Meeting Lea-Cameron was the greatest example of God’s perfect timing, His faithfulness, and the truth that He knows our needs far more perfectly than we do in this life. For quite some time, my focus had been on ministry and career, my mind far from the dating scene. In late April, I was taken by surprise when my mom (randomly) told me I should reach out to Lea; this was uncharacteristic of her, but I can say wholeheartedly looking back that the Lord used my mom in that incredible way! I had met Lea’s parents over a decade ago through our little sisters playing softball together, and always thought so well of their family, but I had not seen or spoken to them in years. After a week or so of mom’s persistence, though, I messaged Lea and was again surprised when she obliged my request to get to know one another. We talked for a couple weeks with some unbelievably long and deep texts (those who know, know), had our first phone call a few days later, and a very special first date on the 21st of May.

I’d never been one to buy into the “when you know, you know” philosophy, as I take most things slow and evaluate every decision I make with time. God taught me otherwise on that first date, though, and reminded me that He truly knows better. By the end of the night, I knew with an unbelievable and God-given peace and clarity that Lea-Cameron was the woman God had set aside to be my wife, and that I would love her for the rest of my life.

A month or so later, I was still trying to navigate a new relationship while carrying the complete peace over knowing Lea was going to be my wife. Over the course of multiple conversations which happened all at the right time, I shared this with her, only to find out that she had felt the same way from our earliest times spent together, too. With that, I had all the affirmation I could have ever needed, but God has affirmed this every day since. I proposed on the 14th of September, at Dauphin Island, and we had the most special time celebrating this with our families. Since then, we’ve worked hard preparing and planning our big day!

Lea is daily proof to me of God’s love, His goodness, and His faithfulness; new reminders that I never imagined my life and purpose could benefit from so greatly. I have asked God what I’ve done to deserve this in the weeks and months of this season, but God’s lesson to me has been that He just loves us that much, and works all things to the good of those who love Him.

Lea, I am so blessed to get to look forward to our wedding day and a beautiful life together, always giving God glory.