After 2 years of courting a guy from another state we are getting married. He bought a house and desires to get married, we have a date in 2022.

I've done long distance with people in the U.S. and outside. Here's my opinion. For anyone who is concerned about cheating, lack of trust, etc., you can have those same issues locally. So, those two reasons, don't confirm that "LDR doesn't work". However, LDR can be come a fantasy overtime, which is why I am giving some rules that I think should be applied. This was lessons I've learned and some things I did right: 1. Both parties need to be on the same page--Are you both marriage minded? Is one person just "wanting to have fun" and the other wants marriage? Gasp! Guess what? It won't work. 2. Both parties should be in a place in life where they are financially, mentally, and spiritually stable with God. I don't recommend a college student and a CEO of a company to get into one. Obviously, you can see why. I am not against age gaps, when appropriate. I am against when both parties are not on the same page in life. 3. Both people need to contribute to the relationship. It shouldn't be one person sending gifts, calling more, texting more, visiting more, etc. This is clearly one sided. This will REALLY happen if things are off balance, see #2. 4. I strongly believe the man should visit the woman first. This shows that he is pursuing the woman. I promise you. Ladies, don't let a man talk you to visiting them first. You will look like a clown. Trust me. (If he complains about finances, once again--he is not ready). Men, if you can't visit the woman first, you're not ready, or not into her. Admit it. Men are action oriented. They want something, they go get it, and THEN, they talk. The ONLY exception I will give are COVID restrictions. 5. The f2f should be done with 1-2 months. Anything after that, I think things should be null and void. You NEED to meet. After, both of you set a visitation schedule. I think quarterly is minimum. I recommend be once to every two months. 5.2 Both parties can't be broke doing it! Otherwise, it will lead to #3 and #4. 6. When meeting, get a hotel. Do not stay in the same place. This allows sexual temptation, one night stands, etc. to be off the table. Honestly, I recommend both parties being celibate until marriage and discuss upfront no sex. Now, this doesn't guarantee the other person will slip up. I've had celibate men try to make sexual moves on me, in person. So, stay sharp. How you can tell? Does he/she always say how much you turn them on? Do the conversations get sexual quickly? I'm not saying Christians can't discuss sexual expectations FOR A MARRIAGE, but not in depth. (Ladies, do not let the man get you to stay at his place, and men, don't offer your place to hers--you both don't know each other enough)! 7. Communicate daily! You will need to communicate a LOT more than something local. I say, FaceTime, WhatsApp camera, etc. You need that FaceTime (face time). 8. One person can end the relationship, at any time. It's not a marriage. 9. During visitations, you should be courting each other into marriage. Visiting families, friends, etc. Learn as much as you can. You shouldn't be a secret. 10. Personally, LDR isn't meant to be permanent. One of you needs to move! Once again, I strongly believe it should be the woman moving towards the man's location. Why? This shows that he is taking her in as a wife, and he is stable. He has a roof over her head, etc. He asks her to be his wife (favored by God). They get married. She moves in. Movement should occur when an engagement is made. Yes, an engagement. Not this foolish bf/gf living together nonsense. Then the woman makes plans to move. But, don't move in the home until you're married. Make plans as in packing, rearranging life, etc. 11. Based off 10, with LDR, things will have to move faster than something local. I say within 18-24 months (1.5 to 2 years range), there should be marriage. If not, I think both parties need to break ties. LDR moves differently than something local. You can't do it for 5 years vs. something local--even something local, it shouldn't be 5 years! 12. If your partner is a foreigner, you need to screen EXTRA hard to make sure you don't get used. How to tell? Are they rushing things to marriage? Are they professing you're they spouse and you JUST met and only spoke once, not even in person? Have you noticed they spend a LOT of time online chatting with several parties of the opposite sex? Do they tell you they're always in a new relationship once a week? Are all the people they date are from other countries? Do they give a sob story about their financial hardships, and you, happened to have money and/or be well established financially? These are clear signs of GREEN CARD/CITIZENSHIP ALERT. RUN. DO NOT PASS GO. 🏃‍♀️

Ladies, it ain't the lack of men nor is the issue your geography. It's you. Become the kind of woman that can attract the kind of man you desire. God will bring you a quality man when you become that quality woman. The same goes for men

"Distance demands Discernment." ~ RC Blakes, Jr. Ooh that's gold right there!!!!

I think people should keep their personal lives and especially relationships off the internet/ social media... When God sends Boaz, our personal life, WILL not be for the public👍🏾... Love last, when you keep the world out your business... And yes Bishop, I will start to swim out further and get off this shore, Boaz I assume, is out in the deep, he would have to be, very passionate, committed, faithful an serious about me .etc,. Great analogies. Powerful message. Thx!

I'm in a long distance relationship and to be honest it feel uncomfortable to me but I just ask God to protect me and guide me

This is amazing... I'm in a LDR now... and we are dating for marriage. What makes me love him is that he loves Yah. And he's checking boxes that he doesn't realize. He pays attention he consistent... and we have not touched. And we agree that it's not happening until honeymoon night....Im excited.

I share the same thoughts. I don't like being smothered. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. I'm not needy like that. Knowing someone on a spiritual level is what's important to me way before I meet him.

You gotta listen. You got to allow one another speak to understand what's on one another's mind. Facts ❤.

This is very timely for me as I just got into a long-distance relationship. I'm in Canada and he's in the U.S. So far it's going very well as we have been questioning each other about everything! I have also been asking some of bishop's questions from previous videos. We are planning a great future together with God in the relationship. Thank you for this video Bishop Blakes.

This is very relevant now, more than ever where economic realities dictate where people move to, to earn their daily bread. It would be helpful to know how relationships can survive and thrive across the miles.

I met my husband online in 2017. He lived 3 hours away. We fell in love & married in 2019. I couldn't find a man who was a match with me prior to meeting him. We both love the Lord deeply. We still live 3 hours apart & visit very often. Our marriage is very happy. Our marriage does not meet the "cookie cutter" model. However, it meets both of our needs & is an example of love & commitment over a short distance. I communicate better with him better than I do with anyone else I have ever met before in my life. I admire him & adore him. He understands me better than anyone else ever has in my life. He treats me like a Queen. Our families accept our distance marriage.

I'm 99.9 % sure I met my husband we met online at farmers only 🤭he's in south Carolina and me in North Carolina only 3 hours we talk every day and see each other 3 times a week he's a gentleman and A man of God after a week we both decided to be committed to one another 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💕💕💕

I'm still impressed how you (pastor Blakes) may live in a different life situation, yet manage to put yourself in other people's shoes and come up with such wisdom. 🙏

Preach. I’m in a long distance relationship and we have to be financially stable because it costs money to meet up and travel. We take trips and spend time in hotels and explore different places and we need money to do those things. I’m in Missouri and he’s in South Carolina. We enjoy each other very much while we are together but we focus on our own lives and very much goal oriented while away. I look forward to seeing him and hate it when we don’t have anything scheduled on the calendar. I pray he’s my future husband but will not relocate without an engagement at least. Thanks for the advice about being accountable and being faithful while your partner is present and away.

You are so precise, informative and direct. Every woman, no matter race or background, will and can benefit from your advice.❤️🙌

Listening to this is blessing me. Recently started communicating with someone who lives 4 hours away. We're different culturally ( He's Nigerian and I'm a southern girl from Louisiana residing now in Texas). We communicate well and can talk about EVERYTHING! There's some non-negotiables We're both standing on but ultimately we both desire to be married ( him again and me 1st time) so we are just showing interest and getting to know each other. Keep us in prayer because I'm excited but also discerning and careful 🙏🏽 Bishop is such a blessing 🙌🏾

You always have so much of grandma’s wisdom and you speak truth and love. You have educated me so much, thank you, Bishop!! God bless your family! Thank you for speaking the truth!!

Long distance relationships aren’t real to men. They are visual. Don’t persue ladies

I'm in a long distance relationship and found this so comforting and informative, I appreciate your videos so much. Thank you for the lovely prayer, amen indeed 😊

The long distance relationship vs long distance interests 🎯

My first marriage was long distance. He got his greencard then ran away. I was 19. My advice for dating or marrying an outsider: Dont

The first long distance relationship teaching that I heard and biblical. Great message

23:00 #3: distance allows infatuation to burn off quickly. Preach Bishop Blakes!

Wouldn't advise it,especially not with poets with mental disorders. Had a really bad experience but God got me through it and was a long distance relationship

i'm in Distance relation ship can't wait to hear it.

This has to be the best message on long distance relationship I’ve ever heard! More so that I’m not sure if I’m in one or it’s just an interest from my side

Brother RC you really bring the knowledge, the love, the wisdom and common sense. Thank you for telling, teaching and informing us on how to be good to ourselves and others.

I finally got you live, I was just looking at your videos every night and day.I know God has anointed you for this ministry to help us Queens and Kings ,you are the best relationship advisor such wisdom, love you and Lisa and your ministry and you all are in my prayers 🙏❤️

Thank you pastor Blake's I really needed this and I passed it on to my so called fiancee willie who work over the road But lives in Tenn and I in Ny. I said to him all the things you said. Thank GOD FOR CONFIRMATION.

Thank you for this topic. God sent. I’m in U. S. My husband in Africa. It is working. Each time I return to the states, I can reflect, reset, and work on self. Making me a better partner each time I go to Africa.

Just on time with this one im currently in a long distance relationship with someone from Africa we've been together now for a year and half we met through a good friend of mine and we both weren't looking to be in a relationship let along somone from overseas we connected and both feel that this was fate,but there needs to be alot of communication and trust also being loyal and honest with eachother,thank you for this informative video🙏💞⚘

I've just heard truths and I'm actually experiencing some. May God continue to endow you with wisdom...amen.

Greatful to be single loving God and loving myself. Right now my self-care is the best care. A man that find a wife is a good thing. Not looking not searching. Just into with myself and Jesus

This was the BEST gift I received this year!!! Thanks from the bottom of my heart Pastor Blakes!!! This was phenomenal guidance!!!!🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 God Bless you and Lady Lisa 4ever!

Yessss amazing topic! Setting my reminder now so that I can chime in.

Thank you for this teaching. Personally, it was very timely and helped bring clarity to my situation. Much love and God Bless you and yours. ❤️

Communication is key 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽you have to be in the same page👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💕💕💕amen!!

Thank Bishop RC Blakes for the teaching! God's BLESSINGS be with you!

This is so on time pastor. Thank you for this message!

Yes over communicate you have to ask the honest questions and hold the person accountable, money spent on traveling etc is not necessary if there's no real commitment noted by both persons, I would send this video too!!!

Oh dannnnng the social media hit hard …. He wouldn’t even allow a post about us … we are done now but could of saved me breaking my own heart if I heard this 3 months ago ❤️

Bishop RC Blake you're truly a big blessing in my life. I learn from you

Just great! Many of the things you say are very much what I always do! You are heavily anointed and blessed with the strong knowledge and wisdom that only comes from Jehovah God!!

Thank u Father. This was a long awaiting video!! Really enjoyed this!

Thank you Pastor Blake this topic was right on point!!!!! This is where I find myself today: in a long distance relationship 🙏thank you !!!!

Excellent video Pastor, AS ALWAYS. Thank you SO much for your heart, wisdom, and guidance 💜. Oh, and I finally ordered the Father Daughter Talk book!!! ❤

Thank you for another great message. God only knows when the timing is right.

Bless this channel Lord Jesus and bless everyone who stops by to fellowship Amen.⛪✝️💯👍😇🙏

Bishop, as always you hit the nail on the head with the imperatives part! Mastering the communication and your money being right is essential! Thank you for stating that. I thought I was the only one who thought that way. God bless

I definitely can’t wait 👏🏾👏🏾Thank you Bishop

This msg is powerful..nd everythin the bishop says I agree with nd is true..I can't recall anythin the he has said tht wasn't true..he's full of wisdom nd knowledge. God bless u bishop. U will live long to keep teaching us. I neva knew these things before u started teachin us. I'm happy tht I have found u on social media.

Thank you so much a much needed word. I'm blessed to have crossed your path on FB. Your teachings r forever needed.. May God continue to bless you n first lady Lisa

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this. So much interested. Thank u, God bless!

Cheers, can see pros and cons, I'm a quality timer in my love language I'd struggle with long distance!!! Why oh why are our soul mates across the other side of the world sometimes?

Thank You for this message. It's much needed.

The honesty presented in this conversation is appreciated! The prospective presented is valuable, especially since you've experienced it within your marriage. Thank you for sharing insights of consideration that some may not even consider... COSTS. Be Blessed in JESUS NAME!

This is great teaching lot of people doesn't want to hear the truth. Thank you Pastor RC Blakes.

This is so on point as to what my guy and I spoke about concerning our ld relationship .. transparency and communication is key

Will always love the intro music Not sure this is my message but i support everything you do Its always amazing Always needed Thank you for all you do

I honestly cannot wait for this!!!

AMEN THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOU WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND WISDOM 🙌🙌🙌

Thanks you so much I am on the right track with this long distance relationship. We are getting married in july 2022. God bless you

Thank you for sharing on this topic pastor ,it means a lot to me, again wondering teaching, God bless

Thanks Rev. Blake's ❤️, great and encouraging message.

You are so on point ! I really appreciate this message tonight.. thank so much and I'm looking forward to listening again....👍👍👍❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

Thank you Bishop. This is so much information. Thanks a million 👏👏

Thank you for this message Bishop Blakes!

Oh my goodness. Master communication. I love ❤️ this.

Pastor Blakes,, bravo! you have clarified many of the issues that my and my sweetie face and communicate daily! You touched on them all! even a few we missed! My sweetie is quite wise, im semi wise😄

My girl sent this to me and we are doing long distance and this answered so many questions and things for me

Thank you Bishop for this message iam a widow of five years and two years ago I got on a dateing website I can say I want to try a long distance relationship because I was not ready for a relationship here in my state so I started a long distance conversation the beginning did not work but now iam in a year long distance going good we learn about each other first it begins spiritual we are compatible the Energy is good laugh smile no sexual because have not met in person but have FaceTime video now we wo meet in person for the Christmas Hoilday we make each other laugh and the conversation is about what we want out of this relationship thank you Bishop fir you wisdom words 💜😇🙏

Thank you for that, this has been an eye opening. To to a certain relationship that I had for 21 years. We had interest in each other. He lived in Dallas Texas. And I live in Toronto Canada. We have two children together. And I always wanted to build a family. But I think that what happen over time the long distance broke the communication barrier. And I think one person wanted it and the other person wanted to continue to play the field. I didn’t want to end it but he decided to move on after 2 1/2 years not seeing me he told me to MoveOn. I thought that was a joke I wasted a lot of my time. But overall I got some great insight on now moving forward how I would do things differently. I think God for that person to shed the quality man that I want for my life and the person who is deserving of my love. So thank you so much.

Can’t wait to hear it

I'm loving this already 🔥

Thank you my brother. Just what i needed.. 🙏🏽

Thanks for your time and effort in this ministry

Bishop we appreciate u too nd ur special to us..we jus love ur topics.

Amen Bishop. Divine order is key!!♥️

Bless this word !

I am in a long distance relationship with a man who is so incredibly special. Based on your video, it sounds like we’re on the right track. There are so many challenges we face by being apart, but we work them out together, and it strengthens us for when we can finally be together.

Always on time!!!!!

Good morning God's people!!! Happy Thursday!!!! I've tried this many years ago. Would love to hear what Pastor Blakes thinks about LDR!

I’m so ready!

Thank you pastor. This was timely.

Thank you pastor! Watching from Philippines ❤❤❤ God bless you more 🙏🙏🙏

Thank you for your wise and kind and right words!

Appreciate! Appreciate so relevant thank You Bishop

Listen y’all there is a Big Beautiful world out there come out of those boxes

Just want to add…..I love the beautiful classy music; it sound like relaxing and meditation music.

✔️ Yes Indeed. "Unreal" or "Real". Time will tell! ✔️ Thank you Bishop✌🏾

Pastor you are so on point

Thank you so much, God bless you. You’re definitely used by God in this ministry:)

LAWDDDDDDD!!!! I really take him so serious, but when he started talking about be broke, I lost it😂😂😂 that was such a good point. But its still something about the way he says "BROKE" 😂😂😂 keep preaching/teaching Bishop.

God blessed, you have such great wisdom and clarity. Message so clear and to the point that it brought much understanding. Jesus merciful jesus. God is good

This was some great information.

I agree with you wholeheartedly! Yes sometimes you have to change geographically. It’s alright to look into other men who are of different backgrounds too! 😊 I love my Korean men so I’m sure there is someone for me. He just have to live around my surrounding area 😂

Good stuff Pastor Blakes

Amazing as always bishop 😍😍

👏🏾 talk. LD, to me, isn't real. You can call and video talk, but without the ability for immediate contact...it's a fantasy. He can talk to you and be out the door to take her on a date knowing you're hours/states away, so definitely make regular visits (own hotel room) and have options. Relocating may be absolutely necessary to expose yourself to better options and cultures. Another country, don't get used for citizenship. *Background checks.*