This episode is supported in part by the Christian Standard Bible, a translation designed to be faithful to the original text and clear for everyday readers. We're grateful for their partnership in helping bring gospel-centered content to families like yours. To learn more about the CSB, visit csbible.com. That's definitely something where We've kind of been working on as well, it's just the way she expressed Yeah. Um what she's feeling, sometimes I can feel like I think you're expressing it a little too much.
That's one of the differences. Yeah, it's too open or it's too drawn out. Welcome to Family Life Today, where we want to help you pursue the relationships that matter most. I'm Ann Wilson. And I'm Dave Wilson, and you can find us at FamilyLifetoday.com.
This is Family Life Today. We've got the best dressed couple I've ever had in Family Life studio today. You guys really do look excellent. Are you feeling insecure? I am.
I got my golf flow sort of hoodie on, you know, over here.
So, but here's what's amazing: Lorene and her husband, Emmanuel Garrilus, are in, and nobody knows Lorene, but you work for us. You bring every guest into the studio. You make this happen. Oh, what we're doing at Family Life today, you have a lot to do with it. Tell our listeners and all the people watching and seeing how underdressed we are.
Tell them what you do. Yeah, so my name's Lorene. I am the guest relations coordinator at Family Life Today. And once we approve guests, I am on the hunt to try to get them here. I'm coordinating with either them directly or their publicist, and we're working with.
Schedules and travel to get them on the show. And then once they're here on campus, I am their hospitality liaison. Meet them at the front door. Yeah, security. Welcome back here.
Get them an Uber. Get them away from people who are talking too much. You do, really? Yeah, I do. And you guys are newly with us.
Yes, we are. We're going to talk a little bit not only about your relationship and your love story, but also your passions and dreams and how God's using you and how God wants to use all of us with those same passions and dreams. All right, tell us how you met. Let's hear the love story. You're not going to ask Emmanuel what he does.
Oh yeah, Emmanuel, what do you do? My name is Emmanuel Gerrilis. I am a saxophonist and educator. And I do concerts.
So that's your full-time job? Yeah. This is what I do. What do you mean by educator? I teach as well.
I teach a saxophone, mostly online. Really? Oh.
Now, when did you start playing? I started playing when I was about 12 or 13. Wow, how did you get into it? Yeah, I was sitting in a church one day. And there was this guy.
The blue suit, funny looking hat, pointy toed shoes, he got on the stage, played his heart out. And that moment really captured me. Wow. And I said, Man, I want to do that. I joined the band n like the following year in high school.
I did both jazz band and concert band. And then afterwards, I studied under Jordan Pate. She's a. She's a saxophonist up there in New York. She studied out of Berkeley.
Yeah, so she was my teacher for a while.
So you grew up in Haiti. I did.
So how old were you when you came to the United States? And did you have any musical interest when you were in Haiti? Yeah, so my family is a pretty musical family. Really? Yeah.
My sisters, they all sing. We actually have a ministry, like a singing ministry. Whoa. Yeah. My dad was a choir director for a long time.
There was always music in the house. In 2010, unfortunately, there was this big earthquake that happened in Haiti. Yeah. And that's when our family moved from Haiti to the U.S. But I didn't start playing until I got into high school.
Did you sing, though, with your family when they were singing? Have you heard them, Loreen? Yeah. She's part of the ministry. But yeah, I was friends with his sisters before.
I knew him and I've been like on leadership and a part of the choir for some time. Are you guys gonna sing for us today? Oh no. We're part of the choir. Yeah, we're mad ground.
We're not the leads.
Okay, you may not know this, but we want to hear from you. Yeah, like literally hear you. You can leave us a voice message with your questions, concerns, praise reports, or whatever. You know, maybe Dave said something that you totally disagree with.
Well, why'd you have to pick on me? Maybe it's you said something. Maybe, probably. Or maybe it was inspiring. See?
See, I was nice. No, I know you're always nicer than me. I don't think so. Or maybe you just want us to answer a question or explore a certain topic. Whatever you want to say, you get to call and say.
All you have to do is go to speakpipe.com slash familylifetoday. Again, that's speakpipe.com slash familylifetoday or get the link in the show notes. Again, it's speakpipe.com slash familylifetoday. How old were you guys when you met? You knew his sister.
Yeah. But how old were you then? Was it long ago? I met one of his oldest sisters, Stephanie, in middle school. It was funny.
Sixth grade, we were in home economics. She had just came. The earthquake just happened. And me and my struggly Creole at the time, I remember trying to help her. And we went on sixth, seventh grade, eighth grade came around, and she was in my honors history class.
And I remember being so impressed by her because in those. Few years she like prevailed. Her English was there. She's in an honors class. And I remember going home and being like, mommy, do you remember like the girl Stephanie?
I told you about in sixth grade that came from the earthquake. She's in my honors class and she's so smart. She's amazing. And so that was then. Little did I know he was at that medical school.
I was a younger school. Yeah, but I didn't know. I didn't even notice it. No, I didn't really know. Stephanie's from the home economics class.
We never had a class again besides the history class. And then we went on to go to different high schools. And it wouldn't be until. Senior year that I felt like this pulling to come back to church. I had a friend named Jordan that would always talk about church.
So I started going back. I started going to. You were going to church as a younger girl, but stopped? Yeah. So my family, we had like an on and off.
So we'd go consecutively for like two years, stop for six months, go for three years, stop.
So it wasn't until high school, yeah, that I felt that longing because of that friend named Jordan.
So I started going to this church called Grace Bible Church of Central Florida. 2017 and 2018, I started serving in the young adult ministry. And I met a friend named Dorothea that actually works here. And her grandparents were putting on like a how they met love story night at her house. And I went and I saw Stephanie and I remembered her from middle school and she had a sister.
And so just being nosy, I went home and I think I like found her on Instagram or something. And I saw she had other siblings and I saw him. Hmm. And I was like, oh, he's really cute. Just from a picture.
Yeah, but I then saw that he had a girlfriend. It's okay. We've passed. And it was a long-term relationship. Yeah, unfortunately, that no.
It was unfortunate at the time because it was such a heartbreak. I remember going to God like. Like, how long were you together? Like, six years. Oh.
It was like high school year. Yeah. And you were at that time, were you pretty strong spiritually? It sounds like you grew up in a high-centered home. My dad's actually a pastor in Haiti.
Our house, the top of it is a is a sanctuary. Like we we would hold services there. Really? And we live in the bottom. Yeah.
So like people from the village will come and have service there on Sundays.
So that's kinda like the environment I I grew up in. Very, very strong in the faith. Um, but when that happened I remember being just being heartbroken and like, God I don't want to ever go through that again. Like, please tell me who my person is. I don't want to, like.
Go years and years. Just tell me who it is. No, like just tell me. Like, just please be open with me and. And he did, actually.
I remember It was some time in between that where it was just me and God for a while, just healing and. and going through that and This must have been the beginning of twenty twenty four. I began to I have a strong liking towards her. I don't know like I don't know her.
So I'm like, God, is this is is this the person? Like, is this who uh I'm supposed to be with? And through many ways he he um He he was like, Yeah. I remember telling my sisters, like, guys, I think I like Lorraine. And they were like, yes, like, just go yes, action out.
But I didn't wanna like judge jump into it, so I stayed with the Lord for I think it was probably like two, three months, just making sure. Wow, if only we would all have done that, right? Take your time. Take your time. You're going to God before you're going to Lorraine.
I did.
Yeah, that's good. Yeah, listeners, are you hearing that? That's a good. Could move. Yeah, and even during that time, because you can tell them about the whole thing.
Yeah, let me tell you guys the details.
So, one time at church. Service just let out, and my now brother-in-law, he was my friend, Eric, and he's a big personality. He's like, Lorene. Whatever you're doing, girl, keep doing it. There's a big blessing on the way.
Mind you, this is Eric. Mind you, this is the beginning of 24. 2024, yeah.
So December of 23, I had gone on a fast because since graduating college, I had just been on the hunt to get like the big girl job. It really wore me down.
So I was on a A fast. And so when he says this, Eric is a youth pastor.
So I'm like, this is a man of God. He's heard from the Lord. Like, he's talking about my job.
So I'm like, thank you, I receive it. But he keeps talking and he's like, um, When he approaches you, we didn't have this conversation.
So I'm like, oh Lord, he's talking about a man.
So I'm like, okay, and I walk out. But naturally, I think just being a person, but also a woman, like now I'm curious and I'm like, who is it? Of course.
So I'm very active in the church.
So it's like, I feel like people are watching me, who could it be? Is it the security guard? Is it the guy in Bible study? You know, I don't know. But I had this hunch that it was a manual.
And I was like, okay. And so I said, we have a church anniversary coming up that we're singing at, and I'm going to see him. And if it's different, I will know. And I went, I walked in, and immediately I hear him from on stage, and he's like, Is that Lorene? And so I'm playing Detective Gadget in my head, and I'm like, Okay, clue one, because yeah, it's me, but he would have never cared in the past.
So our culture, like we greet each other like with a kiss. And so I'm on stage and I'm greeting everybody. And I go towards him. Should we act this out? Yeah, act it out.
Yes. Yeah. So come closer.
So he's standing. Yeah. And he's like, what did you say? I said, it's so good to see you. Yeah, but his voice was like, no, it's so good to see you.
And I'm like, why is it, you know, in my head? I'm like, why is it so good to see me? And so he's got a good deep voice. And so because I'm playing Detective Gadget from my peripheral, I catch his oldest sister, Fran throw a glance to Stephanie that's like next in line. And it was like, look, I'm right.
And so the night unfolds. Yeah, we end up having this like. Yeah. This this game night. My sister put together how many siblings do you have in Manchester?
Four siblings.
So it's five of us total. Yeah. So my sister puts on this this game night. Yeah. So I get there a little bit later and she just so happened to be the only person without a partner.
I had a partner. Just so happens that when Emmanuel comes in, my partner has to go home.
So then naturally I I I became her partner.
So they set it up. Yeah. And we we like that night, man, we we spoke for like two, three hours. We just sat there and converse for a while. Yeah.
And I'm like Let me take you out on a date. And we've been together ever since. I mean, were you married soon after, or was it a long time? It's 2024, and then we got married in 2025, so a year. It was pretty soon.
Yeah. Yeah. He proposed in April of 25. Yeah. And then we got married that July.
When God tells you, you know. No, you know. Yeah. I want to go back to. What we were talking about as far as it's it's important to go to the Lord first.
Yeah, yeah, because I remember one of my really good friends, Gael. When I told her about the hunch or that I had, The mystery man. The miss oh yeah, we kept calling him the mystery man. She said that she knew, but she couldn't tell me. But she said, I just want you to know that he's really intentionally taking his time.
Like, he's not going to be one of those weirdos that's like, God told me you're my wife. And I said, you know what, Gael? I said, I have no idea who he is, but I already have so much respect for him because that's the best thing he could ever do for me. And so I said, whether I find out in a month or six months or I never find out. I already have so many brownie points for this guy because.
Yeah, that's the best move to make. Because compare what you guys did relationally, taking your time, seeking God. Compare that to what an average 20-some would have been doing in the culture, you know, that maybe doesn't know God. And maybe they do know God, but. That Relationship has come before God.
Yeah. I can compare it to myself.
So I really got active in. church and like in ministry when I was 20.
Okay. And before that, I didn't have much friends. You know, like I didn't really have much community. I kind of was a went to school, went home type of girl. And so I formed that when I joined My young adult ministry, and I was serving.
And I definitely quickly learned about idolatry and putting man before God. And so I experienced that in friendship, but also with like my first relationship. It was something that we didn't. Give each other time to know each other. I'm like, even.
That guy, and bless his heart, he was young too. But I'm like, I could have been a Jezebel coming in here to wreak havoc in this beautiful young adult ministry that y'all have created.
So it was foolish of him and also foolish of me to entertain that so quickly.
So that's my example. Yeah. I definitely had my so many people now they hook up. The relationship Isn't so much about getting to know each other and really. Really knowing who they are in Christ and what their relationship with God is like.
And for you guys, that was foundational. Yeah. I love that.
Well, I mean, here's my question to the ladies. Yeah. How important is it to you as women that you're man, even if you're not married? is a solid God fearing, God following, God obeying man. Because I'm hearing your story and thinking there was some respect you had for him.
Because he took his time, because you knew he's waiting on the Lord, he's not moving. Yeah, you know what I mean?
So I'm thinking. Christian women, that's what they long for. I don't think guys understand that. They think I'm supposed to look this way and act this way and move quick. Am I right?
I'm not a woman, but I'm like, don't women, man, they respect a man who's like, this is my priority, Jesus. I'm not moving until Jesus. If a woman is walking with Jesus, yes, absolutely. If Jesus is her Lord and King. Yeah, there's incredible respect.
Like, oh, he's seeking God before anything else. And that's attractive. Yeah, because that's the only way that I'll feel the safest. Yeah. We're fickle.
We're fickle people.
Someone could wake up tomorrow and come. God forbid, but lose their mind, like literally be out of their mind. And so I need to know that you're, you've come under Christ. We talk about like lists, you know, like creating a list. And I don't mind that.
But for my list, like, it just was a lot of character. Like, my very first one was that he loves the Lord way more than he loves me. Lorraine, you're so mature. Like, that's for most people. How old were you guys when you got married?
27. 27? Yeah. So, for you to have that as a priority, that says a lot about your character and your walk with Jesus. Thank you.
What's been your learnings? That were very different. You're different in many, many ways. I know for me personally, since I was in Gainesville kinda lot, I didn't really see some things until you get up close and personal and both good and bad. Like, you don't realize that.
Okay, they do things this way. It's not necessarily bad. It's different. It's just different than how I would do it. Like what?
You got some examples? No, we got examples. Yeah, how are you different? Go ahead. That's the communication I We're different in terms of she wants to She'll still be on the phone all the time.
Especially if she's not home. Like, she'll call me. And I'm working. I'm like, you could have just texted me that. All the time is a stress.
You don't have to call all the time. And it's nothing bad. But for me, if I'm working, I think maybe you can relate. Focus is very important to me. And I want to get done what I'm getting done.
And if you're calling. It's gonna just take me away from what I'm doing. And that's like one thing. And it's not like I don't wanna talk to you, but right now it's just not. I'm sure you guys can relate to that.
Totally. That's just one of many ways. What would you say, Lorene? Yeah. For me, because he's always in hyper focus, I'm like, I'm like, okay, I can understand and I have grace for it, but let's agree that on this set time we break and like our thing is for dinner.
So if maybe he has a lot of client calls or he has something else and he has to have a working dinner, if he doesn't communicate that, then that's very frustrating for me because I've been patiently waiting for this time. Because if it doesn't happen then, then I won't see him until bed. Yeah. I feel like that's understandable. No, that's understandable.
That's understandable. That's that's that's you're right. And it's just different communication. the ways that we communicate are important. I think that that's true for For Dave and I, I tend to lock into something and be super focused.
You do too. And I one of our things was I felt like he wasn't present when we were together sometimes. But I can do it too. Dave and I are kind of alike. We have a lot of the same weaknesses, weaknesses, differences.
Mine are weaknesses. Yours are differences. That's what that is. No, but I think, and it could be opposite for men and women, but I know. I can get locked into something and I'm in a project.
And she wants to talk, or and I'm like, I I just right now I'm Can you not see this? And you asked me to do it.
So here I am. Or I'm making money for the family. This is for us. And sometimes you'll just wanna. Yeah, because I want the relationship piece to be so important.
And it is to him. But he's communicating it in a different way. Like, yeah, this is important too, because I'm doing it for us. Yeah. But I'm like, but it doesn't feel like us.
Yeah, yes. How do you balance that? Because I think that's something I'm still learning. I love what Loreen said: like, hey, okay, I get it, but now during this time, during dinner. Lock in, because we see that with our kids and their different personalities too, of how it can frustrate the spouse.
When You have expectations like, okay, for dinner, we're going to talk. And then it doesn't happen. And you have those unmet. Needs that can create then conflict. The question is: do you guys come back and talk about it then?
Like if your feelings are hurt or if it didn't ever happen, that's the key is that constant communication, I think. Without resentment. I would say we do. Yeah. I'm a talker.
I will express my feelings maybe, maybe too well. Me too, Lorraine. Me too. Yeah. Yeah.
But that's that's definitely something where. kind of been working on as well, is just the way she expressed Yeah. Um what she's feeling, sometimes I can feel like I think you're expressing it a little too much. That's one of the differences. Yeah, it's too open or it's too drawn out.
Like in my family, 'cause the way I grew up, it's like we We have meanings all the time.
So if if there's something that's happening that Maybe someone did something wrong, like we all as a family will sit down and have a meeting about it. And someone will go around and just express themselves. Yeah. It's very like o almost office like. Like we just we we just have the opportunity to speak and and speak our mind.
So it's not as emotional, you're saying exactly, it's not as emotional. Yeah, like even for my mom, like she's just, hey, this is what you did. don't do that. This is this, this is that. Maybe with my dad, I don't know how how she did this with my dad, I don't see that up close, but with us she was very here is this, here is that.
So it's very, very chill. It's not the same with my house was the complete opposite. Yeah, we were very passionate. Very passionate. That's the word I was looking for.
Passionate. A lot of passionate. Passionate on the phone, passionate in doorways. It's been a learning curve. I think also for me, In trying to uphold, you know, the verse that says not to let the sun go down on your wrath, I like to talk about it.
Um, but I think sometimes he. Kind of just wants to let it. It or maybe we can come back to it, and that'll only just fester more in me. Like, I'm like, this, like, I don't just wake up and it's a new day, and I forgot about it. Like, it's still very much there.
I don't want to say good morning to you before we talk about it.
So, that's another difference. We're trying to figure out.
Well, that was fun to have Lorene in Emmanuel. I have a whole new appreciation. For her other life, which is her life. You know, you only see her at work and you don't know there's this whole life going on. And the thing that inspired me too, besides their walk with God, their trust in Him, was their community of God.
Like their church life was really. Instrumental. And I feel like that should be true for all of us. It's something you have to make happen. And they're making it happen.
And guess what? We got him back tomorrow. And tomorrow he's pulling out his saxophone. You're not going to want to miss this one. Before we're done today, I just want to remind our listeners that our vision at Family Life is every home a godly home, and we need your help to get there.
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