Wendi Neely Cross

Happy 29th Anniversary to my forever boyfriend! ❤️

If there is one theme woven throughout our marriage, our family, and our lives, it is REDEMPTION.

Twenty-nine years ago, we were two college kids having a baby and getting married. The odds weren’t exactly in our favor, but God had a story to write that we never could have imagined. There is no doubt we wouldn’t be here today without His incredible grace, mercy, and faithfulness.

Rick, you are one of the most sacrificial people I have ever known. You’ve shown me unconditional love, forgiveness, patience, and grace through every season of life.

When we hear 1 Corinthians 13 read at weddings, it’s easy to think of it as beautiful, romantic words. But after 29 years, I know those words are anything but cliché.

“Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4–8

Not perfectly, but consistently, I’ve watched you live out those words, and I have been the grateful recipient of that love.

Together, we’ve been blessed with four biological children, two children through adoption, 4 beautiful daughters-in-law and now grandchildren! Each life and every chapter of our family carries its own beautiful story of God’s redemption.

As we embrace our grandparent era, finish strong in our careers, and continue serving through xHope, I am so excited for all that is ahead. We may someday retire from our careers, but we will never retire from serving Jesus and reminding others that no life is beyond His redeeming love.

Our faith in Christ has given us not only the hope of eternity but a life here on earth far more beautiful than we could have imagined.

Twenty-nine years later, we are still two imperfect people being held together by a perfectly faithful God.

I love you, Rick! Here’s to growing old together, loving our growing family, and watching God continue to write stories of REDEMPTION! ❤️