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Part 4: Maria Long - On Family & Falling In Love...
Maria Long: I think a lot of parents are tired and working so much that they are just worn out and I think some might not realize the value because their parents didn't instill it in them, a lot of teens just don't communicate with their parents. Most of the teens in our youth group sought adult attention because they just needed it. They weren't getting it at home. Teens are looking for mentors
Jen G: What was one of the things that your parents did with you and your sisters that really made a difference?
Maria Long: I think my dad just invested time. He always told us stories about how God had answered his prayers. Miracles! He took us and allowed us to be involved in his ministry so that it would become ours and I will never forget every morning leaving for school and seeing my parents praying on their knees together!
That visual image makes you want to make better decisions, you know?
They still pray for me every morning! I love them!
Jen G: As a Christian young woman, did you find your parents relationship something you modeled your own after? Once you started dating, met your husband to be what were you looking for that you found in him?
Maria Long: Yes!
He loved God more than me. I had dated guys that put me first before anything. He’s the first guy that I knew really had God first. I knew if he did then I could trust Him with my life. Because he would always make decisions based on God's standards and not mans.
Jen G: How did you know that he was really putting God first? Because some guys talk a good talk, what in his walk proved that?
Maria Long: Well this is funny, but we had a psychology class together at night for like 3 hours. We just took like 10 pages of notes. I hated that class! All you had to do to prove you were there was sign this sheet with your name. So one night I wasn't feeling good and just really didn't want to go so I asked him to sign my name. He said I can't. I even got mad at him like Ryan it isn't a big deal! He said it was dishonest and it was lying. He didn't do it!
Jen G: Wow!
Maria Long: I knew that if he wouldn't lie for me then he was never going to lie to me!
Jen G: You two were dating at that point?
Maria Long : Yes for 1 year
Jen G: Now that is impressive!
Maria Long: I think so!
Jen G: He wasn't interested in pleasing you, but being right with the Lord. Do you think it’s important for Christian singles to pursue friendships first and to date fellow believers? If so why?
Maria Long: I definitely think people rush into things so much these days.There is value in getting to know a person and the people in their lives.
Their family, their friends, all of those things say something about that person.
The people that develop their friendships first and become best friends I believe have better communication throughout their marriage. And I just think know what they are getting into more. Ryan and I dated for 5 years and I knew him.
I knew who I was marrying and we are best friends.
I think it's definitely important to marry someone that loves Christ the way you do.
So many marriages I see struggle because of that and then they add kids into the mix.
There is so much confusion. God says for us not to be unequally yoked.
Jen G: Most people marry a stranger first. I guess the question is in today’s society the media and even the people in our lives put a emphases on having to be in a relationship. Many times we as females allow the lack of or even having a boyfriend define our value and worth. How would you advise other young ladies who are either involved with a guy that they’re not sure about or have the desire to get involved with?
Maria Long: I would say get to know God first because He is where you get your value.
I also think that when you have God in your life, truly people find that desirable. I tell most teenagers you like this boy or girl well get to know God. Fall in love with him and then see people start to be drawn to you because that's what God does in us!
Jen G: Amen! I almost feel like I'm in church!
Maria Long: I tell teen boys all the time you if you want to be irresistible get to know God!
Jen G: I'm telling you nothing is better than a guy who knows how to pray!
MARIA LONG Part 5: Losing It All
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