It began about 20 years ago when Richard first laid eyes on Alicia in a Business Law class at From the Heart Church Ministries. Alicia was the primary instructor and Richard a student. Richard could not take his eyes off Alicia. Alicia did not notice since as the instructor, all the students had their eyes on her. Richard continued to admire Alicia from afar in class and in church. They became church acquaintances. As an usher in the church, Richard saw Alicia every Sunday and they had small talk when she saw him on his post. Richard always saw Alicia as an example of a virtuous woman of God with good character. And she portrayed a no-nonsense personality, which made some brothers hesitant to approach her, including Richard. Alicia thought that Richard was a nice guy. Alicia continued to stay on Richard’s mind and about 10 years later, there was a cookout at Rosaryville Park in Maryland for single church members. The night before the event Richard prayed that Alicia would attend. To his surprise, she did. Alicia spoke to Richard; however, Richard did not express his interest in getting to know her. Richard “chickened out.” About another 10 years passed and at the end of 2019 Richard asked Alicia if she would accompany him to his birthday celebration with friends. He planned dinner at a restaurant in Baltimore called Water for Chocolate, and a play afterwards. Although Alicia appreciated the offer, she said, “No.” Richard was disappointed ☹ Then the pandemic hit. Richard still had Alicia on his mind and one day in May 2021, he sent her a text asking if he could give her a call. Alicia called Richard the next day and he expressed his interest in getting to know her and asked if he could take her out to dinner. Alicia explained that she was not interested in going out as she was dealing with a lot, including the recent passing of her father. They hung up; however, about five minutes later Richard called back sympathizing with Alicia and expressing familiarity with losing a parent. He again asked her out to dinner. When Alicia said no because she did not have time, Richard replied, “You have to eat!” Alicia agreed. She began to share what was going on in her life, including her recent move into a condo in Washington, D.C. Richard asked if Alicia needed help with anything and she replied that she needed pictures hung. Richard said, “Oh, I can do that,” as he chuckled. Alicia replied, “Do you know how to hang pictures?” Richard responded, “Do you know what I do for a living?” and shared that he is the owner of a construction company, and furthermore, he hung the pictures in the church’s annex building. Persuaded by Richard’s credentials and skills, Alicia felt he knew a little something about hanging pictures. 😊 Richard came by to hang the pictures and he brought dinner. And that is how Richard “got his foot in the door.” Richard helped Alicia with several projects, and she became smitten at how kind and generous he was to her and his strong relationship with the Lord. She noted that Richard is a good family man with good qualities. Alicia was raised with an example of a good man with a good name, in her father, and she saw the same qualities in Richard. The following month Richard and Alicia went on their first date to Water for Chocolate and Richard shared his 20-year desire to get to know her. Richard and Alicia have become best friends, and they share their love and respect for one another. Alicia has proven to be that virtuous woman of God that Richard believed her to be when he first met her 20 years ago. Richard is that strong godly man with a good heart that Alicia waited for. Together we are a blessing to one another and accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We have an unshakable love for the Lord and each other, crowned with peace. We will continue to glorify God in our marriage as we have in our friendship. The moral of our story: Trust God, be patient, and be open to giving and receiving love ❤️

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth. Please check out the rest of the website to learn more about Richard and Alicia!