“When one door closes, another one opens”. That was the epitome of how my 2018 started. I was on the brink of giving up on love when a friend shared with me about an online dating site. Despite my resistance, I made another account that night and in 3 days I linked with Marcus! We communicated all day throughout the next couple of days. I was totally blindsided by the depth of our conversations about God, our vulnerabilities, strengths/weaknesses, etc. When Marcus said , “I’ve seen all I needed to see and I’m serious about taking you out”, I did a little happy dance in my mind but tried to keep it cool. lol When we went on our first date-- the food? was horrible! lol I also thought he was a little shy during our date. BUT as I began to get to know Marcus more, I learned he is FAR from being shy! Lol With Marcus, I couldn't put my finger on it but getting to know him felt different. I was invested and had a yearning to know more about him. Yet, in an effort to protect my heart I needed to hear from God on-- if I should move forward with him as just a friend or a potential mate. So, I told Marcus I was going on a week fast (no talking to each other) to hear from God on if we should move forward in dating. It was risky as we were still in a month of getting to know each other at the time, BUT I was ready to hear God’s decision. When the week was over he immediately texted me that morning lol We talked later that night about what revelations God told us during the fast, action items we would do for self improvement and then...he asked could he pray with me. His prayer was powerful! It was the answers to the questions I had for God all that week! It brought me to tears. After the prayer, he told me that he didn’t want to go that long without talking to me ever again (lol), and since then we have been inseparable! His spirit has revived my heart to love and laugh again everyday. God heard the desires of my heart and I’m sooo grateful and blessed He matched us together!

In December, Shenee and I met, two months after I almost lost my life in a car crash for the last time. At the time, the weight of the world became so heavy that I began to question my faith in God. In December, a relationship that I stumbled into began to flourish through many “coincidental” experiences. It turns out that Shenee Brown, aka Shay Boogie, aka Boogie, aka any other nicknames she has shared with me, from SW Houston Texas (shoutout to SWAT), was the woman that I had been praying and asking God for. I had prayed for a Southern Woman, who was as kind-hearted as my grandma was, empowering as my mother is, and caring enough to love a knucklehead like me. Shay and I’s first date was interesting. We went to Not Your Average Joes. If you’re considering going there, please understand that it is LESS THAN average. In fact - it is mediocre and I will NEVER go back! However, Shay and I had a GREAT time! We were talking, laughing, and enjoying the company of one another. It felt like we knew each other for years! I walked to the car feeling conflicted. I wanted to spend more time with her! At the same time - I did not want to freak her out, remembering this was the first date and we had been texting/facetiming a lot already. Shenee and I got closer as the new year began. Right when I felt connected with her more than ever, she decided to go on this cell phone/communication fast. The break in communication really made me ANGRY and CONFUSED. After her fast, she shared how much she cared about me! During her fast, I thought about how much I cared about her! The night we finally were able to speak, God put it on my heart to pray audibly for the both of us. Eventually, I prayed for God to be present as the mediator and purpose in our relationship. The rest has been history - love, laughs, growth and joy. I continuously pray that these feelings are sustained. Our relationship has helped me to be more faithful, reflective, caring, empathetic, and human. Cheers!!!