Meet Antonio and Ashley Lockett
Tell us your love story! (Include a picture of you two THEN and NOW)
.jpeg) |
| 2008 (left); 2014 (right) |
For many couples Valentines Day is the only time they feel loved by their significant other and/or spouse. How do you show your love to each other throughout the year?
Antonio surprises me with flowers, cards, and my favorite Shari's Berries throughout the year. He cooks breakfast on the weekends and dinner when I've had a long day at work. We have date nights and we actually look at attending church on Sunday as a date. We also text each other throughout the day to see how the others day is going. Recently, I had some downtime at work, so I made sticky notes with special messages on them and sent him pictures of me holding them. He loved it!
We all enter marriage with our own quirks. What’s one thing your spouse does that drives you crazy but you couldn’t imagine life without him doing it?
We actually won a newlywed game 2 years ago based on a question like this! He NEVER locks the door when he comes back in from checking the mail or taking out the trash!!! It drives me crazy, but it's an easy fix...just always check behind him! HA!
Being a wife is more than just a title but it’s a ministry. When the enemy tries to attack your marriage what is your go to scripture?
I don't have a go to scripture, but I know whatever is going on I can find it in the word. I have a Life Application Study Bible, so I normally just look up how I am feeling and go from there.
Years pass, people grow older, bodies change, babies come but what is one thing about your spouse that still takes your breath away?
His eyes!! I love his eyes! They are a very light brown color and super sexy!
Many couples have marriage as their ultimate goal. What’s one piece of advice you’d give engaged couples?
Keep God in your marriage at all times! There was a time when I was very disconnected with God and my marriage suffered. Pray together, communicate with one another, but most importantly, LISTEN to one another. You always hear "communication is the key", but I believe listening is the key. Don't listen for a response, listen for a solution. Remember you are a team and teamwork makes the dream work.
When we were dating we thought we knew it all! Probably believing that marriage was easy but what has marriage taught you about the difference between “regular love” and agape love?
We thought we knew it all too! We were wrong! Marriage has taught me that "regular love" comes and goes. It won't get you through the hard times. It won't allow you to forgive each other. Agape love is unconditional. It's the type of love that allows you to love through each other’s shortcomings. It's dedication. It's forgiveness. It's unique. It's selfless. It's unconditional.
BONUS: Let’s bring some awareness to the discussion. On Valentines Day many women who are abused find themselves back with their abuser because the cycle of abuse is real and this holiday makes it easy for abusers to woo their victims.
What would tell those wives who are walking through tough times in their marriages?
I was in an abusive (physical and verbal) relationship for 2 years prior to meeting my husband. I know at times you may feel ashamed and afraid to ask for help, but I encourage you to seek help. Open up to a friend, family member, counselor, pastor, or co-worker. "No one can ever value you the way you value yourself."
If you are just walking through a tough time in your marriage, I encourage you and your spouse to attend marriage counseling and pray together. It will get better. Remember why you got married...remember the vows you said to each other...remember that you are a team. You will get through it. Love conquers all.
