Real Stories: Ronald & Jonita Reynolds- A Destined Love
This month LWR is pleased to introduce you to Ronald & Jonita. Ron, a State Legislator, and Jonita, CEO of a non profit are always out and about in the community. They live their lives on a mission to help improve the lives of others, and they are truly a blessing in our community.
Ron & Jonita are a beautiful God-fearing couple and I am excited to share their wonderful marital journey with each of you!
How long have you been married? We were married in November 2007. We are celebrating 8 blissful years of marriage!
How did you meet?
Ron: Approximately 20 years ago, a mutual family friend introduced us. We were attending a leadership seminar that he was hosting at the UH Chapel. We were cordial with one another and when the event concluded, so did our interaction. Our paths crossed a decade later…
While I was serving as President of the Missouri Branch of the NAACP, I was looking for a competent, credentialed, compassionate person to serve on the Board as our Education Chair. A very good friend of mine and I were brainstorming, and out-of-the blue, he said that Jonita would be perfect! After highlighting her educational background, work ethic, and passion for public service, I looked forward to rolling out the Branch’s educational advocacy efforts in Missouri City.
It wasn’t until our wedding day that the mutual friend I referenced earlier, ran over to us, hugged us tightly, and proudly took credit for linking us together 20 years ago. As soon as he mentioned the event, we recalled the introduction
What I find to be most intriguing is that Jonita and I had hundreds of mutual acquaintances. When most of them realized that we were a couple, they would immediately say that we were perfect for each other. I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!
Jonita: I remember receiving a call from Ron. He was very polite and professional as he explained his vision for the Missouri City Branch of the NAACP. He told me that our mutual friend raved about me and he thought that I might be a good fit for the direction the organization was headed.
After contemplating the request for a few months, I followed up with Ron via email. We agreed to meet at Landry’s Seafood on Westheimer Road to discuss his vision, review the materials, and outline next steps. We talked for hours. In fact, we were the last ones to leave the restaurant. Then, we stood outside talking until the wee hours of the morning…
I know you may be wondering, Did she ever become the Chair of the Education Committee…? Yes, indeed! I also became the wife of the President of the Branch…:0)
Ron proposed to me approximately a year later at the same Landry’s. We have celebrated every Anniversary at a Landry’s Restaurant.
I firmly believe that as the Author and Finisher of our fate, God coordinated our “reunion.” Honestly, I vaguely remember meeting Ron two (2) decades ago, BUT GOD!
Ron & Jonita are a beautiful God-fearing couple and I am excited to share their wonderful marital journey with each of you!
How long have you been married? We were married in November 2007. We are celebrating 8 blissful years of marriage!
How did you meet?
Ron: Approximately 20 years ago, a mutual family friend introduced us. We were attending a leadership seminar that he was hosting at the UH Chapel. We were cordial with one another and when the event concluded, so did our interaction. Our paths crossed a decade later…
While I was serving as President of the Missouri Branch of the NAACP, I was looking for a competent, credentialed, compassionate person to serve on the Board as our Education Chair. A very good friend of mine and I were brainstorming, and out-of-the blue, he said that Jonita would be perfect! After highlighting her educational background, work ethic, and passion for public service, I looked forward to rolling out the Branch’s educational advocacy efforts in Missouri City.
It wasn’t until our wedding day that the mutual friend I referenced earlier, ran over to us, hugged us tightly, and proudly took credit for linking us together 20 years ago. As soon as he mentioned the event, we recalled the introduction
What I find to be most intriguing is that Jonita and I had hundreds of mutual acquaintances. When most of them realized that we were a couple, they would immediately say that we were perfect for each other. I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!
Jonita: I remember receiving a call from Ron. He was very polite and professional as he explained his vision for the Missouri City Branch of the NAACP. He told me that our mutual friend raved about me and he thought that I might be a good fit for the direction the organization was headed.
After contemplating the request for a few months, I followed up with Ron via email. We agreed to meet at Landry’s Seafood on Westheimer Road to discuss his vision, review the materials, and outline next steps. We talked for hours. In fact, we were the last ones to leave the restaurant. Then, we stood outside talking until the wee hours of the morning…
I know you may be wondering, Did she ever become the Chair of the Education Committee…? Yes, indeed! I also became the wife of the President of the Branch…:0)
Ron proposed to me approximately a year later at the same Landry’s. We have celebrated every Anniversary at a Landry’s Restaurant.
I firmly believe that as the Author and Finisher of our fate, God coordinated our “reunion.” Honestly, I vaguely remember meeting Ron two (2) decades ago, BUT GOD!
"Becoming ONE takes time and too many couples give up on God’s plan before the benefit of his design manifests."
Ron & Jonita
Ron & Jonita
What do you love most about your spouse?
Ron:
What is there not to love about Jonita…? She epitomizes the Proverbs 31 Woman. She loves God; she is a helpmeet; she cares for our children; she’s ambitious; she serves others and the community; she works hard, and loves harder! Colloquially, she’s ride-or-die!
Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that I was definitely attracted to her outer beauty, but it was her inner beauty that compelled me to want to spend the rest of my life with her.
Jonita:
Ron embodies an unshakable Faith that allows him to weather the storms of life. I’ve witnessed him, firsthand, stand firm and shoulder the mounting pressures of life with fortitude. I’ve had the unparalled honor, as his wife, to be by his side, on the front-line and behind the scenes.
In the face of adversarial situation and unfavorable odds, Ron has stood firm on his belief that God did not bring us to it without a plan to bring us through it. I love and admire his strength and his unwavering convictions.
Ron:
What is there not to love about Jonita…? She epitomizes the Proverbs 31 Woman. She loves God; she is a helpmeet; she cares for our children; she’s ambitious; she serves others and the community; she works hard, and loves harder! Colloquially, she’s ride-or-die!
Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that I was definitely attracted to her outer beauty, but it was her inner beauty that compelled me to want to spend the rest of my life with her.
Jonita:
Ron embodies an unshakable Faith that allows him to weather the storms of life. I’ve witnessed him, firsthand, stand firm and shoulder the mounting pressures of life with fortitude. I’ve had the unparalled honor, as his wife, to be by his side, on the front-line and behind the scenes.
In the face of adversarial situation and unfavorable odds, Ron has stood firm on his belief that God did not bring us to it without a plan to bring us through it. I love and admire his strength and his unwavering convictions.
Name three qualities you were looking for in a mate that your found in your wife/husband?
|
Ron:
|
Jonita:
|
|
|
How do you deal with challenges and/or disagreements in your marriage?
Ron: When we’re faced with a challenge, I do my very best to understand the variables very objectively. I consider myself to be a very patient, self-disciplined, and a self-reflective person. So, when expected and/or unexpected issues arise, my primary objective is for us to communicate in a productive manner. Beginning with the end in mind, I approach my best friend in a constructive manner, knowing full well that at the end of the discussion, I plan to continue spending the rest of my life with my best friend. Our approach is profoundly simple: pray, talk, strike a win-win. Jonita: Before I approach Ron about a matter that is potentially sensitive, I pray and reflect for 24 hours. As a loving courtesy, I let Ron know in advance that I’m grappling with a sensitive matter, and will need an opportunity for us to talk. I, personally, don’t like being blind-sided, so I intentionally give advance notice regarding my need to have a “level 3” discussion. Believe it or not, there are matters that I choose not to address because after prayerfully reflecting, I’m able to discern that the enemy was busy… However, when we do encounter challenges, we make a concerted effort to resolve the matter respectfully, authentically, and lovingly. 
|
|
|
How important is Christ in your marriage?
Ron: Christ is very important. He is the foundation of our marriage! I pray with and over my family, daily. Jonita: Essential! Christ is our corner-stone, on Him alone we build! We thank God for our Blessings and His unmerited favor. No matter what the circumstance, we keep our eyes focused on our Savior and not the situation. We are keenly aware that the satanic attacks are unceasing because he/she wants to destroy our marriage. But, the devil is a liar! What are a few things that you would tell your former "newlywed" self? (things that you know now that would have been helpful to know when you were first married) Ron:
Jonita:
|
How important is it to have a supportive spouse?
Ron:
As an elected official and practicing attorney, having my wife’s support is critical to our livelihood. I consider myself immensely Blessed to have such a strong Lady by my side!
Jonita:
Having a supportive spouse is vital to a service-driven marriage like ours. Our individual capabilities are limited, but when we support each other and leverage our strengths, we create a scintillating synergy.
What makes you happiest?
Ron:
With my busy schedule, spending quality time with my wife and kids makes me extremely happy. At the end of the day, it’s the time with them that I value MOST!
Jonita:
I’m happiest when our family works together for the good of others. Even at the early age of four (4), our children understand the value of giving to others. I experience unspeakable joy serving with them! “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Ron:
As an elected official and practicing attorney, having my wife’s support is critical to our livelihood. I consider myself immensely Blessed to have such a strong Lady by my side!
Jonita:
Having a supportive spouse is vital to a service-driven marriage like ours. Our individual capabilities are limited, but when we support each other and leverage our strengths, we create a scintillating synergy.
What makes you happiest?
Ron:
With my busy schedule, spending quality time with my wife and kids makes me extremely happy. At the end of the day, it’s the time with them that I value MOST!
Jonita:
I’m happiest when our family works together for the good of others. Even at the early age of four (4), our children understand the value of giving to others. I experience unspeakable joy serving with them! “To whom much is given, much is required.”
|
Life's greatest blessing is the love of family. |
|
Do you have any final thoughts on life, love, and marriage to share?
Becoming ONE takes time and too many couples give up on God’s plan before the benefit of his design manifests. In spite of what you face or encounter, pray daily to let no weapon formed against you prosper! It’s utterly important for couples to truly like each other. Marry your best friend. Laugh. Dance. Date. Forgive. Be authentic. Be honest. Let your guard down. Work hard; play harder. Pray incessantly. Once you’ve done all that you can, God will do what you can’t!
LWR wishes Ron & Jonita many more years of happy matrimony and pray that God continues to bless their marriage!
Do you want to share your story? Contact LWR!
--JC
Becoming ONE takes time and too many couples give up on God’s plan before the benefit of his design manifests. In spite of what you face or encounter, pray daily to let no weapon formed against you prosper! It’s utterly important for couples to truly like each other. Marry your best friend. Laugh. Dance. Date. Forgive. Be authentic. Be honest. Let your guard down. Work hard; play harder. Pray incessantly. Once you’ve done all that you can, God will do what you can’t!
LWR wishes Ron & Jonita many more years of happy matrimony and pray that God continues to bless their marriage!
Do you want to share your story? Contact LWR!
--JC
