Black Women Have It Going On

“God’s answers are wiser than our prayers.” — Anonymous

Years ago, in what feels like another lifetime, I sent a specific cry up to Heaven. I prayed for a man who could truly love me. I didn’t give God a list of requirements or physical limitations; I just wanted a companion who could love me through my “thorns” and help me raise my children. It was a prayer for a lifelong partner—a request anyone, regardless of race, can understand.

Well, let’s just say God has a divine sense of humor.

When He answered that prayer, I actually tried to tell Him He’d made a mistake! Why? Because the man He sent was White, and at the time, I simply didn’t “do” White men. It’s funny, isn’t it? I wonder how many of us have stood face-to-face with an answered prayer and rejected the gift because it wasn’t packaged the way we expected.

I remember arguing with the Almighty. I restated my prayer as if He hadn’t heard me correctly. God’s response was simple and piercing: “But he can love you.”

I pushed back again, arguing that a White man couldn’t possibly help me raise my Black sons into men. God came back with a truth that shifted my entire world: “But he can teach them how to be men.”

That is my God! He wasn’t looking at the cultural labels I was clinging to; He was providing a hope and a future. I married that man, and we have been together for over twenty years. We have seen our share of storms, but the blessings have far outweighed the trials. Interestingly, we’ve found that being a mixed-race couple is our “superpower.” Where my cultural experiences push us to the next level, his experiences help seal the deals. Together, we are a complete picture.

God knew exactly what I needed. He answered my prayer by making us “equally yoked” in spirit, even if we weren’t “equally packaged” in skin tone. I love that “White guy” of mine, and I still get a kick out of the look on people’s faces when they realize the woman behind the blog has a husband who doesn’t look like her.

See you tomorrow!
~Annette

A Prayer for the “Unexpected” Answer

Lord, forgive us for the times we have looked at Your blessings and called them ‘mistakes’ because they didn’t fit our limited vision. We thank You that You see past the packaging of our lives and provide exactly what our souls require. Help us to stop creating unnecessary struggles by fighting against the very help You send. Give us eyes to see the hearts of the people You place in our path, and the humility to receive Your gifts—no matter how they arrive. Amen.

The Takeaway

Don’t let your expectations blind you to your exaltation. Sometimes the person God uses to help you grow is the one you least expected to meet.