I lent my copy of the SoulMate DVD to a friend, who lent it to one of his friends and so on. The film is probably making its way around Brooklyn. I don't actually know who is holding it now, but that might be a good thing.
If you start seeing a lot of hits on the website from Brooklyn, you can assume I was the root cause.
Seriously, though. My friend is a twice divorced black male and he is considering (or rather is feeling pressure to consider) a third trip to the altar. Before giving him the film, he had mentioned that he wasn't interested in marrying again; what he wanted was a long term committed relationship. So I asked him what was the difference and he said "nothing."
Then I asked him if "girlfriend love" was the same as "wife love." His response was that some bf/gf relationships are stronger than that of many husbands and wives. Then I gave him the DVD.
He called to get permission to pass it on. In that conversation, he said that your documentary changed his views, somewhat, and that he can see more reasons to get married and stay married. He also mentioned that it was better that he watched the DVD alone rather than in a group.
In marketing your film, you may find that his experience is not unique. The trick is to find a means of getting this film in the hands of un-attached black men without alienating them. The issues are deep.
-- H. M., Brooklyn
I am a single, black female aged 46. One of my Bible Study Partners brought the DVD to me as I lay recovering from a hysterectomy. I have watched the DVD about seven or eight times - I have lost track. Know that you have all changed my life. I learned so much and the information gave me the courage to do something about a going nowhere relationship. My Bible Study Group consists of seven black single women one in their early thirties (our baby) and the others aged 43 - 46. It was if Mrs. Wiley had been attending our Bible Studies. It was good to know that we are not alone. We are encouraged that we are on the right track, seeking God first and leaving it all up to him. Sometimes even though we know what is the right thing to do we need to hear it from an impartial source. –
M.R. – Nassau, Bahamas
I have just watch the film and was truly moved and inspired. I was greatly comforted to know that i am not alone and it is an issue that is also in the United States. We, over here, have the same issue with our churches that are full with single christian professional women and hardly any brothers in-sight. what a lot of us are asking ourselves is are we all going to be single?......... in the mean time the sensible ones among us we are furthering our education, buying property but most importantly staying faithful to God. Developing a fulfilling relationship with God can fill any void, focusing totally on the 'Husband thing' will leave no place for God, and with out Him nothing will work.
I Thank God for allowing you to make such a film. It is truly inspiring.
-- AnnMarie, United Kingdom
I just wanted to say that I hosted a viewing in my home lasted month of the film "Soulmate." My friends, male and female, loved it. We got a chance to talk about what we thought the black relationship was coming to and what contributed to it's (our) failures. The ages of the audience members ranged from 25 to 40. We really had a good time. They didn't leave my place until 1:30 am!
So, I just wanted to let you know that this film is truly making a statement by simply setting the platform to talk about the African American male and female and what's happening to our relationships.
-- Rashada, Chicago
I just wanted to tell you that I believe that the DVD is truly "God-ordained." It is very comprehensive and I've made several purchases to share with my friends (both single and married). I'm a licensed attorney here in New York and am presently obtaining my Masters in Christian Counseling at Nyack College. I also plan to share the DVD with a couple of my professors whom the Lord had used to bless my life. God bless you for your obedience and courage to obey. I pray that the blessings of the Lord will continually be with you and each person involved in the making of this much needed teaching. I pray that the Holy Spirit will minister to the heart of each person who purchases, views and shares the DVD with others.
-- Shawnee, New York
I absolutely loved the film. I cried within the first 15 minutes of watching it - the statistics are too real!! I do think that Singles are often preached to, talked about, misunderstood and minimally ministered to. I am quite vocal about some of the stereotypes that singles, especially women, get in terms of hoping and scoping, snooping and looking, laying and praying. Truth is, some are and many are not. The reality is what is shown on your film and how we address it and deal realistically with it.
Thank you so much for you candor and those of the other
ladies. We are planning to show the film at our Women's
retreat as our workshop is "SOULMATE" – D. Bailey,
Orlando
My sister ordered your documentary,
"SoulMate", a couple of weeks ago. I just want to commend
you on a job well done. Your documentary is inspirational as
well as educational. I have shared this documentary with my
friends and family. Everyone said that the documentary was
inspiring, very interesting, and informative. Thank you for
sharing your God-given talent with us. Please feel free to
use this letter as a testimony because I know that many
lives will be changed and blessed by this film. God Bless
you. -- Cathy M., Blenheim
I THINK THIS VIDEO IS VERY GOOD NOT ONLY AN EYE OPENER FOR WOMEN BUT FOR MEN AS AS WELL !!
-- John K., Las Vegas
Dear Andrea:
I strongly believe that God wants women everywhere to make better choices for their life in dealing with men. Let's face it, we have an epidemic in our culture that is destroying the very fabric of what used to be a very strong integrity concerning abstinence, marriage and relationships in general. We've never been a perfect people, but we did once exemplify the model of what this integrity stood for. At one point, "Black "Women just weren't willing to compromise themselves for anything. This is one of the main reasons "Black Men" began migrating to "White Women."
What we're now seeing are women (at all levels) making deadly choices just to be in a relationship, i.e. hooking up with the wrong "Black Men"; selfish individuals who don't care about anyone besides themselves. And now as a result, Aids is causing massive destruction amongst "African American Women" given to them by these same unworthy men; Men abandoning their responsibility to the women they've impregnated which has subsequently resulted in high percentages of single parenting. In essence, there are a certain number of "Black Men" that are virtually getting away with murder. In fact, one might even look at it from this perspective because the souls of "Black Women" are being murdered throughout this process.
I will surely do whatever I can to help in the battle and will gladly offer whatever wisdom the Lord has given me to help the cause. My mother was one of these women, and by doing so honors both God and her memory. To God be the credit and I pray that any woman reading these very words would be called to an understanding that will enlighten them throughout their lives.
-- Antonio, Los Angeles
