Years ago, CNN.com, Rubel Shelly wrote, “Man Begs Wife’s Forgiveness in $17,000 Ad.” After 17 years of marriage, Marianne finally left Larry. “It was a culmination of things,” said Larry. “But I am desperately trying to save our marriage.”
Marianne left their home in Orlando, Florida, and went to her parents’ home in Jacksonville. She changed her cell phone number so he couldn’t reach her. Her parents blocked him from entering their gated community, so he sent her five-dozen roses. His goal was to ask forgiveness, to plead for the chance for the two of them to work on their relationship.
When none of those actions brought any response from his estranged wife, Larry took out a full-page ad in the Florida Times-Union on January 25, 2005. The ad read: “I can only hope you will give me the chance to prove my unending love for you. Life without you is empty and meaningless.”
The cost of a full-page ad meant that Larry sent Marianne a $17,000 apology. A relative told Larry that his wife had seen the ad. “She said my wife read the ad and started crying,” he said. “But so far I’ve had no response from her.”
WOW… $17,000 apology and still no response. About 2,000 years ago, there is a priceless ad that God placed on a hilltop just outside of Jerusalem. Written in blood, the message says, “I love you and willing to forgive you of all your sins. Thus, I have paid the price—I gave my Son, Jesus Christ. Would you respond?”
If you have not respond to God’s love for you, please do so this week. If you did, do remember as you go through this week and feel truly blessed!