Equally Yoked

The earliest memories I have of growing up are those of my parents being separated. I lived with my mom and my dad would come for me and my sister on the weekends. A few years after they both remarried. I now live with my mom and my step dad, and I see my dad and step mom on the weekends. Each one of them has their different opinions of what kind of man I should marry and of who I should and shouldn’t be with. My mom is a lot more lenient and she believes that I am old and wise enough to make my own decisions. My mother has never been the kind to look over my every move. She always gave me space and allowed me to come to her when I wanted and needed her advice which I appreciate. My father on the other hand has always been a little more strict. He on the other hand does have an opinion on who I should and should not be with. He does not judge according to race or color because he himself is interracially married which I think is awesome. However he does care about the beliefs that the guy I choose be with holds. I hold my beliefs very valuable as I have already mentioned numerous times. So like in the story I can relate in some aspects of religion marrying those of the same beliefs. I know that if I were to marry someone with different beliefs that my dad would be upset. I know that he would not go the extent that Nnaemekea’s father did. If I were to marry some one with different beliefs I know that is would create conflict with my dad because I know he would really want me to marry with the same beliefs for obvious reasons. I believe that when it comes to everyone that it should be taken into deep consideration to marry someone with the same beliefs. If people marry with different beliefs the marriage will get very complicated when it comes to having kids and how they want them to be raised. Disagreement in religion causes a lot of friction and tension already as is with other relationships out side of marriage. So imagine having to live with someone who may not believe what you believe is true and may believe the exact opposite. I could see where his father was coming from in being upset with his son in marrying someone that he himself had not chosen for him. However as to the actions he took after him finding out I do not agree with. He chose not to be a part of his sons life all because of who he chose to marry, which in my eyes was a good woman who held most of the qualities that his father looked for. I am not married yet but when and if I do I would hope to have the approval of my parents in who I chose to be with for the rest of my life. I believe that it is very important to share that with everyone you love and for others to partake in the lives of their loved ones.