Soulmates

Soulmates.  It’s a funny word that is found in every romantic comedy and makes love look seemingly easy.  Growing up, I think everyone wants to believe there is one, special person out in the universe that is created for you to spend your life with.  I know I was that person, and after reading For the Right Reasons, I believe that Sean was initially that person, too.  But, life happens along with bruised egos and broken hearts, and it just makes that funny word seem so far away.

So much had to happen in order for Sean to meet Catherine.  He got his heart broken on national television.  She was selected to be on the show.  Sean selected Catherine to go on a date.  Catherine received his final rose.  We know the story.  It would be easy to say that fate brought Sean and Catherine together.  Sean even further humanizes himself and his relationship to say that they, too, have had struggles, but they are both committed to their relationship. 

Let me say this.  I have been happily married for almost three years, and I am madly in love with my husband.  Is everyday easy? No.  Do we sometimes disagree? Yes.  Every real couple goes through challenges and must decide whether to grow together or to grow apart.  As I am getting older and becoming a more seasoned wife, the idea of soulmates seems absolutely non-existent.  We both work hard to make time, support, and love each other.  It isn’t effortless, and I am starting to think that it probably isn’t for anyone.  


*My name is Jessica Binko and I’m a twenty-something teacher in mid-Michigan.  Having been a Bachelor fan since high school, my obsession has followed me through college and now haunts my husband on Monday nights.  

Pre-order Sean's book at http://rightreasonsbook.com/# .  The book will be released on January 27, 2015.  

Imperfections

When I watch the Bachelor, I feel there is this stigma about the men and women on the show.  As these ridiculously good-looking people step out of the limo, go on these romantic and adventurous dates, it is difficult to consider them real people with real problems.  I sometimes imagine how I would act and behave on dates, and I truly think most of my time would be spent hoping that food wasn't caught in my teeth and trying not to trip.  Sean definitely fell into the category of sub-human being categorized by perfection.  Sean humbly identifies how this idea of perfection followed him throughout his life and on the show.  

Sean isn’t the insanely perfect guy that I thought he was, and reading about his imperfections and challenges only makes him more authentic, relatable, and that much more likeable.  It takes courage to candidly discuss your mistakes, missed opportunities, and regrets.  Sean does just that and incorporates his faith in such a way that it is obvious that Christ is the center of his life.   

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

*My name is Jessica Binko and I’m a twenty-something teacher in mid-Michigan.  Having been a Bachelor fan since high school, my obsession has followed me through college and now haunts my husband on Monday nights.     

For the Right Reasons

For the Right Reasons is an autobiographical story written by Sean Lowe that discusses how the path of his life led him to The Bachelorette and to becoming the ultimate bachelor.  This easy-to-read, conversational text was less like reading a book and more like listening to Sean tell a story filled with juicy life details and a behind-the-scenes look at reality television.  I swear I could hear his voice in my head as I was reading! 

Even though I finished reading in two days, it is impossible to discuss the depth of this book, how well it was written, and all of the important themes in one post.  Throughout the next few days, I’ll write a few posts on some of the most interesting elements.

Whether you’re a Bachelor fan or just a sucker for love and faith, this is a well-written book that will completely suck you in until the last page.  Pre-order at http://rightreasonsbook.com/# .  The book will be released on January 27, 2015.  

*My name is Jessica Binko and I’m a twenty-something teacher in mid-Michigan.  Having been a Bachelor fan since high school, my obsession has followed me through college and now haunts my husband on Monday nights.