Yes, I said e-mailing. We met online.
I could hear your gasp from here. I absolutely LOVE seeing people's facial expressions when I say that but hesitate knowing what the word online implies.
Six months after we were married I flew back to Alabama to visit my parents while Jeff was working long overtime. The older gentleman seated next to me struck up a conversation and he asked if I was originally from Houston. After finding out I was really from Alabama and had just recently moved to Texas he then asked, "What brought you to Texas?"
"Oh, I met and married a man who was born and raised in Texas City."
"Really? How did you meet living so far apart?"
I hesitated knowing exactly what his reaction would be but at the same time I couldn't wait to see his facial expression--"Online."
The surprised look on his face was priceless: "Oh yeah? How's that workin' out for ya'?"
There's much to explain about how we met, the protections and safeguards that were in place, and the Fundamental Baptist website we were on. To tell you the truth our meeting was not by chance....and the website no longer exists, by the way. Jeff was 29 and I was 25. For months we had been praying and waiting...and on March 23, 2006, after receiving a speeding ticket on what had to be, at that time, the worst day of my life, I opened my e-mail to find this message waiting for me:
Hey, I wanted to say hi to you. I am busy at work wanting to write you and tell you a bit about myself. That will have to hold off for now. But I will write you more when I have more time. In the meanwhile if you would like to write some things about yourself, feel free...Well, you have a good one and I will write more later. Jeff Smith
Six years, a house, a minivan, and three children (one in Heaven) later; the rest, shall we say, is history.
Great is the Lord! I'm glad it worked out and glad to have you as my friend! Your story is great and a blessing to me. God is able.
ReplyDeleteI just loved reading this post...what a reminder of God's goodness. You deserve to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteAhhh memories! I have to say as "shocking" as your initial meeting was, being online and all, you have a reputation that made me realize you wouldn't step outside of God's will for you in the area of meeting the one you'd share your life with. And the fact that your parents approved made me sure that this was God's way of bringing the two of you together. Happy meeting anniversary! : )
ReplyDeleteha ha! I'm sure you do get looks. It sounds so risque, ya know?! Enjoyed this though, as I had wandered how you had met.
ReplyDeleteAwww, y'all are the cutest couple!!! Texas guys are pretty special. ;) Maybe 10-15 years ago it would have been shocking, but anymore, people shop, look for a church, dr., dentist, salon, etc. online, that it seems to be pretty common way to meet a spouse. My brother met his wife in a roundabout way on facebook, and several of our friends have met that way also.
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