How to Recover from the Mr. Wrongs and Get Ready for Mr. Right

Spiritually speaking, my college years were dark. And, when I look back on those years I shudder.  Because, I entangled myself in bad relationships and situations that could've ended in a number of dire situations. 

Thankfully, the Lord used those years to teach me priceless lessons. And, God has used my story to free other women. 

Looking back, I can see that it was all about rebellion. Rebellion from the lessons of faith I had been taught growing up. I thought I was running into freedom, but I was actually running into destruction. And, it took a long time to untangle my soul from the men I had attached myself to.

My road to redemption started with me telling my dad that I didn't want to live that kind of life anymore. But, it was still a long road from there. 

The Switch

While living in El Paso, TX with my grandfather, I began dating my first Christian guy. I had it all planned out-- we were going to get married. He went to church and loved Jesus. That was enough for me. Let’s seal the deal.

I didn't know it at the time, but he had asked my dad if we could get married. And, we had only dated a few months. My dad's response was "let's see what happens." Not, exactly a vote of confidence. 

There were a few red flags, but nothing I couldn't "sort out" once we were hitched. 

The relationship seemed to be going well until September of 2007. And, then the boot dropped. He gave me an ultimatum. Was I going to stay in El Paso after school or move away? 

And, I didn't have an answer.

I wanted to be open to God's will. I didn't want to commit myself to El Paso! My life was just starting. And, I said just that. 

And, he broke up with me.

I was crushed. I cried and listened to Jennifer Hudson's "And, I'm telling you I’m Not Going" for about 3 weeks. And, I watched Mahogany with Dianna Ross for the first time.

The Good News

The good news is that I survived. And, God continues to use my sordid past and my terrible break up for His glory. 

Romans 8:28 says that: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God didn’t intend for me to experience those things. It was my disobedience that led me down that path. But, He can use it all the same.

My Dating Hiatus

I swore off men for three years after my break-up. And, the next man that I dated was Morris, my awesome husband.

During that dating hiatus my relationship with the Lord grew strong. I prayed more. I studied the Bible more, and I began paying off debt and running half marathons.

God used my dating hiatus to strengthen me personally. And, heal my heart from relationship wounds.

The Waiting Room by +TC Spellen 

I read a book this month entitled, The Waiting Room. It is a 31-Day Devotional for single women waiting for the right husband. I loved this book, because it is a spiritual roadmap to preparing for marriage. T.C. includes discussions on:

• Taming the Tongue
• Creating Boundaries
• Praying  

These are things that I learned during my dating hiatus. But, I think T.C.’s book could've helped me recover from the Mr. Wrongs and prepare for Mr. Right a lot faster. 

Question: How have you recovered from the Mr. Wrongs? And, what's your strategy to prepare for Mr. Right?

PS: I'm hosting my first relationship workshop next month. I'd love for you to come. You can buy a ticket here.