Halle Berry, Meagan Good and Gabrielle Union dominated films starting attractive, powerful, talented African American women during my teenage years. Among many other things, they were mega sex symbols. When I heard Meagan Good had married a preacher, practiced "The Wait" and released a book about her journey, I was intrigued.

During the time of the book release I was in my second year of grad school and wasn’t reading much outside of required text and articles for class assignments or research projects. Three years later, I was finally able to pick up a copy and dive in.

Prior to learning about the union and book, I wasn’t aware of DeVon Franklin, he was just “Meagan Good’s husband.” While I wasn’t familiar with DeVon personally, I could recite many lines from films he worked on as a Hollywood Executive including The Pursuit of Happyness, The Karate Kid and Jumping the Broom. After reading The Wait he’s gained another fan in me, and I admire his success and use of it to advance the Kingdom of God. Although I was expecting a “tell-all” of the couple’s relationship and happy marriage, I didn’t get that. What I did get was much more fulfilling.

Within 243 pages I went on a multi-faceted journey including many “aww” moments, periods of personal reflection, giggles and appreciation for experiences during my walk with Christ. In addition to honest and transparent stories about their relationship (in its many stages), supplemental scriptures, prayers, quotes, research and statistics, the “Real World Read” is packed with clear definitions and insights on all things related to relationships, love, celibacy, abstinence and marriage. I could write five or more separate posts based on the gems from the pages within each cover, but for now, I’ll share ten pieces of advice from the pages that will hopefully inspire you to pick up a copy and read it for yourself to learn more.

Give up the illusion of “the one.”
Don’t be afraid to walk away and see what else God has in store.
You might want a man (or woman) in your life, but you don’t need one.
Use every date as a learning opportunity.
Be engaged as long as it takes to plan your wedding.
Don’t assume. Ask!
If you don’t get clear answers, ask again.
Start making choices for your life that show you have your own back.
Surround yourself with people who make wise choices and have self-control. Self-control won’t do much for you if everyone around you lacks it.
Rely on God and those around you during challenging situations. Sometimes wisdom means knowing when you’re not strong, so you don’t have to be strong.

About the book

The book seems to be told primarily from Devon’s perspective with excerpts throughout each chapter where he and Meagan are quoted directly. This was the first book I read this year, and I completed it in its entirety within four sittings including frequent pauses to reflect and take notes. Released in March of 2015, The Wait is a New York Times Bestseller with a sequel devotional. It’s available on Amazon at Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and Christianbook.com for as little as $10-$15. It can also be found at a library near you or on DeVon’s website with other goodies including interviews, sample copy, the book trailer and more.

About the Couple

DeVon and Meagan are both California natives with successful careers in the entertainment industry. After seven-years of knowing (of) each other the two connected in May of 2011, which was the start of a relationship that would lead to a marriage in June of 2012. DeVon was raised in Oakland and grew interest in film at an early age. He delivered his first sermon in ministry at 15 and continues to preach the gospel, in addition to his career as a former Columbia Pictures Executive and current President and CEO of Franklin Entertainment. Outside of his success in the Entertainment Industry DeVon is also a requested international speaker and three-time bestselling author on topics of faith, career and the connection between the two. Meagan grew up in Panorama City and got her start as an actress at 4 years old appearing in television commercials. She has since become an award-winning actress, bestselling author and founder of The Greater Good Foundation, where she empowers young women and enriches their lives through advocacy. The two currently reside in Los Angeles, CA.

Got questions about the book or recommended reads you think I’d enjoy? Share them below!

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate