Love, Commitment, and Faith: The Inspiring Love Story of Bria and Eric
On a peaceful late Monday morning, I am sitting in the office, excitedly waiting to talk with Bria and Eric. This is the second couple I have had the opportunity to talk to and learn about their amazing love story. After a few minutes of waiting, Bria’s voice is the first to break the silence on the conference line. A mental health professional, she greets with a warm and enthusiastic “hello,” her voice echoing with the vibrancy of her spirit. Moments later, Eric joins the call, his voice steady and confident, reflecting his passion as a technologist and mentor.
Bria and Eric are embarking on 7 years of marriage, brought together by shared faith and a deep devotion to one another. Their love story, while unique, is a testament to the power of commitment, purpose, and faith in the face of adversity.
Bria responds first to my question, her voice filled with nostalgia, as she explains how she and Eric met. “I was 11 or 12 at the time. Our families knew each other through ministry, so we would see enough together occasionally in our childhood years,” she shared. “I just remember Eric always having a smile and a lot of positive energy. That smile, that energy, it’s still there.”
Eric reminisces about their early meetings. He recalls his first impression of Bria, who was then a shy yet imposing young girl. “She didn’t say a whole lot, but had a lot of presence,” Eric shares. “I remember the first time I met her, she had a bracelet on, and I was like, oh, what is that bracelet about?” He soon discovered it was a medical bracelet indicating that Bria had type one diabetes. This detail, along with many others, all contributed to his growing adoration of her.
Their paths would later cross again in college, an occurrence neither had anticipated. During one of their initial phone conversations, Bria realized the depth of her feelings for Eric. “I think I knew a certainty about us, but I wanted God to make the call,” she admits, revealing her deep-rooted faith.
Eric expresses a similar sentiment, admitting he saw a potential future with Bria early on. A notable moment for him was when Bria sent him a love letter on a USB drive. As a tech enthusiast, he appreciated this unique approach. “Only someone who truly knows me, would know that I would appreciate this medium,” he muses.
As the conversation continues, the couple share some of the challenges they have faced in their marriage, including career changes, fertility challenges, and loss of loved ones. They’ve weathered many storms. Bria shared, “My father passed away a year ago.”. Eric has experienced unexpected occupational changes, afflicted by tech layoffs. Amidst the challenges, their commitment to each other and their faith have helped them navigate through these difficult times.
When asked what impresses him most about Bria, Eric doesn’t hesitate to praise her creativity. “She has the ability to put things together in a way that I’ve never seen before,” he says proudly. Bria, in turn, admires Eric’s unending positivity and optimism, qualities she believes have been instrumental in navigating their resilient and purposeful marriage.
The conversation then shifts to the topic of negative societal perceptions around millennial marriage and media debates, which distract many from experiencing the tenacious beauty that marriage can become when two are committed to covenant. Bria and Eric offer advice to those who might be feeling confused in their argument to marry or exclude the idea altogether. Bria emphasizes the importance of invested self-love and counseling beforehand, while Eric encourages young men to seek guidance from mentors and role models to journey through marriage successfully.
Throughout the interview, the couple’s faith is a recurring theme. Their faith has played a pivotal role in their relationship and marriage. They view their union not just as a personal commitment but also as a covenant with God, soberly appreciating the depth and sacredness of their bond.
Towards the end of the interview, the couple shares their desire for their love story to inspire others. They hope to show that although love and marriage are not without their challenges, they are worth it, when healthily invested. They also emphasize the importance of genuinely enjoying each other’s company and making an effort to keep the relationship fun and exciting.
In addition to their personal love story, Bria and Eric also share their collective mission. They aim to support other couples by providing resources through their website. They also enjoy speaking at conferences, including the Love Harder Marriage Conference, where they’ve offered guidance on becoming the right partner, choosing the right partner and nurturing a healthy relationship.
As the interview ends, Bria and Eric reflect on the impact they hope to make. They’re committed to their marriage mission statement, which states, “To nurture a thriving existence, The Browns embrace love, joy, and Godly direction; harmonizing their unique energies to brighten the world.” They embody the “Consideration, respect, and celebration of individualistic qualities that make up a phenomenal union”.
