24 | Simone #2
This church was different from the one I grew up in with my parents and GiGi.
Bigger in size and bigger in production.
The people were friendly and welcoming, which helped ease my nerves.
A full worship band, and worship team graced the stage and began to sing.
Some songs I knew and a couple I didn’t, but they all lifted my spirits in the best way.
When the pastor took the stage the sermon title flashed across the screen behind him—New Season, Same God—and it felt like a God wink moment.
The pastor talked about transitions. About how new beginnings don’t erase old pain, but they redeem it.
About how God doesn’t change just because your life does.
Same God in the hospital room. Same God in the heartbreak.
Same God in the healing. I looked over at Samaj and saw tears gathering in his eyes.
He didn’t wipe them away. He didn’t look embarrassed.
He just sat there, shoulders squared, breathing through it like he was finally letting himself feel.
When the altar call came, I didn’t even have to ask him. He stood first and I followed. I could feel the weight of this move that we were making. The significance in him leading me down the altar was not lost on me.
It wasn’t for show, or to impress me. He was exemplifying the man of God that he was being molded into right before my eyes.
We walked down together, hand in hand, and when we reached the altar, something broke open in me. We prayed. We cried. We answered the call for salvation rededicating our lives to Jesus and I knew this would be a day we would never forget.
“Do ya’ll want to grab brunch with us?” Destiny asked once service ended and we were in the parking lot.
“There’s a spot not too far from here that’s really good.” Samaj glanced at me, silently asking if I was up for it. I smiled and nodded.
“Yeah, sounds good.”
The restaurant was charming and inviting. We opted for outside seating to enjoy the view and the cool afternoon breeze.
The air carried the smell of fresh coffee, and something sweet and savory from the kitchen. The menu was the kind that made you take your time. Everything looked and sounded delicious.
Destiny swore by their Shrimp and Grits that were made with mascarpone, parmesan polenta, chorizo gravy, and sweet & spicy grilled shrimp. Marcus ordered the caramelized Apple French toast while I went with steak and eggs which came with a side of parmesan hashbrowns.
Then there was Samaj who went with what had to be the most basic dish on the menu.
The classic breakfast of eggs, turkey bacon, and toast. Not surprising though.
I’ve come to learn that Samaj is very particular about his food and keeps things pretty simple or healthy.
That’s my man and I’ma stick beside him.
Across from me, Samaj sat quietly sipping his protein smoothie, but I could see in his eyes the same mixture of peace and awe I was feeling. Every now and then he glanced at me like we were both asking the same silent question: Did that really just happen?
Destiny leaned forward with a bright smile.
“Okay, so be honest. What did y’all think?”
I smiled just thinking about the entire service.
“Honestly? I loved it.”
Marcus nodded like he’d been waiting for that answer.
“The worship alone had me fighting tears,” I admitted. “There was just something about the atmosphere. It felt… genuine.”
Samaj finally spoke up, his voice thoughtful. “Yeah. It didn’t feel performative. It felt real.”
Destiny beamed. “I’m so glad you both liked it!”
“And that word he preached was on point. I didn’t think I’d connect so much with the sermon.”
Marcus chuckled. “Pastor G is the real deal. That’s what drew me in when we first started attending. Some of these preachers I see online don’t have any business being in a pulpit leading God’s people” he said shaking his head. I couldn’t agree more.
“So,” Destiny said, “y’all thinking about coming back?”
Samaj and I looked at each other. The answer came easily.
“Yeah,” we both said almost at the same time.
We chuckled.
“I think we might’ve found our home church,” Samaj added.
“Well,” Marcus said leaning forward, “since y’all just made that big step today, let me give you some advice.”
We both gave him our undivided attention.
“The excitement you feel right now? It’s a high that I want you to enjoy but I also want you to be aware that the enemy loves to attack right after moments like this. So, the biggest thing you can do is stay in your Word. Stay in God’s presence.”
Destiny nodded. “Daily. Even if it’s just a few verses and small prayers throughout the day as you’re going to work, cleaning the house, or taking a shower.”
Marcus continued, “Faith grows through consistency. Not just the emotional moments. Stay on fire for God.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense.”
“And do it together too,” Destiny added, pointing between me and Samaj.
“Pray together. Read scripture together. Encourage each other when one of you is struggling. You need to be a team because you're stronger together.”
“And since we’re talking about relationships…” Marcus chimed back in. “I’m going to keep it all the way one hundred with you.”
I think Samaj and I knew where the conversation was heading.
“Walking with God while dating is beautiful…but it’s going to test you.
You need to be disciplined, walk in holiness, and honor your commitment to putting God at the center of your relationship.
The things that non-believers do in their relationships may not be acceptable or wise to do in yours.
Living together, having sex before marriage—you get where I’m going with this? ”
“Yeah, I’ve actually had a few of these conversations with my therapist.” Samaj said.
“Great because Marcus and I had to learn that the hard way. The conversations we’re having with you now, no one had with us.”
Marcus laughed under his breath. “Man… the early days we were a hot mess.”
I perked up. “What happened?”
Destiny shook her head, smiling at the memory.
“When we first started dating, we loved God, but we weren’t exactly disciplined yet. We thought we could handle certain situations.”
Marcus leaned back in his chair. “Late nights alone, ‘just watching movies,’ long hugs that lasted a little too long…”
Destiny nudged him with her elbow. “You’re making it sound worse than it was.”
He grinned. “I’m just being honest.”
She looked back at us.
“We realized pretty quickly that if we were serious about honoring God, we had to put boundaries in place.”
“Real ones,” Marcus added.
“Like what?” I asked.
“No hanging out alone late at night,” Destiny said. “And if things ever started feeling a little… heated…”
Marcus pointed upward. “Prayer break.”
We all burst out laughing.
“I’m serious!” Marcus said. “Nothing cools things down faster than calling on Jesus.”
Samaj chuckled beside me. “That might actually work.”
The waitress set our plates down but none of us were in a rush to eat.
Destiny’s expression softened again.
“But the biggest thing,” she said, “is remembering that purity isn’t just about physical boundaries. It’s about protecting each other’s hearts.”
Marcus nodded. “You’re both going to fall short, make mistakes and disappoint each other unintentionally in some way, but be quick to communicate, be honest and open to forgiveness. Be each other’s safe place.”
“And just know you don’t have to do this walk alone. You’ve got us. We’d love to be your accountability partners. So that means anytime you get overwhelmed, you’re struggling or could just use some prayer, encouragement, or advice we’re both just a phone call away.” Destiny added.
“Thank you. That means a lot.” I said. Samaj nodded his head. “Yeah, we appreciate it. For real.”
Marcus raised his glass of orange juice.
“I think we should make a toast,” we all raised our glasses.
“To new beginnings!”
“New beginnings!” We all echoed.
Samaj and I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend. When it was time for him to leave, the goodbye was bittersweet. I hated that he had to leave so soon, but I was grateful we had the chance to rekindle our relationship.
He made plans to fly me out to Union Heights next month and with that he gave me a hug then kissed my forehead.
“I’ll call you soon as I land.”
I headed to Emaree’s house afterwards, practically bursting with everything I needed to tell her. We talked for hours—about my date yesterday, the girlfriend and promise ring proposal, church and about how different Samaj felt. How different I felt.
“Girl, I’m so happy for you guys! You deserve it. I have to admit… Simone Stephens has a nice ring to it.”
“It really does.”
We laughed and then the energy in the room took a turn.
“Have you spoken to Nikki?”
“No, it’s been weird between us.”
“I don’t get it. You’re always there for her.
Going above and beyond to help that girl.
Letting her you’re your car, lending her money, and to me you’re always left with the short end of the stick.
That’s not a real friend. And I know you, Simone…
you think the best of people, but she’s been doing little slick stuff for the longest. You’ve been nothing but a great friend to her. ”
It was true. Ever since I told Nikki I couldn’t lend her money again, she had been acting funny.
Certain things I had noticed over the years I never really addressed, thinking I was giving her grace and keeping the peace but in reality, I feared confrontation and it was something I had been bringing to God to help me overcome.