ELEV8 Magazine MAR / APRIL 2016 | Page 57

"A God centered relationship is worth the wait." In the absence of a plan, we contemplate psychologically between right and wrong, saying, “We know we’re supposed to (wait), but nobody does.” “There’s no real conversation about waiting, so, we don’t really have to.” “The people we look to in culture didn’t wait, yet, it looks like the favor of God is on them, what do we get from waiting?” These along with many other scenarios and questions are addressed in the New York Times Best Seller, The Wait by the Franklins. In our search for a better understanding we enlisted the Bowmans. If you remember, Tim Bowman, Jr. and Brelyn Freeman at the time of their nuptials were both virgins, who “Made Jesus Famous” by standing on their covenant amidst the media frenzy. The Bowmans both in their early twenties proclaimed their knowledge and belief in the Word of God concerning marriage and honored principles taught early on, that sexual intimacy would only be shared with their spouses. And to their surprise the news was not well received by many who profess Christ. In today’s hyper sexual climate theirs is a story of love, and victory. Mrs. Bowman recalls the vow she made to God, before her family and friends at 13 years old, to remain kept, until marriage, and she prevailed. At the time of marriage she presented her father, Pastor Mike Freeman of Spirit of Faith Christian Center, a Certificate of Purity, to show that she kept her vow. This was not a prerequisite by her father, but rather an honorable moment to show she remained obedient to her pledge.