Welcome to another In My Chambers blog Interview with Tanika.
My special guests: Samantha and Godfrey, a newly engaged couple.
In My Chambers: Thank you Samantha and Godfrey for sharing with us today.
Samantha tell me, were you single and satisfied before meeting Godfrey?
Samantha: Yes, I would say my best single years were spent building a real relationship with Jesus. For years I attended church out of routine, but when I made the decision to spend time learning of Him I discovered His love. The reality of His sacrifice pierced my heart and I realized this kind of love can only come from Him! We often hear of the void in our heart that only He can fill. When I let Him do just that, I found that I was left satisfied! In times when I would get discouraged and wonder when marriage would happen for me, I reminded myself that God does all things well and when He sees fit. This comforted me and now looking back, I see the truth in Matthew 6:33. When we seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, He then adds all other things.
IMC: Were you praying for a husband while single?
Samantha: While single, I didn’t pray for God to send me a husband but I did pray for whomever God had in store for me. I prayed that He would be a man of prayer, after God’s heart, one given to godly mentorship and a worshipper! (to name a few). My heart was that when we finally met, he would be well seasoned and prepared to enter in to courtship. I prayed with full confidence, knowing that God would exceed my expectations- and that He did!
IMC: What about you Godfrey? Were you praying for a wife?
Godfrey: I was praying for a wife prior to meeting Samantha. I had a list of what I was looking for and actively praying for.
IMC: You are a tall woman, were you open to getting to know shorter men?
Samantha: As I am jovial, I was open to getting to know anyone with a great personality; but my preference is tall men.
IMC: How did you meet Godfrey?
Samantha: Godfrey and I both attended York University where we studied and we also served as part of a campus ministry called “United Through Worship”. I sing and play the keys, Godfrey is a musician as well- he plays the bass so we would often see each other at meetings, rehearsals and events. We found that as we engaged in conversation we connected as if no one else was in the room. It was wonderful! We were experiencing something special; it didn’t happen right away but in God’s perfect timing a few years later, we now see its fullness.
IMC: Godfrey, prior to meeting Samantha, were you ever in a relationship with someone you thought was the one? How did you realize she wasn’t?
Godfrey: I was in a long standing relationship with someone prior who I thought I’d be with for the rest of my life. However it started with me taking a step back after some things in the relationship were not going the way I thought they’d be. It caused me to write out what was happening in the relationship that I didn’t like that wasn’t changing and then write out what I do want and what I do want to see. In doing that, I was able to assess the situation and make the decision to break things off.
IMC: Godfrey, when did you know that you wanted to pursue a relationship with Samantha?
Godfrey: I can’t remember the exact date, but I remember it was after a deep conversation we were having at a friend’s house after a birthday party. It wasn’t just a surface conversation but one that lasted in my mind.
IMC: Samantha, when did you know without a shadow of a doubt he was the God sent for you?
Samantha: I knew that he was God sent as we progressed from friendship to our season of courtship. During this time, I discovered that he is who I prayed for (I had a list) but also so much more. He challenges me to think differently, be better! It was rare for me to know a man to posses such great character-his kindness, the grace he shows to others, his giving nature. It causes me to come up higher, mirroring the image of Christ.
IMC: How soon did you let your parents know about him? What about your girlfriends?
Samantha: Godfrey & I were dating for months before anyone knew about us! I told my older sister about him first, then my girlfriends and my parents. I kept it quiet for a while until I was more confident about where we were headed. I primarily talked to the Lord, inquiring of Him about how we would complement the call on each other’s lives. I wanted to ensure we’d accommodate where we are going, not just where we were at that time. Having a kingdom destiny to lock arms and fulfill was very important to me.
IMC: Did you go to church together during your courtship?
Samantha: During courtship, we attended different churches and have fond memories of visiting each other. There’s something about lifting our worship and praise to God in a corporate setting together- we love it!
IMC: How did you remain chaste during your courtship? What worked for you?
Samantha: We understood that environment is important and we needed to choose places for dates conducive to our purity goals. We found that this helped to resist temptation. We knew that pleasing the Lord rather than our flesh was required of us. I’m always encouraging others to wait until marriage to have sex, so I knew I had to uphold a standard in this area. For the first year of our relationship, we only held hands. Taking things slowly really suppressed our appetite for anything physical. In our journey, we found that working on communication and growing as best friends was the principal thing. We knew that this would create a solid foundation for the physical aspect of our relationship to flourish in the future. I’m not saying it was always easy, especially as we grew in love but what anchored us was keeping a consistent prayer and fasting schedule as a couple. This helped us to mature and develop the fear of the Lord in our relationship together. As King Solomon said, this is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) and this proved to be beneficial for us.
IMC: How did he propose?
Samantha: It was perfect!!! Godfrey invited my family to join his on their weekend getaway to Blue Mountain!
Prior to us driving up there on Friday he contacted me saying there’s a banquet hall he’d like us to check out, as we could potentially use it for our wedding. The venue was on route so it made perfect sense. Once we got there, I immediately fell in love!!! I spotted the beautiful lake out back and I was sold! Anyone who knows me well knows that I love all things water! He planned for us to have a meeting with the coordinator. She showed us around and told us details about planning our wedding there. After the meeting was complete, I suggested to Godfrey that we take selfies out by the lake! He agreed and I was so excited to do so! After taking some shots, we stood under the gazebo looking out at the lake. Chatting normally at first, then I saw the look on his face change. He became serious and began his speech! I said aloud “it’s happening!!!” Before I knew it, he was down on one knee removing the ring from his pocket, asking me to marry him!!!!! Of course I said “Yesss!!!” I then looked to my left and saw a photographer there taking our pictures!! Once our photo shoot was done, we went to the on-site restaurant and had a glass of wine! After this we drove up to Blue Mountain shared the great news with our parents, siblings and family! The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying quality time together and celebrating our new engagement!!!
IMC: Godfrey, How well do you know your bride to be?
a. What food could she never get tired of eating? b. What’s that one word she says often?
c. What do you think she likes most about you? a) Your smile b) Your personality c) Your character
d) Your relationship with God e) All of the above.
Godfrey’s Answers:
a. Chicken and rice (no condiments)
b. The phrase she says often is “This is the deal…”
c. She likes my A
IMC: Finally, what advice do you have for other SRW ladies? Do you recommend the SRW book?
Samantha: My advice is to chase after God! Women sometimes get caught up with the idea of having a man and dreaming of their wedding day. The primary thing on our agenda should be to build a firm relationship with the Lord. He really must be our first love! The reality is that He loves us more than anyone (John 15:13) and desires that we come in to this knowledge and respond rightly. Take time to get to know Him through His word, and you’ll find that He satisfies!! I believe once women do this, they can rest knowing that their heavenly Father gives good gifts in His perfect timing!
I definitely recommend the SRW book! I first read it in 2012 and I found it to be very practical, I could take advice right off the pages and apply it to my life. Tanika’s transparency is real and proves God as one who takes care of His children. The key is in our obedience to Him! The book really is a blessing- it answers questions, gives direction and encouragement!
IMC: Godfrey, what advice do you have to share with men who see a woman they want to pursue? How do you suggest they go about it?
Godfrey: Write out what you are looking for, know what you want prior to entering a relationship and constantly submit yourself to the leading of the Father! Proverbs 3:5-6 asking Him into every part of your relationship so that when you do, she can partner with you as you partner with Christ!
IMC: Well we’ve come to the end of another In My Chambers interview. Thank you Samantha and Godfrey for sharing how God had a master plan with your name on it. Let the wedding plans begin.:)
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