Love and Marriage mini series- The Bryants

Meet Kevyn and Shatonya Bryant


Tell us your love story! (Include a picture of you two THEN and NOW)

Kevyn and I met at the University of Alabama through a mutual Alpha and Delta greek event. We introduced ourselves to each other purely out of congeniality, however our friendship transformed into a loving relationship within a few months. Being friends allowed us to love each other in a way that felt both genuine and God led. We have been inseparable and enjoy a happy fulfilled life with our daughter. God couldn’t have sent a better help mate for me.


For many couples Valentine’s 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?

We try to listen to each other needs and wants. If at any point the other is feeling neglected or is having a bad day or if we can just tell that something is wrong with the other person. We will talk and just try to show love by being attentive to the other person and try to make that person feel better in any way that we can. To me this is more valuable than any gift because it shows how much that persons, well being and happiness matters to you.


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?

The biggest thing that drives me crazy is that he leaves things open (Toothpaste, deodorant, cereal bags, things in refrigerator etc, ). The funny thing is as much as it bothers me, I just close the items and then get over it almost immediately.


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 any particular go to scripture, but the one that I often think about is Mark 10:9 "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” It is a short but such a powerful statement.


Years pass, people grow older, bodies change, babies come but what is one thing about your spouse that still takes your breath away?

There is particular look that he has, when he isn’t trying to, that just makes me melt.


Many couples have marriage as their ultimate goal. What’s one piece of advice you’d give engaged couples?

Try to be as attentive to your spouse as much as possible. Pay attention what they are saying and what they are not saying. Always try to lift up one another. There are going to be plenty of worldly things trying to tear you all down. Respect each other and use common courtesy. "Ask" your spouse to do something. Don’t “tell” your spouse to do something. As hard as it can be don’t try to keep score. For example: I always do this and you never do that. You each will have your roles and things that each other will do to make your marriage even.


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?

Marriage has opened our hearts to a love that is more understanding. God has given us favor by placing each other together and we can truly feel his presence as we make life decisions together. Our love has transcended that of “puppy love” and into something that creates a new meaning in our lives that neither of us can live without.


On Valentine’s 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. According to the United Nations, one of every three women on the planet will be physically or sexually abused in her lifetime. Although sources of violence may seem diverse, women's responses sound tragically similar. Besides the pain and strength you will hear in their survival stories, the themes that resound across cultures and geographies are of the indifference of authorities, the familial instinct of denial, and the lack of public outrage about the violence that millions of women experience every day. It's on us...


What would tell those wives who are walking through tough times in their marriages?

I would tell them that no ones marriages are perfect. So you don't have to feel ashamed or alone. I would encourage them to pray and ask the lord for guidance/ clarity for what they may be going through. I would suggest they talk to a trusted mentor for help, because sometimes you can feel trapped or stuck if you hold it all in and never get to release it. They should share it with there spouse and communicate how you may be feeling and the reasons why. I would also suggest that they pray together, not only will it help you both grow closer to God, but you will also be able to hear what your spouse may feeling as well and their concerns.

No comments :

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...