God blessed me with the opportunity to grow up with my great-grandparents. Since I came into this world, they have been a stable part of my life. Alonzo (no middle name) Wells and Willie B. Muse met in Tennessee around the 1940's or 50's. They had lived down the way from each other in Holly Springs, Mississippi and didn't even know it! They wed in Tennessee and from what I can tell, they've been going strong ever since. They've never separated and they built a wonderful life for themselves away from the violence of the deep south.

Why do I tell you this? Because they have been an example of what a healthy, loving, spiritual relationship is supposed to be. Although I was raised by a single parent, I had the benefit of seeing my great-grandfather carry himself as a respectable Black man. My great-grandmother is the poster child for sweet old ladies. Over the years, I have definitely had some messed up relationships, but over the last 4 years, I've been able to grow and I guess I grew ok, because God sent me a man who reminds me so much of my Great-grandfather. We haven't been married long, but I've known he was the one for quite some time.

NOW ONTO THE NOT-MUSHY STUFF !!!

I am NOT an expert on relationships by any means whatsoever--I don't think anyone really is. But I do know we all seek guidance/help/advice/encouragement from time to time when it comes to this love thing. I enlisted the help of some of the leading experts on the subject (AKA my married friends) to co-write a series of posts for the blog. Every week or so, I will post a different couple at a different stage in their relationship. Some will be anonymous and others will reveal their identity. 

My goal is to work on building stronger relationships be looking within our own communities. I know we can do it and I hope you'll enjoy.

Please also post questions, comments, and smart remarks for the guest bloggers to ponder as they write their virtual gold!

xoxo