LOVE feature
Story by Melia Flowers • Photography by Laura McBryde
WHILE THEIR MARRIAGE, like all marriages, has been
less than perfect and certainly filled with “for worse” as well
as “for better,” the most important thing remains firm and
steadfast between them: love. Bo and Annelle’s love story
does not fit into a fairytale storybook mold. Theirs is one of
amazing love, understanding, forgiveness and, yes, faith.
Truth is, there are no perfect marriages because there are
no perfect people. However, the Osbornes always made it
through, because they turned to the One who brought them
together in the beginning: God.
One of the many constants throughout all their years together has been Bo’s poetry. Annelle has countless poems,
written for her by her loving husband. While she cherishes
WHEN BO REALIZED HE WAS NOT GOING TO DIE,
agreed to lease a store-front downtown and embark on a brand new
each one, none is more precious than the one he wrote for
after hearing the delightful words fall from his doctor’s lips like a beau-
journey with a familiar twist. Annelle chose to name their new busi-
their wedding day and shared at the exchanging of their
tiful melody, “Your cancer is gone,” the couple was faced with a new but
ness “Consider The Lilies,” in honor of the scripture that inspired the
vows 33 years ago.
absolutely wonderful problem. In preparing for the worst, while pray-
idea. Now, Annelle feels that her life has come full-circle, as she is once
ing for a miracle, they had sold the building that was going to be their
again doing what she loves. However, instead of the little flower shop
restaurant. Bo had sold his construction business. Life was not over for
on her back porch in Turbeville, the flowers are a part of a beautiful
Bo Osborne, and he needed to get himself back to work. So, what to do
store, filled with unique finds, both antique and eclectic, as well as oth-
with this dilemma/blessing?
er items. Her son, Drew, also served as inspiration for opening Consider
Time Will Tell
Words can’t convince you now
Annelle began to think about the possibilities. They had loved and
The Lilies and lends his artistic flair, creating an unexpected element
of how true my love will be;
collected antiques their entire marriage, so that idea held potential.
that customers feel when they walk in the store. Drew’s fresh eye for
So I’ll present witnesses of time
She also loved flowers and so enjoyed the little flower shop she had
contemporary, bold and edgy furniture, art and decor married with
to speak on my behalf to thee.
run from her back porch as a young bride. With those two thoughts
more traditional and antique pieces makes Consider The Lilies a place
Seconds will attest that each beat
tumbling around in her mind, she began to pray to God for the answer.
where even the most discriminating taste is sure to find an irresistible
of my heart was for you.
While doing so, Annelle began to think of the scripture found in the
piece to take home. Aware of the growing obsession fashionistas and
Minutes will tell of wishful thoughts
sixth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, verses 28-34:
decorators alike have with vintage clothing and decor, Drew has plans
that filled their passing through.
to bring more vintage and retro decor into the shop and to add vintage
Hours will recount
“And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the
clothing in the months to come. He shares, “I look forward to incorpo-
how they were whiled away,
field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin. Yet, I say to you that not even
rating what I’ve learned in the hair and fashion industry into floral and
With ponderings of things
Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so
interior design.” The Osbornes, like all of the downtown business own-
that you would do and say.
clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown
ers (including me), are happy to be a part of the Downtown Florence
Days will speak of anticipations,
into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do
environment and the excitement of watching the shops come alive and
not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or
the streets fill with people.
‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these
Bo is proud of what Annelle and Drew have done with their new
nights of endless dreams,
Weeks of how they were hurried by,
finding us time together again.
things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But
business and is daily regaining his health, as life returns to normal for
Months will confess Love growing,
seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be
the Osborne family. As husband and wife, he and Annelle have faced
years shall confirm the fact
added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for
trials and tribulations of the sort that have led to the demise of many
That my love for you is true
itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
marriages. Each has looked into the face of death through cancer. How-
and in nothing does it lack.
ever, through their faith in Christ Jesus, they are more than conquerAnnelle let the truth of that scripture wash over her, bringing both
ors. Their faith in God and their love for each other has been magnified
Bo and Annelle’s love has stood the test of time. Now,
hope and peace. She knew, having experienced God’s provision in
many times over, fortified and held together by a bond that is far great-
the best is yet to be. Though they clearly know that no one
her life so many times, that He would not forsake her or their family.
er than any of the pain or disappointment they have faced. The two
can predict what the future holds, they know one thing with
“I just came to a point where I knew we would be alright. I knew that
now live each day with purpose, cherishing every morning that the sun
unwavering certainty. Their future is with each other where
God would take care of us and that we did not need to worry.” So, they
rises and every day that it sets, together as husband and wife.
they will remain… until death do they part.
32
FEBUARY 2016
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