you, my husband. My heavenly father knew just what I needed. So, as you commemorate your birthday, I wish you the grace, peace and love of God continually in your heart, that you may glorify God as God alone and have readiness with me to face our Lord when he should come. I love you, sweetie. Happy birthday to you!

Anesia O Baptiste