by Delano Squires I got an email in April from a friend about an advanced screening of Jumping the Broom in Washington, D.C. that featured a Q&A session with mega-pastor, and co-producer, T.D. Jakes. I had class and wasn't able to attend so I took my mother and aunt to see the film over Mother's Day weekend instead. A few years ago I probably wouldn't have even paid … [Read more...]
Don't Lose Yourself In Your Marriage
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Inspired by a comment on my last post "How Do Couples Outgrow One Another" I had to touch on this topic. One of the readers revealed her decision to put her life, dreams and plans on hold to fully invest in those of her husband. She mentioned her regret in that choice. Just like the previous dialogue, this is also a conversation that needs to be … [Read more...]
Census Bureau Reports Divorce Rates Have Fallen Since 1996
A new Census report examines Americans martial patterns and trends and one nugget stood out from the rest - the divorce rate is falling. Yes, really. From the article: A new report from the U.S. Census Bureau finds divorce rates for most age groups have been dropping since 1996 by an average of about 5 percentage points. One reason that fewer couples landed in divorce … [Read more...]
I’m Glad I Chose You
by Tara Pringle Jefferson Things have been difficult in the Jefferson household lately, as my transition to being a work-at-home mom after a layoff hasn't gone as well as I'd like. I'm constantly stressed about money, my inability to keep the house clean, and whether or not I'm spending enough time with my kids as I try to manage my workload. Every day, when my husband … [Read more...]
If You Are Happy and You Know It, Then Your Marriage Will Surely Show It
By Edward C. Lee If you are happy and you know it then your marriage will surely show it. It is funny how the light and silly things of life seem to provide the deepest moments of enlightenment. This morning I was at my son's swimming lesson, jumping around in the pool with about 10, 3-year-olds singing, "If Your Happy and You Know It," when suddenly the realization and joy … [Read more...]
How Do Couples Outgrow One Another?
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Sadly, as my circle of married friends shrinks my frustration grows. BMWK family, I have been with you long enough and I feel comfortable enough with you to vent. What I am most disturbed about the dissolution of my friends' marriages is the reasoning behind the decision. Infidelity and abuse (physical, emotional or substance) I get. Even with … [Read more...]
Chivalry Ain’t Dead
by Eric Payne from the series AP Manhood Anyone who reads me here and on my blog MakesMeWannaHoller.com knows I fight for the rights of the fellas, especially when discussing the "for better or worse" nuances of marriage. Why? Because I bring my A-game to the relationship table and expect to be met halfway. I did so as a single man and I do so now as a husband and a … [Read more...]
Three Easy Approaches To Conflict Resolution
by Tara Pringle Jefferson Isn't it funny how it's human nature to think our way is the only way and the best way to solve a problem? It's incredible to me that I still, after a few years of marriage, have to take a second to pivot from, "Dude, I'm telling you, I know how to fix it," to "Okay, how are WE going to solve this?" I've read tons of books about compromise, … [Read more...]
Should You Run Your Marriage Like A Business?
by Tara Pringle Jefferson Since I got laid off late last year, things have been kind of hectic at my house. We're trying to adjust to a new routine, a decrease in income, the start-up of my freelancing business and new career aspirations. I've felt incredibly unorganized, scrambling to make sense of every new day, and my husband has been drowning in work as well. Last … [Read more...]
Should Women Propose?
by Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Normally, I would be reluctant to openly admit one of my guilty pleasures, but for the sake of this conversation I must reveal I am now caught up into all the drama that is reality TV - i.e. Love & Hip Hop. For those unfamiliar, Love & Hip Hop is a reality show centered on a group of women who are either in love with a hip hop star or … [Read more...]
African-American Pastors Issue A “Call to Action†To Combat Declining Marriage Rates And Fatherlessness
By Edward C. Lee The African American church has long been the launching pad for lasting social, political and economic change in and for the African American community. From the days of slavery on through the Civil Rights movement, the church has been the most consistent voice of change and hope of unity to address concerns facing our community. It was announced last … [Read more...]
What Did You Learn From The Be A Better Spouse Challenge?
It's May now - do you feel like you have a better marriage? Our goal with the Be A Better Spouse Challenge was not to completely erase any troubles that are plaguing your marriages, but rather, to focus on those little steps you can take every day to take your marriage to the next level. If you enjoyed the series, please let us know - we'll strive to bring you more content … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #21: Participate In Their Favorite Activity
Just because you're married doesn't mean you always share the same interests. One of you might like tennis, the other might think it's the most boring sport around. One of you might love jazz clubs but the other complains about the loud noise. For this tip, it's time to get with the program. For one day or night, take the time to participate in your spouse's favorite solo … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #20: Write Them A Love Letter
We know you love your spouse. You pledged before God and all your friends and family that you would forsake all others and be faithful to your spouse until death parts you. But sometimes, that love gets buried under past-due light bills, the needs of your kids, new tires for the car, and a dozen other things that take the focus off the two of you. Instead of reaching … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #19: Do An Impromptu Photo Shoot Together
How many pictures do you have of just the two of you, when you're not at your wedding, or with the kids, or dressed up to go to someone else's wedding? Where are the fun "we were just hanging around the house" pictures that you can look back at and laugh? Go look - we'll wait. If you can count on one hand the number of pictures you have, it's time to incorporate the camera … [Read more...]