“When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” — Isaiah 60:22

There is a saying that when it’s your time, even a basket will hold water.

As a teenager, glued to our old black-and-white television, I once heard Pastor Paul Adefarasin say, “When purpose meets destiny, everything will align.” Those words stayed with me for years. The day I set my eyes on Oluwatumise mi owon, I knew my purpose had met my destiny—and that everything was about to align.

Meeting Arike was nothing short of a divine appointment—an appointment ordained by God long before either of us was formed in our mothers’ wombs.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. As a new member walking into church for the first time, I couldn’t help but notice this effortlessly graceful and majestic woman. The way she carried herself spoke volumes. From a million miles away, you could tell she was a woman of substance—confident, elegant, and beautiful in every sense of the word.

For months, all I could do was admire her from a distance until I finally summoned the courage to get to know her. In my mind, however, I had already started dating her… completely unbeknownst to her!

What it took to get to know her is a story for another day. Let’s just say it cost me an arm and a leg—countless prayers, sleepless nights, and moments of literally lying face down on the floor, crying out to God before I even got the opportunity to draw a little closer.

In God’s perfect orchestration, I later discovered that she was also involved in the drama ministry. After speaking with her father—our pastor—about my passion for drama and where I desired to serve, our paths crossed again, this time as fellow drama ministers. I began watching some of her movies and admired not only her talent but also her heart for God.

Not long afterward, we were cast together in a short church drama. For me, that production was much more than just another ministry assignment—it was a rare opportunity to spend time with the woman I had been secretly admiring. Meanwhile, in my spirit, I was still “dating” her, and she had absolutely no idea she already had a boyfriend… at least according to me!

Long before I ever voiced my intentions, I had already claimed my Arike in prayer.

Eventually, I gathered the courage to pour out my heart to her. What followed was a season of thorough “drilling,” countless conversations, what felt like endless interviews, and, most importantly, seeking the face of God together.

And today, by God’s unfailing grace, here we are. To God alone be all the glory.

“Damilola” was simply “Bro Dammy” when he first started attending my church.

I remember his very first day. I walked up to him, said, “Hello,” and went right back to minding my business—as I’ve always done.

Then one random evening, my dad called to tell me that a new brother in church was in his office. He had introduced himself as a drama minister.

If you know me well, you already know I’m an unrepentant drama minister.

So, I’m always excited whenever I meet someone from my tribe.

I greeted him over the phone and gave my dad permission to share my number with him. Well… I eventually gave him the number myself the following week after our midweek service.

He watched a few of my movies and sent me the kindest feedback, which I thought was really thoughtful. We chatted on and off, keeping our conversations strictly about ministry… until “Bro Dammy” started becoming just a little extra nice.

Then one evening, he reached out with a cheesy line that confirmed exactly what I had been suspecting—but I pretended not to notice.

Not long after, he called again and proceeded to download much more information about himself than I was prepared for.

I told him we should schedule a proper time to talk later that evening.

During that conversation, he proposed marriage to me—without mincing words.

I was stunned. Not just by his confidence, but even more by his vulnerability, sincerity, and openness.

Then he said, “Sis Tumise, please I’d like to…”

I interrupted him immediately.

“First of all,” I said, “please delete that ‘Sis’ title from my name, abeg.”

From that day on, Damilola pursued me with unwavering consistency—steadily, intentionally, relentlessly, doggedly, and fiercely.

But it wasn’t just his persistence that won my heart. It was the quiet consistency and unwavering conviction behind it. His words always matched his actions. He pursued me with honor, treated me with genuine respect, and remained intentional in every conversation and every step he took.

Day after day, my heart found peace where it had once been cautious. What began as admiration slowly grew into a settled conviction. And for the very first time in my life, I received a clear witness in my heart that I had found the man the Lord had been preparing for me—and preparing me for.

Funny how the man who was once simply “Bro Dammy” became my answered prayer, my best friend, and God’s beautiful reminder that His timing is always worth the wait.

So, with a heart overflowing with gratitude to God and complete confidence in His leading, I gave Damilola a worthy “YES!”