When I fell in love with Daniel, I knew his mother was a prominent church leader. What I didn’t expect was that our engagement would become her personal crusade – with our relationship hanging in the balance.
The Heavenly Courtship
At first, Pastor Deborah seemed supportive:
• She “coincidentally” scheduled our dates around church events
• Gave sermons about “Godly relationships” that mirrored our timeline
• Insisted we complete her 12-week “Marriage Readiness” course
“I thought it was sweet,” Daniel said. “She just wants what’s best.”
The Unholy Ultimatum
Everything changed when we got engaged. Deborah:
• Demanded we sign a “Purity Pledge” verifying no premarital intimacy
• Required my baptism records and tithing history
• Announced our wedding would be at her megachurch – with her officiating
When I suggested a small beach ceremony? She quoted scripture about “rebellious women.”
The Breaking Point
The final straw came when Deborah:
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Replaced our chosen vows with her “approved” version
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Banned alcohol at the reception (“Temptation of the flesh”)
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Tried to veto my non-Christian bridesmaids
Daniel’s response? “Mom’s just being Mom.”
My Crisis of Faith
Now I’m torn between:
• Walking away from 3 years with the man I love
• Marrying into a lifetime of religious surveillance
• Pretending compliance while losing myself
As our wedding date looms, I keep wondering – am I marrying Daniel, or his mother’s congregation?