Dear Demetrus,

I am a 42 year old woman and I am still single. I am so tired of my family and friends asking me when I will get married. Truly I would love to get married; however, they are trying to rush it. I bring this up because I met this guy that loves God, has his own business and loves his children. I am very much interested in him but I found out that he was in jail for 7 yrs on an assault charge. This bothers me and my family continues to try to push him off on me. I know that people can change, but I don’t want that violent streak to re-surface and he become violent toward me. So I just stopped dating him. Do you have any advice on this situation?

-“Not Trying To Be Rushed”

Thank you for your question. I understand your concerns about your friend having a previous past. But there’s one thing you said that stands out more than his past, and that’s when you said he loves God. I’m a true believer in the saying actions speak louder than words, and I think that you should observe his actions. It’s easy for a person to say that they have changed but it’s another thing to see that they have changed! If he loves God like you say he does, then God can do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think.

Let his walk convince you not just your family! Ultimately it’s your decision not theirs. I know if God can change a dope boy like me who went to jail for 1st degree attempted murder into a Preacher, then He can also change your friend into something different. And remember this, “the things we’ve done in the past doesn’t make us who we are. But the things we do in the present alters our future.” And that’s Real Talk Sis!!!

- Demetrus

Happy New Years to all my Real Talk readers!!