Emerson and I’s story is one that the Lord seemed to be writing long before either of us realized it. Looking back, it is clear that God was weaving our paths together in ways that we couldn’t see at the time but are now deeply grateful for.

Me and Emerson’s story began even before we met in person during our freshman year. It actually started back in our senior year of high school. At that time, I had no idea where I wanted to go to college. My mom reminded me that we had a good friend from Greenville who was a junior at Samford, so I decided to visit him for a weekend.

The friend’s roommate, who is now one of my close friends and fraternity brothers, was named Parks Harrison. He just so happened to be dating Emersons older sister, Olivia. Parks told me that Emerson was also going to be a freshman the next fall and that I needed to meet her. I didn’t think much of it in the moment, but two things happened that weekend that ended up changing my life. I discovered where I wanted to spend my next 4 years, and I heard the name Emerson Love for the first time.

When I arrived at Samford for my freshman year, I hadn’t forgotten about Emerson, and I knew I wanted to meet her. By what can only be described as a gift from the Lord, I ran into her on the steps outside of the University Center on the first day of connections weekend. I could immediately tell there was something different about her. Her laugh was infectious, she was so much fun, she wasn’t concerned with impressing anyone (including me), and most of all, the love of the Lord overflowed from her heart. Right then I knew I wanted her to be a part of my life.

We started spending time together in a friend group that had naturally formed over the first week of school. With every late-night cookout run, caf date, and fun outing with our friends, I found myself more and more drawn to Emerson than anyone I had ever known. After weeks of prayer, asking the Lord for his will to be done in my life, I asked Emerson to be my girlfriend. These last 3 years have not only been the best years of my life, but more importantly, they have been a gift from God that I will forever be thankful for. I would not be the man I am today without Emerson Love in my life.

I continue to thank the Lord for his faithfulness, knowing that none of this would be possible without him. Through my relationship with Emerson, God has revealed His deep love for each of us in such a real and personal way. Our relationship has not been perfect, but the steadfast love of the Lord has continually guarded and guided our hearts. I fall more in love with her every day, and I cannot wait for the many years ahead.

Thank you, Jesus, for all You have done in our lives!