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We could all use a little good news, and a Catholic writer on Instagram, Stephanie Weinert, has started a viral movement that delivers. She is encouraging women to share the stories of how they met their husbands with #fridayintroductionsourlovestory.
It’s only fair to warn you: Don’t click through unless you have some free time ahead of you, because you won’t be able to stop reading these delightful stories!
In the post that started it all, Stephanie explains how she was inspired to start the challenge:
“The world needs to hear more crazy, beautiful, authentic love stories … I love reflecting on what God has done in my life and in my relationship with Peter. And I love hearing others’ stories too. . So here’s my idea and I hope you jump on board and do it with me. Let’s share our love stories in #fridayintroductions posts this month!”
“One night rocking my newborn, Beckett, the idea came to me that it would be so fun to hear the relationship and marriage stories of other Catholic couples,” Stephanie said in an interview with Aleteia. “So I created the hashtag, shared my story on a Friday and invited others to join me.”
Her idea is perfectly appropriate for February, with its celebration of love, and the need for a little cheerful encouragement to get through the rest of winter (for those of us in the northern hemisphere!).
Crucially, the challenge isn’t just about celebrating picture-perfect love stories. Stephanie encourages women to share how they persevered in hard times, as a way of giving hope to other couples going through their own challenges.
“I hope that the series encourages couples who feel alone in the raw and real struggles that they are not alone!” she said. “I hope it inspires younger people with an honest look at marriage filled with honesty but also hope. Knowing we aren’t the only one gives hope, and perseverance.”
She describes how each week of the month has a special theme:
- 2/4 – How we met
- 2/11 – An engagement story
- 2/18 – Surprised by marriage
- 2/25 – Hope in the hard
Love stories are always fun to read, but what makes this challenge special is the focus on how God is present in each of these relationships. Women are sharing not only how God led them to meet their husbands, but how He has shaped their relationships ever since.
Weinert writes,
“Your love story is not only an incredible part of who you are, it’s also a living testimony, especially to those still waiting for their love story to begin, at the power of God working in each of our lives in so many beautiful, unique, unexpected (and often crazy!) ways. Tomorrow share how you met your Boo, and each Friday in February tell us a little piece of your story. Use the hashtag #fridayintroductionsourlovestory and lets get to know each other a little better this month!”
This collection of love stories is the encouraging news we all need, and a joy to read. Check it out!
And if you’re on Instagram, consider joining the fun and sharing your love story too. I can’t wait to read it!
And today we celebrate...