Faith Around and Find Out

“For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” – Romans 11:36, English Standard Version Bible

Do You Remember the 21st of September? (Cues Earth, Wind, & Fire) As I reflect on today being my one year dating anniversary with my fiancé, Nate, I wanted to update the blog about the journey that brought us here. Often, those who know my story of leaving Higher Education in 2022 and starting fresh in Dallas, TX in 2023 have said in regards to my recent engagement, “Wow Brooke, you manifested this!” or “You are so deserving given your past.” (typically alluding to the untimely death of my father and sister). In these instances, I would either say nothing or merely say thank you and moved along. However, I wanted take a brief moment before I share Nate and I’s story as well as this season of preparing for marriage to encourage and remind us all about God.

He is not a genie and you nor I are in control of our lives. God does as He pleases, how He pleases, when He pleases, where He pleases, with whom He pleases. I say all this to say, whether you are in a valley or on a mountain top — He is good. He is the ultimate gift. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, for us all and whether or not I ever met Nate — my love for God remains the same. I prayed for 12 years for this relationship. Over the years, I would go on dates and would leave them feeling like they were not quite God’s best for me. Self doubt and thoughts that I was unworthy of love would then set in; having never had a boyfriend as I approached my late 20s. As if God had forgotten about me. Let your faith not be moved by your circumstances.

Okay Preacher B is going to get back to the scheduled programming and answer a few questions Q & A style!

How Did You Meet Your Fiancé?

We met after Nate messaged me online and started up a conversation with me on September 14, 2022. We began communicating daily via text while I was traveling for work at the time in Phoenix, Arizona — meanwhile he also was traveling for work in Kansas City, Missouri. When I flew back into town, Nate asked if we could meet in-person since he was driving back from Kansas City to Dallas on Saturday, September 17. We ended up discussing what our plans were for Sunday, September 18, and realized we both attended the same church and would be at the same service.

I mean of all the churches in DFW and you are going to the same one and service time as me? Okay God, heard you. We met for the first time at church, sat together during service, and then parted ways. A few hours after church, we had an in-depth FaceTime for 4 hours and that solidified in my mind that this was the man I would marry. 3 days later on September 21, 2022, he asked me to be his girlfriend and 10 months following that he asked me to marry him on July 30, 2023. See our proposal video here (https://vimeo.com/860725204).

How Did You Know He Was “The One”?

Personally, I do not believe in “the one”. There are nearly 8 billion people in this world and if I take someone’s “one” then consequently everyone thereafter would miss out on their “one”. However, I do believe God is gracious enough to provide someone who will complement us as we walk this life out alongside one another. I will note that the peace and emotional safety I felt when I first interacted with Nate provided reassurance that this was a strong, healthy relationship. I do not believe in signs per se but God does provide gentle nudges. To illustrate, on March 28, 2022; I made the leap of faith to leave a 5 year career in Mississippi and moved to Dallas, Texas. Now I am not one for coincidences but Nate’s birthday falls on March 28th. Additionally, our first formal date happened on September 23, 2022; exactly one year from when I wrote a list of traits I desired in a partner that Nate exudes.

What Are You looking Forward To In This Season?

I am looking forward to having a lifetime partner and friend to do life with. I am getting married in an intimate ceremony in less than 30 days with our immediate families and closest friends so that is something I am also looking forward to as well getting to celebrate in a larger celebration in the spring.

Closing Thoughts

I used to idolize the idea of marriage in my early twenties and I am thankful God broke me of that. Our wedding is not the end but the beginning. Nate is a kind, Godly, steadfast man. He is consistent. He holds space for me to cry and also be silly. He is a leader but also patient. He does not complete me. He is not my savior. He will never meet all my needs. We will have trials — this too, I know. As I close out the final months of being 30, I am continuously reminded that His timing is better than mine. I could not have imagined he would move as swiftly as He did in this season. Whatever you are hoping or believing God for, He can do it. Be content whether He says yes, no, or not yet.

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Posted By: Brooke Alexis · In: All Posts, Lifestyle