Meet Chris and Karolyne Roberts
Tell us your love story! (Include a picture of you two THEN and NOW)
When Chris and I first met we didn't honor God. He wasn't a Christian and I was new to college. I was backsliding from the faith because I had just gotten my heart broken from a previous relationship. I was engaged to a guy after dating for a year and being best friends for many years, and the day before leaving off to college I found out he cheated on me. I was devastated and I called the engagement off. I met Chris at an event that his daiquiri business was co-hosting with my poetry club that I joined in college. I asked him for a free drink and he gave me one. After the event, he asked me for my number and from then we hit it off. He started coming over to my house and I told him I was a virgin and waiting until marriage to have sex, but my actions and lack of boundaries said otherwise. Eventually I came across Heather Lindsey's ministry and learned about courting God's way, boundaries, self-worth, and honoring God before marriage. I started to put my foot down on Chris and I's casual relationship, but he didn't understand. We were unequally yoked and I had to obey God and cut off the relationship very soon. We were separated for 9 months and we didn't talk. During that time, God healed my broken heart from my previous relationship and cleansed me from a lot of stuff from my past. I chose to dedicate myself to Him and build a relationship with Him and shortly after, he revealed to me that Chris was going to be my husband. At the same time Chris got saved, baptized, started going to church, and moved out from where he used to live with his old buddies. God was completely transforming him in a short amount of time. A series of events happened that brought us back together nine months later. Chris was the first to say that God revealed to him that I would be his wife. I confirmed it to him by sharing with him what God showed me. In no time we were courting with purpose and boundaries, engaged, and married in just a few months. We got married on August 1, 2013 and now happily serve God together in ministry and share our testimony of how God was able to restore our relationship when we decided to put Him first.
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 spend A LOT of quality time together throughout the year, especially since we work from home. We share each other’s burdens when necessary and we are very conscious of one another's love languages. Even though it may not always make sense to us individually, we like to express our love to one another in a way that we'll each understand and appreciate.
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 them doing it?
Me: Sometimes I think my spouse is "too" relaxed, especially when it's time to get serious and get things done. At the same time, that's what I love about him. I'm a little uptight and he helps me calm down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
Chris: My wife is very opinionated and speaks whatever is on her mind but I can't imagine living without her because she has helped me to step up in ways that are essential to that of a compassionate leader and husband.
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 love Isaiah 41:10 that says: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." It reminds me that God is always by my side, helping me to work on my marriage. I am not alone. We are not alone.
Years pass, people grow older, bodies change, babies come but what is one thing about your spouse that still takes your breath away?
My husband is my #1 cheerleader. He believes in me, supports me, and encourages me to be the woman that God created me to be.
Many couples have marriage as their ultimate goal. What’s one piece of advice you’d give engaged couples?
You won't have it all together... don't wait until you have it all together. It's a learning process and the best thing about marriage is growing, together.
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?
Regular love is conditional, you fall out of it. Agape love is unconditional, it just keeps growing and growing.
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?
Cling to God and be a light for your marriage. You may not be a able to change your husband and you may not be able to change your circumstance.... but prayer really does work. Get on your face for your marriage. Spend less time complaining to everyone else and more time petitioning to God on behalf of you marriage.
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