The Butterfly Effect—a concept from chaos theory—suggests that small actions or decisions can lead to monumental outcomes. Looking back on how Sandy and I met, I see this effect at work in every detail of our story. God took what seemed like random moments and used them to guide us to each other, ultimately building a marriage that has lasted over two decades.
In 2001, I was in a tough place. My first marriage had ended the year before, and I was weighed down by guilt, shame, and depression. In an effort to inspire myself, I began looking up inspirational quotes online. As I scrolled through poorly designed websites, a thought struck me: “I could create something better than this.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but this was a nudge from God.
On April 15, 2001, I launched a website called Inspiration 4 Everyone, filled with quotes, poems, and Christian jokes. Within months, the site grew to over 1,000 pages and attracted significant traffic—36,000 unique visitors in the first five months. Little did I know that this project would play a role in connecting me to Sandy.
The Journey to Find “The One”
Later that year, I discovered a Christian singles dating site offering a 14-day free trial. Intrigued, I signed up, not planning to pay but eager to chat with like-minded women. When the trial ended, I didn’t want to lose access. Thinking outside the box, I pitched the site’s affiliate program. I offered to promote them through Inspiration 4 Everyone in exchange for a free membership. Amazingly, they agreed, and I was back in the game.
Fast forward to February 2, 2002. I was browsing profiles when I stumbled upon Sandy’s. Strangely, she didn’t have a photo, something I usually avoided. But something compelled me to say “Hi” anyway. I later learned she had only logged in to delete a message and was seconds from logging off when my message stopped her.
We started chatting, and almost immediately, she mentioned her plans to move after finishing school. Jokingly, I said, “You could always move to Savannah.” To my surprise, she responded, “That could be a possibility.” This was huge for me because most women I’d spoken to were unwilling to relocate, and finding someone local back then was rare.
The Question That Changed Everything
Then came the question that had scared off countless women before her: “If it were possible to live a 24/7 marriage to build a legacy together, would you consider that?” To my amazement, Sandy didn’t dismiss it. She said, “I’ve never heard of that kind of marriage, but if it’s even remotely possible, that would be awesome.” In that moment, I knew—she was the one God had whispered about.
Two days later, on February 4th, we talked on the phone for hours, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. By February 18th, just 16 days after our first chat, we set a wedding date: October 5, 2002. Sandy flew down to meet me on March 4th, and while it might sound crazy, we just knew. We were walking in faith, trusting that God had orchestrated this connection.
Lessons from Our Story
- God Works Through the Smallest Details
What seemed like a random decision to create a website was part of a divine plan. Every small choice, every step of faith, brought us closer to the moment we’d meet.
Reflection: Are you paying attention to the seemingly small nudges God places in your life?
- Trust God’s Timing and Guidance
When I felt prompted to look for my wife online, it didn’t make sense at first. But God had a plan, and He made it clear when I met Sandy.
Reflection: How can you lean into God’s guidance, even when it doesn’t make sense?
- Faith Requires Bold Steps
Setting a wedding date before meeting in person might sound crazy, but we trusted God and His leading. That leap of faith laid the foundation for our marriage.
Reflection: What bold step is God asking you to take in your relationships or life?
22 Years and Counting
This October, Sandy and I celebrated 22 incredible years of marriage. Our journey has been anything but ordinary, filled with challenges, growth, and God’s unmistakable hand. The Butterfly Effect shows how small actions can lead to life-changing outcomes, and our story is proof of that.
I wouldn’t change a thing about my past because every moment—good and bad—led me to Sandy and the life we’ve built together. If you’re in a season of waiting or wondering, trust that God is working behind the scenes. He’s writing a story for you that’s more beautiful than you can imagine.
Your story might not look like ours, but I hope it inspires you to trust in God’s plan, embrace the small nudges, and take bold steps of faith. You never know what incredible things are waiting on the other side.
Living a God-Inspired Marriage,
Chris
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