As cheesy as it sounds, I knew I loved Sam the very first time I met her. She was beautiful, intelligent, loved God, and she was thick. In my mind, that’s a quadruple threat! I was nervous to ask her out because we were complete opposites. I was a southern charm and she was a fast-talking city slicker. However, over time, I came to know her as the most genuine, down to earth, and kind-hearted person I’d ever met. Because I was still a bit intimidated, I took the friend route hoping to one day transition out. After far too long, I decided I wouldn’t let fear keep me from going after what I knew was mine. I was too accustomed to taking the laid-back approach, which caused me to miss out on opportunities I knew I deserved. Sam was pursuing her Ph.D., so research was vital to her, so I did my own study (aka I asked Jesus). I finally got up the courage to ask her out, and to my surprise- she said yes! Jesus gave me everything I needed for a perfect first date, but after our first date she went M.I.A. I felt like I was slipping back into the friend zone, so I asked her out again. She challenged me to get a word from the Lord in order to move forward. She had the bright idea of doing a fast together to get our spouse's name. After three long days, the Lord gave me her name, and He gave her His (that’s right, he gave her Jesus). I was disappointed because I wanted her to get my name, but I now realize that our wise Father doesn’t give us what we aren’t ready for. Sam eventually came back and told me that God spoke to her in a dream. He told her that I was her husband, and gave her details about things we both were praying about but hadn’t shared with anyone else. Two years later, I proposed, she said yes, and the rest is history. We shared so much of our story to bring encouragement to whoever is reading. We pray that you see the benefit of standing on God’s word, despite how crazy you may look, sound, or feel. We love you, and we look forward to seeing you at the wedding!