To some, the word “marriage” can be one of the most frightening words used in a sentence. In fact, I used to not even like it. At least for me, it seemed to have a negative connotation and brought to mind the thought of “settling down,” and “losing one’s freedom.” But when I really started thinking about it, I realized how messed up this view was and began to wonder who was putting these thoughts in my head? Sure wasn’t God! And I didn’t like that. So here’s an alternate view:

If you take the time to educate yourself, (which is exactly what I’ve done), you’ll realize that marriage is defined as the “legitimate union between husband and wife.” Ok, makes sense. But if you dive deeper and break that apart, what does it mean?

* Legitimate- or “legit.” We all know what that means. Synonyms include “real,” “accepted,” and “allowed”

* Union- “reciprocity,” “closeness”

* Between- “restricted to,” “among,” “linking”

* Husband- “man,” “guy”

* And- “and… lol”

* Wife- “woman,” “girl”

Isn’t that what we want? To be “married!?”…”Merry-ied,” “Happy?”

And if you still hate the word, then don’t you like the idea of “finding your other half,” and having your love be ACCEPTED, REAL, and ALLOWED? How about having CAREFREE love, that is, not having to worry about someone ditching, giving up, or bailing?

At least for me, it sounds pretty sweet. Ideal, in fact. And if you’re a Christian, you’ll realize that this “legitimate union between girl and guy” is a reflection, (but never replacement of) God’s love for us. God wants us to be happy and designed this union to give us a glimpse of the pleasure, security, commitment, and happiness that He provides.

When we dull God’s ideal creation with hookups and the union of body and soul before marriage, it only hurts us… I know from experience. I, and others I’ve met, have tried to cut corners and leave legitimacy out of the picture, and it’s only left us a mess. Our love wasn’t “real,” or “accepted,” by God, our families, and even ourselves.

And if we do think we’ve met our other half…someone that we would enjoy waking up to each day ☀️, going on vacations with ✈️, cooking meals for 🍔, making love to 😍, joking around with 💁🏽, helping 🙇🏽, guiding 👫, listening to, 🎤, etc., then why not get the ball rollin’, and set your sights on the possibility of marriage! And until you can get your lives in order, by finishing school, getting a job, etc., find healthy ways to deepen your connection with each other, and save the union of body and soul for when you’ve really made your love legitimate.  It will only make the possibility and transition to marriage easier, leave you with peace of mind in your decision to commit, and give you something exciting to look forward to.

Prayers for the strength and courage to do what’s right in God’s eyes from nowon.Xo,V.

I’ve always had a deep connection with St. Antonio and recently came across this prayer as I was working a night flight from Seattle to Miami. It’s a prayer for anyone whose looking to find a deep soul connection with another… that is, a relationship that brings you both closer to God. Its beauty brings tears to my eyes everytime I read it, and it gives me hope for finding my other half.  I pray it gives you as much peace as it did for me and opens your eyes and heart to God’s plan for relationships.

“Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone, To have a deep soul relationship with another, To be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But to a Christian, God says, “No, not until you are satisfied, Fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone, With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me. With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone. Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, Will you be capable of the perfect human relationship, That I have planned for you. You will never be united to another Until you are united with Me. Exclusive of anyone or anything else. Exclusive of any other desires or longings. I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow Me to give you The most thrilling plan existing . . . one you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you. You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things. Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am. Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you. Just wait, that’s all. Don’t be anxious, don’t worry Don’t look around at things others have gotten Or that I have given them Don’t look around at the things you think you want, Just keep looking off and away up to Me, Or you’ll miss what I want to show you. And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love Far more wonderful than you could dream of. You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready, I am working even at this moment To have both of you ready at the same time. Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me And the life I prepared for you, You won’t be able to experience the love that exemplified your relationship with Me. And this is perfect love. And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love, I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me. And to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection and love that I offer you with Myself. Know that I love you utterly. I AM God. Believe it and be satisfied”