Cole and Savannah LaBrant just released an autobiographical Christian marriage book entitled "Our Surprising Love Story."
Both offer their unique perspectives on life, partnership and Christianity from their individual perspectives.
When I got my copy in the mail, I'll be perfectly honest with you, I wasn't expecting much. After all, the authors are two young newlyweds who are also huge social media stars with what seems to be a picture-perfect life. How much insight could a couple with seven million YouTube subscribers have about real life?!
I have never been so wrong.
I was quick to judge, and that kept me from really investing myself in the reading at first. But after I laid aside any presuppositions I had about social media influencers, I began to see an authenticity that I didn't anticipate. It was like sitting down and having a conversation with two old friends. Their casual tone makes for reading that is fun and full of life.
I could go on and on about their writing style and use of voice, but what really struck a chord with me was the raw, honest content. Cole and Sav tackle a wide range of topics like long-distance dating, managing finances, healthy vs. unhealthy sexual behaviors, raising children, young marriage, and modern Christianity; topics often ignored for the sake of avoiding awkward conversation or differences of opinion.
As I made my way through the narrative, I found a lot of Cole and Sav's experiences to be very relate-able.
Savannah had to rebuild her identity after a significant other cheated on her; a journey I am currently on. She went through a period of messy familial and romantic relationships and is very honest about how it affects her in her present life and marriage.
Cole talks about growing up in the Bible belt of Alabama and how he learned the difference between "going through the motions" and true worship of Christ. Having been raised in the same area as Cole, I completely understand the struggle to find spiritual authenticity.
Even though Cole and Savannah have different pasts, they found a love much greater than themselves through Christ.
Jesus is their primary commonality. They are very adamant about giving God the credit for their life and relationship. I think this is what sets them apart from the countless other media stars out there, and also, brings their novel together.
They don't just post fun videos and cute photographs for themselves (even though that is how they make their income), but to make Christ known to their audience through their marriage, the raising of their child, and their vlogging lifestyle. It takes great faith and devotion to allow the whole world to see the ups and downs of your life, and the LaBrants do it with grace, love, and transparency.
I would encourage any young person to order this book, sit down with a pen and a highlighter, and allow God to let the story speak to your heart.
Through "Our Surprising Love Story," God has softened my heart, opened my eyes, and allowed me to see that my first impressions of someone are hardly ever accurate and that I can learn something from every human on this earth, no matter how different their life is from mine. Take the journey for yourself; I promise it's worth it.
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