Ruth and Jesse

Ruth and I met when I was conceived. Nine months later, the "Sister, Sister" theme song started playing.

Ruthie and I have grown to enjoy each other's presence. As children, we would argue about everything. Seriously, I think church members used to complain about how we treated each other *shrugs.* What's funny is that in 2010, we both decided that we wanted the same thing - to know Jesus for ourselves. Yep. That was the moment we became best friends. Since then, we've developed our sistership, best friendship, and love for Jesus.

When I found out that Jesse and Ruth were together I said "Wow! Look at God. He's so good. Hallejuahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

My encouragement to you both is to continue trusting in Jesus. He will never disappoint you. Your marriage is a continuation of your walk with the Lord, and it gives you a daily opportunity to say "yes" to Jesus and each other.

I met Ruth in the summer of 2010 when we were working together at Protocall Communications aka the worst place EVER. LOL. We weren't close at Protocall, but I remember her dressing really cute and being down to earth. We met again in late 2012 when she invited me to a BCF event, and we've been close friends ever since!

I have quite a few treasured moments with Ruth; however, the one that sticks out the most is the time she came to visit me after one of my close friends had passed away. She and Sophia brought me lots of love and BAGS of groceries. That night we talked, worshiped, prayed and laughed. At the time I was newly saved, and that kind gesture allowed me to see the value in being surrounded by a Godly community.

When I found out Jesse and Ruth were courting, I wasn't surprised. Mainly because we had been "praying" about the situation for a while. I put praying in quotations because we were praying fleece prayers, binding and loosing, evaluating, discussing, consecrating, and some more stuff. LOL. When it finally happened it was surreal, but expected.

My encouragement to you both is to continue being the best of friends. Marriage is going to be another level of commitment, but it shouldn't stop you from having fun with one another as you continue to grow into the fullness of what God has prepared for you both.

Hmm long story short... Sophomore year at Duval High School. Ms. Gitlis art class to be exact. I asked Ms. Gitlis to use the restroom and she responded “sure, but hurry I’m about to start the lesson” *15 secs later* “Oh Ms.Gitlis can I use the restroom real quick too then?” -Ruth Nathan... I'm in the mirror and here comes Ruth beside me. And she says, “heyy! You're in my class right?” I giggled and said yea, but really wanted to say “ummmm duhhhh girl you were starring at me in class". We introduced ourselves and from that moment on.... Ruth and Sade or Sade and Ruth. Thats all you would see... and I bless that day she spoke to me because she made my life so colorful. One of my closest friends (she don't like to use bestie up and down these days) but if you know.... YOU KNOW! Love you deep Ray Ray(i can only call her that, and its an insider lol).

So manyyyy memories! I'm even laughing thinking about it. Do I start from the dating hotline calls we would sneak and be on at night?  Or when your parents called my parents to report us talking on the phone for hours! What about us creating our own lingo “emburra” “uh..wait” lol. We would always playfully insult "go on" people in 5 seconds really fast- “boyyy ya big head, small neck.." Prom was interesting! LOL. Graduating together! I always have Ruthie's shoulder to lean and cry on! Finding JESUS! Being SAVED! Mehn so much more, can't type! But I love my Ruthie so much! We have been through some thangs! she is my forever girlfran!

I was so overjoyed, because their story is a prime example of not settling and trusting the Lord. I learned alot from them hence why im single lol but it encouraged me to look at things differently. Talk less and pray about everything. Faith! Patience! Consistency! They both knew what they wanted, even if it took a little time.

Keep dating each other! Keep It fun and spicy from time To time! And always remember the confirmation that bonded you together. In the times when you will say “he/she blowing me” the word of God will help communication and mend things. May Joy unspeakable forever flow from yall hearts ❤️

I'm not too sure how Ru and I "officially met" because I was first friends with her sister-PAHAHA! I just always knew her as "Ruth-Sophia's older sister". A few years after knowing Sophia, Ru realized how awesome I was and fervently pursued me in friendship.

We do a ton of spontaneous things together and whenever we do and no matter what they are we laugh so hard that we lose our breath. A treasured memory would be the days she'd faithfully come over Sunday afternoons post church and just lie in my bed and that one night we randomly went to the harbor and rode the Ferris wheel.

When I found out that Ruth and Jesse made it official I squealed and screamed and lost my fork. LOL.

#Resse!!! My people, my people. I love that I see your friendship before I see the gooey romantic affection you both have for one another - PAHA! My encouragement is that you remember that you are one another's BEST friend & there are no close seconds. I didn't even feel like a 3rd wheel that time y'all came over to my place and we had a full night out and about in DC. I felt like I was with two best friends.

I have no idea of when Ruth and I met, however we always knew each other because we lived in close by neighborhoods and both of our parents are pastors. We started to build an actual friendship when I was in undergrad and we served together. After that, Ruth and Sam were close because they went to the same church, but then I took her back cause she was mine first...what’s that?! LOL.

Man my funniest/treasured memory... I can’t really say one moment because I think of a lot of different times that made me laugh, smile, CRY. 1) Ruth's 26th birthday sleepover kini (Mr. Krabs); 2) Jaspers that one random time; 3) My wedding day; 4) April 2019 and a lot of other moments in between and more to come.

First impression? LOL. At first it was a joke, like a little crush. Then all of a sudden it was giving sliding in the DMs. And then the Lord worked it out for good. My lasting impression has been FINALLY. Ruth was very specific in her request to God regarding what she wanted in a partner. To see God exceed her expectations is SO heartwarming. Like genuinely. Every time I sit and reflect I admire how she knew what you wanted and didn’t settle. So happy for you.

My encouragement to you both: You guys are reaching one of your many goals and I can say you can tackle the journey ahead the same way you’re already working through this journey. Be a team and fight for what you both want. And little seeds will eventually bring about a harvest.

Y’all want the truth? LOL. Okay so this was back in them 2013-2015 days. I was in high school and also backslidden at the time but I was still at ALL the Christian functions thinking I was cute with my chest half out and my midriff showing (cause who was gunna check me). I didn’t think anything was wrong because no one said anything to me except for none other than RUTH! Eeeeevery function I knew I would get a “Nina, let me talk to you” from Ruth in either a very gentle and sweet way or a joking “Aunty” way... and I hated her for it lol... literally.. LET ME WEAR MY CROP TOPS IN PEACE! I’m glad she persisted lol and through her obedience I grew a lot...  but overall Ruth has been a big sister figure ever since!

I have a lot of different moments with Ruth; do I have one in particular that I treasure the most? Nope. Simply because all my memories with Ruth are great, like the silent car rides home or the random sleepovers at her house (or mine). Ruth’s company is what I would call a treasure. She’s the type of person who’s spirit brings joy wherever she is. Ruth is no different from blood to me; every moment whether good or bad is still good simply because I love her and she sparks joy in my heart...  

I knew it lol, I just knew it. I was not surprised at all when things were official. I was pressed from the very beginning of their relationship though, I was a (Ruth and Jesse) fan all the way! And I’ll never look at the word “sabbatical” the same again LOL! I digress, but when Ruth and Jesse told me they were going to engagement bootcamp.. man what didn’t I do? I screamed, jumped, cried a lil, fell on the floor, and PRAISED GOD!! I love how you guys set the standard of there NOT being a “standard” way of courting. Your story is different and it’s quite refreshing, it highlights that God doesn’t do things one way. His ways truly aren’t our ways and He makes the best love stories! 

Hmm though I’m nowhere near the season you two are in, my encouragement is something that I am super passionate about, ROMANCE (I’m a hopeful romantic, I know lol I love LOVE)! Never stop dating! And when you do date, date differently! Going to dinner is sweet, but remember to switch things up. In the same way we spice up our intimacy with the Lord by maybe learning a new instrument or going to a different location for your quiet time is the same way you should do for one another in your marriage. The Lord is apart of your marriage too, so seek the Holy Spirit for ideas, He’s your friend... and so is Pinterest lol so for the lifetime you’ll soon spend together, date OUTSIDE the box and get your date ideas or romantic gestures from them!

I love you guys and I am truly honored to be apart of the ride! RJLOVE FO LYFE!

Ruth and I met when I wanted the poetic justice braids and I heard she was the hottest braider in the DMV. I followed her on IG when her name was @miztrendy lmbo like what. We set an appointment, I took the B22 to her house and that’s when we met for the first time.

My most treasured memories have been throughout our friendship. Ruth has been SOOOOOOOOO giving. I can think of many instances where she’s bought me food, gas, slid me a dollar here and there lol, she even blessed me with a sports bra one day after we went to the gym together. Lol.

First impression about Ruth and Jesse being together: She told me and another friend when they started conversing on IG. I literally almost fell out when I found out they made it official. I was so excited because it made so much sense for them to be together. It made sense why she was waiting. God wanted them together.

My encouragement to you both is you reap what you sow. Don’t grow tired of sowing good things into your relationship because you will reap the benefit of those sacrifices.

Well, Ruthie and I are cousins so we met through family after my mom and I moved to America. We were 12 months old when we first laid eyes on each other. Lol

I have always had a passion for fashion design since grade school. Whenever I had a scrap of paper I would sketch a gown and prayed that one day one of my designs would be worn by someone special. I did not know that the special someone would be my beloved older cousin, (only by five days) Ruthie! In December 2013 she asked me to design her a dress. On January 4, 2014, Ruthie honored me by being the first to wear one of my designs for her college graduation party! This was truly my most treasured memory to date. I will forever be grateful to her! I love you sister-cousin! ❤️

When I found out about Ruthie and Jesse being together I LAUGHED OUT LOUD and then cried happy tears!! After wiping my tears I screamed, “I can’t wait for this Nigerian-Congolese wedding!” Funny enough, I had met Jesse 5 years before at a birthday party for his uncle. I have known his family since high school and happen to be best friends with one of his cousins so I knew he came from a good family.

Everyone is going to advise you to put God first in your marriage...so, I will also say it. Put God first! Lol. But also find new ways to reinvent your relationship/friendship. Don’t stop dating and learning each other’s Love Language.

I actually have no clue how or when Ruth and I met, I’m just glad that we did.

Every day is a joke with Ruthie. lol. I mean we can literally sit, talk and laugh for hours. We real live PRAYED for this day and it’s finally coming ... AAHHHHHH .. Anywho, Ruth started off as my mentor and now we’re sister friends. Our mentee/mentor relationship was always super funny to me though .. I don’t think I ever really listened to her. lol. Anyway... Some people can come into your life and leave you and you feel zero impact, but Ruth is NOT one of those people. Now that she's in my life, I'm like "What is life without Ruth?" She's a life changer, go-getter, powerful woman of God, but most of all.....she's my sister! Thanks for ALWAYS being there Ruthie. Even when I don’t even want you there (hehe haha ..)

First impression when I find out about their relationship : WE PRAYED FOR DAYS LIKE THIS! GOD IS FAITHFUL. THAT IS ALL. *drops mic* 

My encouragement to Ruth and Jesse: I know this is God ordained for SEVERAL reasons. Jesse, when Ruth told me about you .. I was secretly rooting for you even when she wasn’t sure yet lol. God is going to do wonders in your lives and I’m just really excited to sit back and watch. Your testimonies combined should be a book series ... (wait that would actually be cool lol). As you know...God didn’t bring you both this far just to stop right here, so I know once you say “I do”, immeasurable things are going to begin to happen. Stay steadfast. I love you both dearly.

I initially met Ruth at a Worship Night at her former school, Temple University, in 2010 BC. The irony. Fast forward. Our friendship became official on February 3rd, 2013 at a BCF benefit drama, when a mutual friend introduced us and she assumed I was her little sister. Girl, I'm even older than you self. The rest is HIStory as Ruth grew to become one of my closest friends.

For a treasured memory, I would say all her advice and words of wisdom as she braids my cornrows for the wig she made me. #DivineHairCareAmbassador LOL.
As dry and corny as Ruth's jokes are, every moment with her is funny. I think the moment that makes me laugh 'til this day is when we were filming a promo video for Freedom Friday and Ruth introduce herself as "Jamiana" and proceeded to "bust it down." I had to remain in character and not laugh, but I literally watched the video 10x, crying at this clown, Adaoma! I heard she is coming back on 7/11. 

First impression of knowing about Ruth and Jesse being together: You can't surprise a Prophetess. I saw this years ago. This makes couple #6. #ButICantSeeMyOwn. But all jokes aside, Jesse and Ruth being together is an answered prayer. I've been praying for Ruth to be joined to a man that is deserving of her (tbh, I was getting worried because Ruth is literally perfection in human form. Idk what she can't do besides cook LOL (joking)). Anywho, God not only answered, He acted with a "suddenly" moment. No delay at all.

My encouragement to you both is to keep the passion hot and burning. And by passion, I mean your fire for the Lord. Through reading the word, worship, prayer, serving and I can't resist this one, having sex. And let the church say...

Ruth and I met through Erica; either in the latter months of 2013 at GloryCenter or BCF Conference in 2014 (my memory and photos aren't doing any justice for concrete dates, lol).

A funny or treasured memory Hmm... Or!?  Only one.....okay, I have to pick a good one then, lol. 

My treasured memory was me accepting your friendship application. Lolol, I'm a WHOLE joke. 

But reallyyyyyy, my treasured memory was our trip to the Bahamas because we barely knew each other but agreed to travel together and it was a success!!! Hallelujahhhh!!!  Okay, okay, seriously though. It was then that we not only shared space, time, and pictures but we got to know each other and a sistership was formed! 

My impression when I found out Ruth and Jesse were together was Owwwww!!! Praise Jesussss!!! *African voice* Your time has comeeee!!! 

My encouragement: Y'all have this because God has you both!! Keep on encouraging and loving one another throughout your union as you were doing in the seasons before. May you never forget, on your best days, that you desperately need God as much as you do on your trying ones. Most importantly, keep God in the center of EVERYTHING!!! Yes, y'all knew that but it doesn't hurt to remind you!!! 

Have funnnnn and enjoy each other!!!

Ruth and I met at a BCF Pulse praise party in 2014 and she was pressed to be my friend ^_^ loll

Wows there are soo many memories, tooo many! Ruthie is one of those ladies who will be with you through the thick and thin. Thanks for sticking with me sis through it alllll!

So when I found out that Ruth and Jesse were officially courting, I was like "YASSSSS LORD FINALLYYYYYYY!!! Mr. Boaz has arriveddd.. well Mr. Jesse" lololl. I was overjoyeddd! We were on FT and she was doing, "I can't say who exactly, cause we are praying right now, but just know someone is in the picture and be praying with us." I lostttt itttt lolll cause this is that moment we alll had cried out to Jesus for and He answered! Jesse is perfect for Ruthie and I am thrilled to see the Lord prosper their union.

This February 2020, we are now in our second round of couple's premarital counseling together. Sheesh ^_^ We have heard many times over that the work ahead of us on this marriage journey is vast but we know the joys of biblical love farrr outweigh the momentary trials of life. I leave you both with this verse: 1 Peter 5:6-10. May He perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you as Mr. and Mrs. all the days of your life forever and ever. Amen! I love you both xoxo!!