Favor Fridays with Tony: Sunshine After the Rain — 17 Years of Love and Faith

Today is Friday the 13th. For some, that might carry a certain superstition. But for me, it carries something far greater—a sacred reminder of love, faith, and God’s undeniable favor.

Because today, June 13, 2025, marks 17 years of marriage to the most amazing woman I’ve ever known—Tajuana Cheshier.

A Day That Changed Everything

It was Friday, June 13, 2008. It rained. The skies were gray, the clouds heavy. The kind of day some might call unlucky. But I call it blessed.

Just when it was time for us to step outside and take our wedding photos, something beautiful happened: the clouds parted and the sun broke through. I’ll never forget how it shined down on us—as if God Himself was saying, “I’ve got you.”

That moment became a metaphor for our life together. A reminder that even when it storms, even when the skies are uncertain, God’s light will always find a way through. That sunshine after the rain? It wasn’t just about weather. It was a prophetic glimpse into our marriage.

Seventeen Years of God’s Favor

In 17 years, we’ve faced our share of storms—losses that cut deep, changes that stretched our faith, seasons that tested our resolve. But through every trial, we’ve also experienced God’s favor.

We’ve cried together, but we’ve also prayed together. We’ve mourned, but we’ve also grown.

We’ve wrestled with tough moments, but we’ve also laughed until our sides hurt. We’ve held each other through grief, and we’ve danced in the kitchen for no reason at all.

She’s been my safe place, my partner, my best friend, and my inspiration.

She’s the woman who keeps me grounded, who encourages me to dream, who challenges me to rise higher and stay humble while doing it.

She’s my answered prayer.

Godly Relationship Lessons We've Learned

Through the years, our marriage has taught us countless lessons about what it means to love the way God loves. Here are just a few truths we’ve come to hold tightly:

1. Keep God at the Center

No relationship can thrive long-term without a strong spiritual foundation. Our faith is what keeps us grounded. We don’t just pray individually—we pray together. We ask for God’s direction when making decisions. We seek His wisdom when we disagree. And we praise Him in the good times and the bad.

Scripture: "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

2. Communication is Ministry

We’ve learned to listen, not just to respond, but to understand. To speak not just what we feel, but with love, intention, and grace. Healthy communication isn't just about talking—it's about ministering to your partner's heart. We talk about everything, and we strive to create a safe space where honesty is never punished.

3. Forgiveness is Fuel

We are two imperfect people trying to build something sacred. That means mistakes will happen. Feelings will get hurt. But unforgiveness is a poison that seeps into even the happiest of homes. We've had to choose forgiveness over being right, over holding grudges, and over silence. Forgiveness resets the atmosphere.

Scripture: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

4. Love is a Verb

It's easy to say "I love you." But what about when you don't feel it? Love is shown in sacrifice, service, and staying when it would be easier to walk away. It's shown in the small acts—bringing coffee, holding hands, affirming your spouse, showing up to support them when they need it most. Love requires intentional action.

5. Celebrate the Good

Don’t just bond over trials—bond over victories. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, milestones, and answered prayers. Make memories. Be each other’s biggest cheerleader. We make it a point to celebrate each other and to show appreciation every chance we get.

6. Protect the Union

We guard our marriage from outside interference. That means setting boundaries, avoiding comparisons, and not entertaining distractions. We protect our peace, our intimacy, and our connection like the covenant it is. Marriage is sacred. And anything sacred must be guarded with vigilance.

7. Laugh Together Often

Life can be heavy. Marriage doesn't have to be. Find reasons to laugh. Be silly. Watch comedies. Dance in the living room. Make up songs. Laughter is healing and bonding. Some of our best moments together have been completely spontaneous and joy-filled.

God’s Timing, Our Testimony

The fact that Friday the 13th—a day often associated with fear and superstition—is the day God chose for our union, is not lost on me. What some view as a day of misfortune, God turned into a day of divine purpose.

That’s just like Him, isn’t it?

Turning rain into radiance. Clouds into clarity. Uncertainty into undeniable favor.

That rainy Friday in 2008? It wasn’t unlucky. It was holy.

A Prayer for Year 17 and Beyond

Lord, thank You for the gift of marriage. Thank You for blessing me with a woman who radiates love, faith, strength, and grace. Thank You for walking with us through the valleys and lifting us to the mountaintops. As we step into year 17, we ask for more of You. More wisdom. More joy. More purpose. More peace. More unity. And more sunshine after the rain.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Reflections

To my wife, Tajuana—thank you for saying “yes” 17 years ago and every day since. Thank you for loving me, believing in me, and growing with me. You are my heart. My home. My daily reminder of God’s goodness.

And to anyone reading this—whether you're single, newlywed, or years into your own marriage—may our story be a light to yours. May it remind you that God writes beautiful love stories. That even when it rains, His favor shines through. That a marriage centered on Him can survive any storm and thrive in any season.

Let your love reflect God’s love. Let your commitment reflect Christ’s sacrifice. And let your marriage be a living testimony of what grace, patience, and favor look like.

Want to See How Favor Shows Up in Fiction?

If you’ve enjoyed this post and want to experience how favor, light, and faith show up in the stories I tell, check out my superhero novel series, S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™.

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