SPIRITUALITY & FRIENDSHIP CREATE A GROUNDED CENTER One common thread among all three couples is their insistence and consistency in their spirituality. “We live in The Word - a three-stranded cord is not easily broken. For us, that three-stranded cord has always been [Earl], me and our God,” Carol said with strong conviction, as
Earl nods his head in agreement. The Larkins echo this sentiment.
“Difficult days will come,” said Marylyn. “Trust in God. Make God part of the marriage. That is a major factor that will get you past troubling days.”
Annie added that “Young women need to know that the one sure place they can go to seek guidance is to go to God in prayer. If they follow the direction of God, it might not be the direction they are moving toward. There is our plan, and there is God’s plan for us. And God’s plan will supersede any plans we have made.”
THE GAVIN’S SHARE A LOVE FOR TRAVEL.
We have always found it is important for married couples to be friends, perhaps first. We look forward to sharing the silly moments. We have always focused on our friendship.” – Dr. Annie J. Gavin, Ph.D.
In addition to a relationship with God, each couple has also relied on strong relationships in, and among, their families and friends. “For both of us, it was important that we didn’t just get married, but we acknowledged that our families got married, too.” James said. And forming a friendship with their mates was essential as well. “We have always found it is important for married couples to be friends, perhaps first,” Annie added. “We look forward to sharing the silly moments. We have always focused on our friendship.” The Mills began hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner to help provide a warm meal and a warm home for medical interns and residents in their network of friends. At its largest, the event grew to over 70 people. Today they continue to share their love of family and friends with their son, daughter and three grandchildren. COMMITMENT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Another common thread is that these couples have worked together to focus on their commitment to remain married. “I made a commitment to [Marylyn], to God and to myself.” Andrew said. “For young couples, they must focus on commitment and be honest. My word is my bond.” The Larkins’ commitment to one another has extended to their daughter, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, setting a strong example for their family and leaving a loving legacy.
The Larkins encourage all young couples to operate with the same sense of commitment and definiteness. “When we grew up, divorces were rare. All of our friends came from two-parent households,” Annie said. “Families stuck together. You got married with the intention of staying married. There has to be a commitment.” LASTING LESSONS In a world filled with negative imagery surrounding Black love, it is refreshing to see strong examples of love among Black professionals in Central Florida. Together, these couples reflect more than 150 years of love without limits. Their relationships yield great insight, strength, resilience, intelligence, and lasting lessons to share. “As the man of the house, that means something,” said James. “Your wife should find in you that source of comfort and security. She should be able to count on you when things are troublesome.” Carol shared that “women must know that a husband cannot fulfill all of their needs. They must have a relationship vertically with God, recognize their needs and make an effort to fulfill them.” Earl added that husbands must be “good listeners and empathetic to the needs of their wives.” At Radiantly Black, we take comfort in knowing that even after fifty years of ups and downs, these couples will keep their love fires burning for years to come. “We keep a full tank!” Annie joked. And we believe and pray the fires for these couples will remain stoked for years to come.
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RADIANTLY BLACK
VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 1
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