To Plan a Wedding, or Not?

Finally! I couldn't believe that I was getting married to this handsome man of God! I called all my family and friends to let them know the awesome news. I was excited and praised the Lord for putting this union together. I was all set to plan my wedding for September, 2014.

On that Sunday, I left Omaha to go back to Virginia. I had a layover in Chicago. While I was in Uno's talking to my girlfriend about the proposal, someone said "Excuse me." I looked up and it was an older caucasian man. He said, "I overheard you say that you got engaged? Congratulations." I said, thank you, and trying to figure out who this man was. He said, "I also heard you were a Christian and I would like to be the first person to bless your marriage." He put something in my hand, closed it and said, "God Bless you." I looked down, opened my hand, and it was a $100 bill! Before I could say thank you, he was gone. I cried like a baby! I couldn't believe a complete stranger just gave me this amount of money. I knew that the Lord was truly with us. I called Larnell and he was amazed, but not surprised. He said that as long as we are in the Lord's will and obedient, he promises to bless us, whether it be from someone we know or a stranger. Amen to that!

Later on in September, I reached out to Pastor Lewis and asked him if he would do our pre-marital counseling. He said he would love to and we planned to travel to Texas in November. Our plan was to receive our counseling from him, and with his approval, we would marry while we were there, have our wedding in September of 2014 in Virginia, and move to Texas together in October of that same year.  We didn't know how it was all going to play out, but we were determined to get it done. I told Larnell I really wasn't interested in moving to Omaha, and he didn't want me to do it either. We just hoped that once we share this with Pastor, everything will go smoothly....so we thought...

In November, we both flew out to Texas for our pre-marital counseling. We shared our plans with Pastor, and he looked at us like we were crazy. He laughed and said, "Before I say anything, let's pray." After we prayed, he told us that if that was our plan, then he won't marry us. Larnell and I looked at each other in shock. But then he shared with us something that we didn't even think of or consider. He said that if we marry and live separate from each other, I will be uncovered and that will give way to the enemy. He asked us could we really live apart from each each other like that? We had to be honest....we couldn't! He said either we just stay engaged until the wedding, or marry now and I will have to move to Omaha. All kinds of things came to my mind: Am I really ready to leave everything I know in VA? My family, friends, my career?! I don't know anyone in Omaha! I knew I wanted to be with him, but I wasn't totally sure if I was ready to make this huge step. After our counseling, we went out to eat and we discussed what Pastor had told us. Larnell said that he knows this will be a big decision for me, but he didn't want to live another day without me. That provided some reassurance to me, and showed me that he really loved me. At that point, my trust level increased with him. I knew that I would be in good hands, and he promised to take care of me. So, we called Pastor and told him our decision. He said that we are doing the right thing. On November 22, 2013, we made it official. I was now a Marion and Pastor had the honor of marrying us. I was nervous, but excited about my new chapter in my life. Now, it is time to do things the right way. I know it was going to be hard leaving everything I know behind, but I had to cleave to my husband and become the wife that the Lord wants me to be. Our marriage will be blessed because we are doing things God's way. Our plans have changed: I was now moving to Omaha in January 2014.

He Proposed to Me

In May of 2013, Larnell travelled to VA so that we may meet each other in person.  I must say, I was quite nervous meeting him, but once I saw him he had such a calmness about him. A very laid back brother. All the worry and the nerves disappeared and I was able to relax. He met my family, but he really hit it off with my father, which was a shock to me.

When Larnell and I arrived at my father's house, I was hoping that my dad wouldn't say anything crazy to Larnell to scare him off, but knowing him he would! My dad asked him, "What are your intentions with my daughter? She's been hurt before, so if you plan to do that, then leave. She'll get over it." I looked at my dad like he was crazy. Larnell's response was right on point. He told my dad that he really loves me and have no intention on hurting me. He also told him that this courtship will let him know if it is worthy of a marriage. Then, my father said ok. He looked at me and said that he wanted to talk to Larnell alone and told me to go to the mall. Wow! When I left, I couldn't help but wonder what my dad said to him. After an hour, I returned and found them laughing and listening to old school music! I was in shock, but happy that he was getting along with my dad.

August 22, 2013, I arrived in Omaha, Nebraska to meet his family. We all went to Cheddar's for dinner. I had the opportunity to meet his mom, sister, her two children and his daughter. She was as cute as she could be. I started to think that since his family was here, maybe he would propose. Since we've been courting, there was discussion about marriage and children. He even asked me for my ring size. So, I just knew that he would propose. But as the evening went on, nothing happened. I stopped getting my hopes up and tried to let it go. Later on that night, he took me to downtown Omaha.  I noticed that he kept smiling at me as we were walking. Wondering why he was doing that, we walked up to this beautiful horse and carriage. I was so caught up in looking at the horse that I didn't even notice him talking to the owner.  He came back to me and told me we were going to ride on it.  My eyes lit up! It was very romantic. We rode around town and came up to this place were you can see a fountain shooting up water and changing colors. We got out and Larnell took my hand and we walked towards it. In the sky, I could see a full moon and a few stars. It was truly magical. He then began to recite the most beautiful poem I ever heard: 

I Call Her Queen

A lovely lady that command respect when she step up on the scene..her beauty flows from inside out like a steady stream..dressed in elegance & class with a polished appearance..the smell of her aroma standout like sweet incense, one look in her eyes and I'm completely convinced "her grass", "bright" green on her side of the fence(a caretaker) "Lord", let me help water her lawn,(lol) I know I ain't got good sense, but I been captivated by this vision ever since..a desire planted in my heart.."I Call Her Queen"..Love rock the finest linen, most importantly she God fearing and divinely driven..she so sincere, always givin'..finding her is like rare treasure that's hidden, my queen where are you? maybe you already near? or perhaps you're in a far off distance my dear..my longing is after you night & day, for you my love I continually pray..your king is preparing for you, that appointed time and day..I can imagine, I bet you like to have fun and play..and out of your mouth have the most pleasant words to say..gentleness embedded in your d.n.a...hand-carved in perfection..heavenly is the way of your direction..you radiate light in His reflection..I'm blown away, gone with the wind just from the thought of you being my helpmate, lover and friend..you were overlooked and passed up by many men, you tested em' through patience therefore, they didn't stick around to the end.."I Call Her Queen"..wisdom & honor engraved on her crown..a woman of excellence, firmly stable and sound, uniquely created with prestige, down to earth, she humbly bless the ground..the makeup of her essence is submissive, whispers of softness define her strength, pure goodness she models purity, my love establishes a brotha with security..a lady of virtue..may she reign, her love is royal..fit for a king...my future wife...I call her queen!

He turned to me and said that he loved me and didn't want to live another day without me. He asked me to marry him and of course I said Yes! What a well-thought out proposal! It was truly a night I'll never forget.

A Special Valentines Day

In the beginning of 2013, I've been asking the Lord about a spouse. I've forgiven my ex-husband, received the much needed healing from Him and moved on. Little did I know what the Lord had in store for me...


On February 8, 2013, I invited a couple over to my home for dinner. I began to share with them that I have been praying and asking the Lord about a spouse and wondering when will He bless me, or even if its time yet. *Sandy shared with me that the Lord heard my prayers and he will send my spouse when the timing is right. We prayed together, and she stopped and looked at me. She said, "My future spouse doesn't live in VA, but in another state." What?! I looked at her very strange because there was NO way I would date anyone that doesn't live in the same state I'm in. I could never do a long distance relationship. I laughed a little and told her I will have to hear God on that before I made that kind of move. She said, "Ok, definitely pray about it, but that's what I hear the Lord saying."  That same night, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about what she said and wondering how true that was. I prayed to the Lord and told Him to confirm that Word to me so that I know it's from you. If not, then help me to hold on and wait on you. I fell asleep and had a dream about a guy I met on Facebook named Larnell Marion, whom I've connected with in 2012. All I knew was that he was follower of ExMinistries. We never really spoke to each other, but liked each other's statuses and commented every once in a while on Facebook. In this dream, we were riding in the car listening to music, laughing and joking around. I could see that we were traveling somewhere, but I couldn't see the road signs. Then, there was another scene where we went to a beautiful restaurant. As we sat across from each other, he looked me in my eyes and told me that he loved me and wanted to be with me.  I immediately woke up from the dream. I was in shock that I even had a dream about this guy and we never really talked to each other! I asked the Lord about it, but then laughed it off because I just knew that it was too good to be true...

On February 13th, I received a message on Facebook from the same guy I had a dream about the other day. He asked me about a DVD that ExMinistries released. I answered him and I looked at his profile. Ironically, it stated that he was from Omaha, Nebraska. Omaha?! What's out there? I thought. Still, I was shaking my head because I just couldn't see myself dating someone that far away. Plus, I told myself that he's probably not interested in me, so I let it go. The next day was Valentine's Day. I didn't allow this day to get me all upset and thinking that I didn't have anyone to celebrate it with. In fact, I took myself out for dinner and enjoyed my own company. Later that day, I received another message from Larnell. He asked me if I enjoyed my Valentines Day. Next thing I know, he was asking questions about me, as if he was interested. I was surprised! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! We were messaging each other for quite a while, and although I liked what I heard from him, I still prayed and asked God if he wasn't the one You prepared me for, remove him. Show me the red flags so that I won't make the same mistakes again.

The next day, Larnell messaged me and asked me for my phone number.  We talked and I told him that I was praying about him and seeing what the Lord says. He laughed and said, "That's funny, because I been praying and telling the Lord to remove you if you are not the one!" Wow! I have NEVER heard a man say that to me, let alone prayed about me. I was impressed. This man met all of my strict criteria. He was everything I prayed for. I knew that only time would tell if this friendship would develop into a relationship. The following week, he asked me if we could begin courting each other. So far, I haven't seen any red flags telling me to run and it seemed as if the Lord had something to do with this union. I felt at peace about accepting this courtship, even though he was in another state. He said he wanted to meet me face to face, so we agreed that he would fly out in May. After I got off the phone with him, I called my closest girlfriends with the news. I was excited and my heart was racing. It felt so good knowing that I was in a courtship with a God-fearing man that truly adored me and loved me for who I am. I praised the Lord for what he has done!  I was looking forward to see how this union would blossom...

*Name has been withheld.