Kingdom Marriage Series: Episode Two

Hello, beautiful people of God. 

How are you doing? And how is the new month going? Thank God it's Friday😁

So, we began the Kingdom Marriage Series yesterday. It's simply a collection of interview questions about Godly couples and Kingdom Marriages. The goal is to highlight the role of God in courtship and marriage and to let you in on the preparations required to choose a life partner and navigate the marriage institution properly. 

If you're single, it is my desire that you are armed with the right tools for marriage preparation. Cos, believe it or not, there's a lot you will avert with the right knowledge. Yesterday, we had a couple who have been married for thirteen years share their knowledge and journey with us. Catch up on it here.

Today, we have another amazing couple share their story and journey with us. I'll be out of your face in a bit so that you can learn all you can. Remember to grab your pen, jotter, and popcorn as you delve into this.  

Nancita: Please introduce yourselves. 

Mr.: I'm Mr. Blessing Shaba.

Mrs.: I'm Mrs. Ifeoluwa Shaba.

We've been married for 2 and a half years.

Nancita: How did you meet?

Mr.: Lol. We met through my best friend via calls.

Mrs.: Yes, we met online via calls and physically at our best friend's sister's wedding.

Nancita: Was he/she your spec at first sight?

Mr.: Lol. No, she was not.

Mrs.: Yes, he was.

Nancita: What are the non-negotiable qualities you found in your spouse?

Mr.: Sense. Lol. Yes. Beauty that met with brains.

Mrs.: A man who fears and honors the Lord.

Nancita: What does a kingdom marriage mean to you?

Mr.: A marriage initiated and directed by the will of God.

Mrs.: A marriage that's led by the Holy Spirit with both couples working on themselves to be better each day.

Nancita: What is your view about God's will in marriage?

Mr.: God's will is the only way. It is the way to a prosperous and peaceful life.

Mrs.: God's will is never wrong.

Nancita: How did you become convinced that you made the right choice?

Mr.: It was impressed in my spirit she was the one. I also realized she was the one person with whom I could be vulnerable without feeling insecure.

Mrs.: I had a strong conviction in my spirit, and I prayed. 

Nancita: How did you prepare for marriage, and when did you start?

Mr.: Marriage found me. I didn't prepare for it. It came at God's time.

Mrs.: My preparation started at a very young age. I was intentional about who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I read lots of marriage books and attended various seminars to widen my knowledge.

Nancita: Mr. Blessing, how did you ask her to be your girlfriend/wife?

I invited her for a photoshoot, and I confessed to her to be my girlfriend openly.

Nancita: Interesting. I like your audacity. Mrs. Ifeoluwa, how did you respond? Were you surprised, or did you see it coming?

Hehe. I didn't see it coming, and it took me a while to give an answer.

Nancita: How long did you court? Describe your courtship. Did you have misunderstandings during courtship? 

Mr.: Six months. It was interesting and filled with growth. Yes, we did.

Mrs.: 6 months. Yes, we did have.

Nancita: How did you resolve them? 

Mr.: I pray and ask the Holy Spirit to please make a way, and He does.

Mrs.: Discussing with an open mind and giving the other person the opportunity to see from the other perspective.

Nancita: What was the role of your local assembly in your courtship?

Mr.: They provided genuine help and support.

Mrs.: They were supportive and encouraging.

Nancita: Do you encourage pre-marriage counseling?

Mr..: Yes, I do.

Mrs.: Yes, 100%.

Nancita: What resources do you recommend for courtship and marriage preparation?

Mr.: Read the word, pray, and seek God's direction.

Mrs.: Prayers, God's word, and spiritual counsel.

Nancita: What kind of wedding did you have? Was it your dream wedding?

Mr.: It was an interesting one. 

Mrs.: It was a quiet wedding, and it was my dream wedding.

Nancita: How has married life been?

Mr.: It has been interesting, adventurous, problem-solving. Overall, it has been successful.

Mrs.: It has been challenging, yet beautiful.

Nancita: What was your greatest culture shock?

Mr.:  I got to understand that grocery shopping is not the duty of the woman alone.

Mrs.: I have none.

Nancita: What got better when you got married?

Mr.: My perception of life and leadership skills improved.

Mrs.: My learning abilities got better, and I could lean on someone.

Nancita: What do you enjoy doing together the most?

Mr.: Prayer, studying the word, watching movies, having discussions, singing, and dancing.

Mrs.: Studying God's word and playing games.

Nancita: Do you miss being single? If yes, what do you miss?

Mr.: Sometimes, I miss the freedom to make personal decisions without the fear of it affecting someone's daughter.

Mrs.: Nope.

Nancita: What does love and submission mean to you?

Mr.: Love is sacrifice. Submission is a willingness to accept and try out the other person's perspective with an open mind and trust.

Mrs.: Love to me means working in tune with Christ and listening to him. Submission means the willingness to learn and adapt without allowing pride.

Nancita: How do you navigate challenges?

Mr.: I ask the Holy Spirit to help me, and He makes a way of escape. I also seek counsel and research possible solutions.

Mrs.: I pray and hand over everything to the Holy Spirit. Speaking to my spiritual counselor also helps if need be.

Write a love note to her:

My darling wife, you are God's best gift to me. I can't forget that captivating "you are all mine" look

you gave me at Lola's wedding. Your voice is silk and soft like butter, and your heart is an ever-flowing stream of affection. Your eyes are tender and compassionate. Since the inception of our union, you have fulfilled the scriptures of being the bone of my bone. You have supported me in becoming the man that I am now. I love you, and I pray we grow in grace and in the love of God.

Write a love note to him:

You've been strong even in the face of diverse challenges, and you've helped me navigate through this marriage journey with your counsel and guidance. I couldn't have asked for a better spouse. I love you, OLOLUFE MI.

Nancita: What is your advice for singles and intending couples?

Mr.: Build your relationship with God first. Also, get comfortable being single before seeking marriage.

Mrs.: Trust God for guidance continually. In a world filled with so many voices, always wait to hear the still, small voice. Also, never neglect the role of spiritual mentors.

Nancita: Do you want to tell us something else?

Thank you for allowing us to participate in this, God bless you.

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Blessing and Ifeoluwa Shaba, for sharing your story with us😁

If you got to this point, I'm sure that you picked up a lesson or ten. So watch out for tomorrow's episode.

Ps: You can catch up on yesterday's episode here.

Love and Light,

Nancita☺