Jeremiah 12:5 says, If you have raced with men on foot and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses?

I met Stephanie a long long time ago, little did I know that the girl that would come to my high school bible study to help, would eventually be the girl I care the most about in this world. I know, alotttt. But rightfully, it has been an interesting journey to say the least.


The moment where it started for me was when we had a little bible club together. I remember waiting for her at Café Taza getting ready to plan out the year. My heart was beating fast because this was the first time being with her outside church, like thattt. I couldnt understand why lol After that, there were moments were it would come up and show but deep down I never really thought much about it, not because it wasn’t special, I just never thought she would go for a guy like me. We were so different.


Our journey wasn’t easy. I wasnt ready. I was foolish. Through a whole pandemic I had to mature and prepare myself. Then, I got a crazy idea! I mean I get a lot of those haha but this one was going to require all of me. I mean everything. I thought to myself-if God could redeem Moses, Peter, Paul, every person in the bible mostly, then why not me. I begin to fast and pray like I have never done before. (Some of the hardest days, especially when I almost passed out at work lol). The little I did get to spend with her was the best time ever and I wanted that back. Our story wasnt over yet, I truly believed it was barely getting started.

After weeks, days, and hours spent seeking God. He gave me a word. To keep going, run with horses, and lastly to give. The next few months I spent proving myself. Working, thinking, and showing that God had truly done a work in my heart and that I was so serious about this girl. I mean from the discipleship, to Code Red, to staying late to help with miscellaneous missions, weddings, I was determined to do what she asked of me, prove myself. Then I started seeing a change in her heart, and let me tell you, it was like a modern day, blind man eyes being open. I was running around and shouting thanking God for this blessing.


I started doing little things (even big things haha) to show her how special she is to me. This has been one of the funnest & wildest journeys I have ever had with another person. They say what is more important... the journey or the destination? I say neither, its the company that matters. It keeps getting better & I wouldnt trade it for the world. The story is still being written and its better than I could have ever imagined, I’ve never been more committed to anything else in my life.

Now, we find ourselves running a race that was fit for us. I think back about that scripture and Jeremiah and thank God that I endured, changed, and focused on giving you my all.

Stephanie, I promise to cherish your love and to say worthy of the call to be your husband. Protect you and lead you to everything that God has in store of our lives.

It all started for me (like started started), February 15th - it was my 25th birthday. I remember getting off the car and waiting to enter the party. Johnny had just ran out and we caught eyes. I remember the stare he gave me, he stood there and just stared and smiled, the way he still does today. Right then I felt it, but I had to brush it off and the party commenced. Around that time, he gave me a birthday card. I remember trying not to take his gift but he insisted. We had never gotten each other gifts. Like ever, this was a gift with intention for sure. We knew each other, did ministry together, worked on projects together, but this, this was different. I knew this wasnt just a simple gift. Days passed, I sought out advice and I decided okay let’s see where this takes us. I can’t still remember every sweet gesture, kind words and thoughtful acts of kindness that He would do to catch my attention. Little by little, It started to work and our story started to unfold.

As I look back to that moment, I can truly say we both had no idea what It was then but we can say now It was God opening our eyes to one another. Our story reflects faith, loyalty, commitment and purity. We have seen the best of times and the worst of times but one thing remained- what God has joined together, let no one separate.

Our story began in 2020 and since has been the greatest years thus far.

I have fallen in love with Johnny more and more each day. He is my best friend, my prayer partner, my encourager and my leader.

I couldn’t be anymore grateful to be entrusted to stand by this amazing man of God, Johnny Garcia 🤍