Nana's Nuptial Journey with Jesus 1 of 2

October 18, 2019

The Pursuit.

It all began 34 1/2 years ago. A young bright-eyed girl with Big Dreams who loved her family and prayed, asking the Lord to bring honor to them. Who loved fashion. She was into fashion designing, who had done modeling and acting and was in pursuit of the American Dream thru the entertainment industry and fame. Ambitious to make a name for herself, who is passionate about her African culture. Started her own company and African scholarship pageant to not only bring awareness but to uplift and encourage young African men and women

But then... He touched me. And my life has NEVER been the same since.

The Courtship

My cousin came from out of the country last year and came through the holidays to visit with us. And as she was with us and prayed and had given each and every one of us a word in the family. She sat the whole family down, and then she spoke to me, and said that 'God said He hasn't forgotten about you." And when she said that, that really touched me, because I truly thought I was forgotten for so long. I was raised in the church. My mom would tell us all the time, testimonies upon testimonies about what God had done for her and my Dad. Had come through with rents and appliances and everything they could think of. With jobs and whatnot.

And for me, honestly, in my heart of hearts I would tell myself, 'You know? I really want a testimony for myself. I mean, to be honest with you, I felt as if I really didn't see the manifestation of God. I would pray, but did I truly, truly believe? Yeah - 'cause I kinda had to. I grew up within that. I was just kind of walking in religion, now that I look at it. Not realizing that God was walking WITH me the whole time. But I just wasn't acknowledging Him.

So, she said, 'He has not forgotten you.' And that He wants me to put everything on hold. In 2014, last year, I told myself, 'You know what? I tend to walk in Fear, with the aspect of... 'Cause I didn't know which direction to go to. Should I pursue my acting? Should I pursue my fashion? Should I continue to pursue this company?' And I told myself, 2014's gonna be... I'm just gonna go in. No Fear. I'm probably gonna move to New York and I'm just gonna pursue this mogul mentality I have, that I'm bringing to myself. Just to be that mogul God created me to be!

And when she told me to put everything on hold... She said EVERYTHING. She said He gave me a gift of Voice. Get into church and sing in the choir. And when she told me that, I was kind of stunned, because I am such a 'car and shower' singer. I love to sing, I grew up in private school. I was in the choir. I led sometimes with songs, as far as having the solos. But as I got older, I was just really insecure about that at times. I would sing to myself... So, when she told me that, I was like... wow. That's just kind of amazing, 'cause is the one who truly gave me that gift. And He knows me so much better than I know myself. So, I shouldn't be insecure in the talent that He's given me.

So, I went to go see a Pastor before I left to travel back home. He told me that the Holy Spirit was telling him that he was seeing me as a little girl. And that there was so much that God wants to do with me, but He wants to get me on the right foundation. And He wants to make sure that I get involved in a Bible-based church. And this was the third confirmation.

So, I went and called my Mom. I told her, 'I'm not sure of my direction. At this point of my life I can say, no. I'm not really sure of my direction. God has given me vivid details in revelations and dreams that there were some certain things that He wants me to do. I don't have the full picture, but I can say for the first time in my life, I'm truly right where I need to be. And when the Word of God says that He gives you peace that passes understanding, I get it. It's peace that doesn't make sense.

And well, she was like, 'It doesn't make sense! What are you doing?' But I had such peace that I can't even explain. So much joy in knowing Him, I rushed home just to read the Word, because I know He's going to answer my prayer within whatever Scripture I read. I rushed home just to talk to Him, just to worship Him, because I know that He's there. And that He answers me and that He takes delight in that. I rush home, or just even at work or in my car. I love always having Him in my heart and just always being surprised. Because nothing... I can't even... Manmade words can't even describe the love that I have for Him, because truly that He loved me. I've been seeking Him my whole life, and I found Him!

He's always there, just waiting and waiting just for me to actually acknowledge Him. For me to actually submit. The fellowship of God is always about submission. Giving your whole life to Him: your heart, your soul, your mind. It will blow your mind - I guarantee it.

Then He led me to Still Small Voice Channel! Psalm 32:8

Hey, brothers and sister and YouTube family. Hoping you guys are being blessed. I really want to do this video, or at least felt compelled in my heart in this video about another YouTube channel that I have learned and gleaned from tremendously. It's been such a blessing in my life! And truly has changed my life. It truly, truly has.

And that channel is Still Small Voice YouTube channel. The word of God says My sheep hear My voice, and no other voice will they follow. And so, I have in the Holy Spirit confirmed, it is the voice of the Lord that is speaking. The fruit that has completely bloomed in my life - there's no way that I can turn from the well. I'll just say that the Lord has drawn me to, in order to drink of that well. It truly is an amazing channel!

This channel has brought so much fruit, and I know that it will in the future. It has. I walk in the peace of God. I walk in the love of God, rooted and established in the love of God and so grown in His love. I've learned to love those who speak against me, love my enemies. I've learned to really have a heart once again for the Kingdom of God, as well.

You know, the fruits in my life. And truly just be filled with the joy of the Lord, despite my circumstances. To offer sufferings to the Lord, when I'm going through certain trials now. It doesn't phase me anymore. It doesn't shake me as much as it used to, but just being steadfast. Steadfast in God's love. Knowing that He is Sovereign, He's in complete control. These are the fruits I'm bearing in my life.

And I just wanted to give honor to Miss Clare, honor to Miss Carol and Mr. Ezekiel and all the work in obedience. If nothing else the channel has taught me is how important our obedience is. You know, she's so much older, 70 years old. She would never impact in my life as she has. I've got so much confirmation. I've got a clear idea of my calling, who I am in Christ. And most importantly, I began and cultivated a deep intimacy and a knowing of the Lord in expansive ways I can never imagine. And in ways that I've always desired for my whole life - to just KNOW Him more.

I've experienced those things, and it's the most amazing thing. I'm so excited to see what else God has in store. Not only through my life, but through the life of this channel as well. It's been such a blessing. And that's why I have all her links at the bottom of every video. The books. It's just amazing, it's truly by the Spirit of God. And I've learned even to hear God's voice, as well.

You know, she taught us how. That the same grace that she has, God has for everyone. It's going to come with a cost - are you willing to count that cost. And you really desire, you really want to know Jesus. So I'm like, Lord - I want to know You. I want to know You more than anything else.

And it's really time to just journal, and recognize the voice of God. And getting my own messages just from the Lord. It's amazing. I'm no different, guys, from you. I'm no better, not anointed. I'm not graced anymore than anyone else. It's just the fact that I desired that MORE than anything. And I sought the Lord until I found Him.

So, I just encourage you guys, if that is you. And you just came upon my channel and you're looking like, 'Man. I just want to know the Lord more. I just want to have this intimacy where you even admire God's spirit within me.' I'm telling you, it's because of this channel. It has completely changed my life. Complete change in my walk with the Lord. And as I told the Lord, anytime. Any platform I ever get in life, I will always give owes and honor to this channel, because it's so impactful. So much teaching, so much wisdom and knowledge from 700 whatever videos.

Anything that you wanna know regarding the Kingdom of God and knowing God's heart. And having issues - I promise you. Go to that channel.

He engulfed my heart with His love and turned my life right side up for the first time in my life. I had a date night with Him on Valentines day as His Bride. And then you put on my heart to start an Outreach Ministry, where we worshiped and served our brothers and sisters, giving each of them a rose, letting them know they too are the Bride of Christ.

Then we went on our first mission trip together to Kenya. Where we served pastors and brothers and sisters in the slums. We cooked and cleaned in the kitchen, which I now know He loves for me to be. He then led me to a wonderful Church, Gateway, where I got to worship with Kari Jobe and even Bethel Music. He then had me start a young adult small group Bible study.

But soon had me lay all of those things down yet again, to take me out of the world that I may know Him more.

He led me with sweet Hearts along the way.

Four and a half years of His patience. Of His grace, of His Mercy and His immense love. Four and a half years of test, of Trials, of wonder led me to this place. To this day in giving my whole heart, body, mind, and soul to my love. My Beloved. My spouse. Jesus Christ. For all of eternity renouncing the world and all it has to offer. Living solely for Him.

The Betrothal

I finally got married to Christ as I took my religious vows as a Franciscan sister, October 4, 2010 Only the Lord could have written this story. All glory to Him!

(Ezekiel is speaking) Elisha. Mother Mary Elisha. Elijah's assistant that got the double portion. So, as he kept his eyes fixed on the Lord and on his master, Elijah, may you always keep your eyes riveted on the Lord.

It's been your desire to prostrate yourself before the Lord. Just give Him everything that you are, everything you were and everything you are to be. So, this would be your moment.

I prostrate myself as on the Cross. My life now crucified with Christ.

(recorded voice) Now you have exchanged solemn vows before God and made a sacred promise to one another. To love, honor and cherish. And to share the years ahead. You have been joined together, but you are still individuals. Stay very close but allow each other room to breathe. You have made a commitment to the long road. Now you must learn to be good traveling companions. Walk with dignity and walk with God.

Stand shoulder to shoulder and draw strength from the togetherness. Walk hand in hand and take pride in your closeness. Be open and be honest but respect each other's privacy. Be caring and attentive but respect each other's space. Never forget that you belong together as a part of God's natural law. Just as the wave moves along on the ocean, and the stars belong in the sky.

And as you grow together, let not your love be suffocating. But inspiring. Recognizing that each of you has your own special gifts and talents. And remember: the sweetest music two voices can make is not when they sing the same melody. But rather when two different refrains come together in close and perfect harmony. (end of recording)

EZ: I hope you guys brought your Kleenex. I present to you Mother Mary Elisha. May your brothers and sisters serve you always and give you the love and respect due a Mother. May you grow in stature and likeness of your Spouse Jesus and Mary, our Mother. Because to them and to us, you'll always be our little queen.

Now. I understand from a little bird that someone wanted to get married. Hitched up. Would that be you?

We'll approach the altar then. I'm speaking to both of you. Well, He's there:0)

And so, we begin. In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace of the Lord be with you always.

All: And also with you.

EZ: Our hope is in the Name of the Lord...

All: ...Who Created Heaven and Earth.

EZ: Oh Lord, hear my prayer.

All: Let my cry come unto You

EZ: Let us pray. Direct, oh Lord, we ask You all our actions, by Your inspiration, and carry then on by Your assistance. That every prayer and work of ours may always begin from You, through You. Be brought to completion in Christ our Lord.

Amen.

EZ: If I could have someone with a nice strong voice to read an epistle reading from Ephesians five?

reader: Wives should be submissive to their husbands, as though the Lord. Because the husband is head of the wife, just as Christ is head of the church, His Body. Of which He is also the Savior. Just as the church submits to Christ, so should wives submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. To make her holy, purifying her in the bath of water, by the power of the Word, so as to present to Himself a glorious church. Holy and Immaculate, without stain or wrinkle, or anything of that sort. In the same way, husbands, too should love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who loves his wife, loves himself.

Now, no-one ever hates his own flesh. No, he nourishes it and takes care of it, just as Christ does for the Church. Because we are members of His Body. For this reason, a man shall leave his mother and cling to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great foreshadowing. I mean to say, it refers to Christ and the Church. But in any case, each one of you should love his wife, just as he loves himself. And the wife should revere her husband.

EZ: Thank you, John. This is the sealing of the marriage vows. Do You, Jesus, take Mother Mary Elisha for your lawful wife, according to the rite of our holy Mother, the Church? He does? :0) Do you, Mother Mary Elisha, take Jesus here present, for your lawful husband. To have and to hold, to nurture, to cherish and honor from now throughout all Eternity together?

Mother Mary: Yes. Yes, I do.

EZ: Then join your right hands and say after me. I, Jesus, take you Mother Mary Elisha, for My lawful wife. To have and to hold from this day forward. For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health from this day and throughout all Eternity. Amen.

(pause to fix the curtain...)

I, Mother Mary Elisha, take You, Jesus. My Beloved. As my lawful husband. To have, to hold from this day forward. For better and for many days of worse. For richer and for poorer. In sickness and in health until death do us part.

EZ: Thank the Lord, death is DEAD! You're not gonna be parting, that's for sure.

MM: Until death that brings us together.

Clare: Amen!

EZ: Before we bless the rings, you had some personal vows that you'd like to speak to your honey. So, I'll hold your flowers, if you'd like. I'll be the flower guy. And the proud Daddy.

MM: My Love. My God. My Spouse. We've been through so much together. The first two years was the most difficult. I had many thoughts and doubts, even divorced, at moments. But Your relentless patience and love, intimacy. Faithfulness is what held me together. This year's gonna be 5 years, and it's been the most amazing, bewildering, many times painful - yet so fulfilling years in my life.

You continue to make me feel like the only woman in the world that You love. Even when I'm angry at You, my Beloved, You patiently draw me with Your tender consolations. You've made me stronger, better - You've encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone. You've been my anchor, my Rock. My Protector when Fear set in. You've never left my side, when many times I wondered. You've never lusted for another, when many times my eyes have wandered. You are indeed made just for me, and I just for You. The time You took for love, beauty and submission in seeking Your wisdom in every decision as my life partner.

You've comforted me in the darkest moments and healed my broken heart. You held me together when no-one else could. My tears are liquid words only You can understand. You've gone before me in all things, as my rear and my front guard, my hedge around me. You are the true Lover of my soul. You have shown me, Your love surpasses anything out of this world. Your presence is something I cherish; may I never take it for granted. You've taught me to see others with Your lens of Mercy and Compassion.

I consecrate myself to You, my Love on this day. As I stand before You, and before my family and before my brothers, My beloved King. The King of Kings. I absolutely have nothing good to offer You, to bring to this table besides my body, my soul, my mind, my will and my heart to be fully Yours. In my zeal, I came to You, wanting to change the world. But You called me higher, to impact Eternity. By Your Grace, I take the vow to live the life of Obedience, Chastity, Poverty. Substantial prayer and substantial solitude for the rest of my days.

I vow to stick this out through thick and thin throughout Eternity. I vow to always make You the first person I talk to in the morning, the last at night. I vow to be Your helpmate, laying down my life to help build Your Kingdom. To cover Your mission and purpose in prayer. I vow to defend, stand up and be unashamed of You, Your Mother, My Heavenly Father, My Heavenly Family, Your Church and who You are to me.

I vow to share You with others, because this is the only marriage You've graced to be an open marriage. And I vow to take care of our children and family. On this day, I give to you my crown of flowers in exchange for my crown of thorns. As I pick up my cross, love it, kiss it and even look forward to carrying it with joy until I am taken with You into Eternity. As we become One, may my life be Yours forevermore. All by Your Grace. Jesus, I love You. Will You take this strong-willed, hot mess of a girl to be Your Bride?

EZ: I think He said 'I will.'

By the authority of the Church, I ratify and bless the bond of marriage you have contracted with. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I call upon all you here present to be witnesses of this holy union, which I have now blessed. We rejoice that two beautiful souls such as these are joined together. One heart, one mind, one spirit. One body, one flesh. Bone of His bone, flesh of His flesh. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, Who made Heaven and Earth. Oh, Lord, hear my prayer.

Clare: And let my cry come unto You.

EZ: The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

EZ: Let us pray. (put your hands up. Just put them flat for now.) I bless these rings oh Lord

MM: Here I hold my religious ring, given to me by a perfect Stranger from Jesus, the day before our wedding!

End of part one.