Source: YouTube

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard at least a tiny tidbit about Meagan Good’s courtship and marriage to her Hollywood executive hubby DeVon Franklin. What made their relationship stand out so much in the sea of other Hollywood unions was how openly they discussed their decision to practice celibacy before tying the knot. During a recent interview with Let’s Pray TV, the newlyweds were asked about how they were able to discipline themselves to refrain from having sex before their wedding night.

“I had made a commitment of celibacy a long time before her [Meagan] and I had started dating. What motivated the commitment is also what helped me to keep it once we started dating. As you all know I preach and what happened was, I was kind of living a double life. I was preaching one Gospel, but then not living it. Trying to be two people started tearing me apart. I was like ‘Man, this just does not feel good in my spirit.’ So here I am doing this with this one woman and I’m going out preaching something different. Once I got out of that relationship, I made a commitment to God, ‘Once I’m out Lord, I’m done and I’m not going to do this until I’m married.’ I need to live in peace and I can’t live as two different people. So the desire for peace and harmony was the motivator. The other thing was the thought that if for some reason my disobedience were to disqualify me from God’s purpose for my life, would the activity that I was engaging in be worth it?” DeVon expressed.

“When Meagan and I got together I was already pretty strong in my walk and my commitment. Now this is Meagan Good so I had to do some prayer. I had to know myself and say ‘Alright, we just gonna hug right now and maybe kiss ya on the cheek.’ You have to know yourself. You have to be honest with your triggers. You also have to be vocal about your commitment. We talked about it. I didn’t know she was on that page, but I was blessed to learn that she was and it was just a matter of helping her stay strong in it,” he continued.

His honesty is refreshing, especially since some church folk like to pretend that they’ve been saved, sanctified, holy ghost-filled and baptized in the blood of the lamb since they left their mama’s womb!

Turn the page for footage of their chat and to hear Meagan share how she stuck with her commitment.  Thoughts?

In an interview with theJasmineBrand, fine actor Laz Alonso talked with the site about the future of the NBC drama Deception, which he stars on alongside Meagan Good. The show was getting a lot of buzz when it started. Good looking cast, pretty good storyline, black lead–what could go wrong?  But in all honesty, ratings for Deception began to dip pretty quickly after its premiere in January, starting off strong with more than 5 million viewers and dipping to 3 million by the time the season finale came around. And as we know from NBC’s track record, if a drama isn’t clocking big figures consistently, they’re not going to put money towards any more episodes. Undercovers anyone? In the site’s interview with Alonso, he seemed just as confused about whether the show will get a second chance as we are, but he’s definitely keeping it positive and has his fingers crossed:

“We will find out in May if we got season 2. We have our fingers crossed, you know Megan and myself. We appreciate all the support we got this year. I mean people love the show and you know we will see what happens.  We have good feelings that we will be back for a season 2.”

He also opened up about rumors that he might be practicing celibacy and got inspired by Good and her husband, Devon Franklin. While he claims he didn’t plan to, he says that if he decides to, that’s his business, and he won’t make it public like some people we know…:

I wasn’t, but if it was something that I considered, that is something that I would keep to myself. That is something very personal.  But I was asked on a red carpet that Megan and her husband practiced celibacy before they got married, if that is something that I would consider and I said yeah. If it is something that meant a lot to the woman that I was in love with and that was a vow that she had with God, I would respect that and be patient. That’s what it was and it just got blown out of proportion.

Well, as for Deception, let’s keep our fingers crossed like Alonso since we can never grow weary of seeing such a good looking man on our television screen every week–especially a talented one. But alas, we’ll have to wait and see what NBC has in mind.

Click over to theJasmineBrand to see the video interview in full and see more of the actor.

Source: WENN

Deception star and newly wed Meagan Good has lived out much of her fairytale-esque love story with hubby DeVon Franklin in the public eye. She has shared it all, from expressing that God informed her that the next man to seriously enter her life would be her mate, to DeVon’s shocking proposal and even the couple’s decision to practice celibacy until they were officially husband and wife. In a recent post on her WhoSay page, the actress blogged about what she’s learned about marriage so far and why it’s important to hold out for Mr. Right, as opposed to settling for Mr. Right Now. Her post reads:

“Marriage.. It’s very interesting.. I’ve come to a lot of revelation in the last couple months… One thing amazing that I learned is: sometimes the things that we want God to do in our lives -he won’t do- until we committed to The life partner that he has for us. (I’m not saying that everyone is intended to be married or that this is a fact for everybody) But I’m saying in my case and I believe in many others- Marriage truly makes you a better person and truly improves your walk with God. I actually believe that overall marriage is intended to build your character-And as a result if you choose it -your relationship with God.

Since my marriage- blessings have overflowed in my life and peace of mind has increased in the way I never could’ve perceived.. And the things that are happening now -I realize needed to happen, and maybe ‘only’ could’ve happened correctly with positive results, with my life partner and husband. It’s true: blessings do rain down when you’re Obedient.. And when you allow the ‘right’ person to be the person that you spend your life with..

Don’t settle people for less than God’s best. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve gone through- God has a purpose for your life … Seek him in all you do and you will come to realize that you will not be disappointed .. And remember that his timing and his plan is more perfect and better than timing or plan you ever had.”

Are you digging Meagan’s advice?

Jazmine Denise is a news writer for Madame Noire. Follow her on Twitter @jazminedenise.

Source: WENN

When news broke that sultry actress, Meagan Good would be marrying God-fearing minister and movie executive, DeVon Franklin, people almost instantly began to nitpick and imply that Meagan was somehow unfit to marry the preacher because of her spicy image. DeVon recently expressed how shocked he was at the  judgmental reactions of the public and warned that they should probably work on their own relationship with God before they begin questioning hers.

“Good or bad, someone sees a public person and they don’t know you. They only know about you. Based upon what they know about you, they make a judgment on what is good for you, but they don’t know you. The whole idea of he’s a preacher and she’s this, it blew my mind how many people had an opinion when God is the only one who directs our story. So, he knows where our story is going to go,” he expressed to Touré Roberts of One Church International.

“They didn’t see how she fit or how I fit in her script, but I’m saying, ‘Wait a minute. When the last time you went before God? Before you gave me this note, before you posted that comment, did you pray?” he went on.

Meagan also expressed how she felt about people who were quick to assume that she only began to develop a relationship with God as a result of meeting DeVon.

“People think that I just got saved when I met DeVon or the year before, but I’ve been saved since I was 12. I’ve been loving the Lord since I was a little girl. The woman that God already made me—flaws and all—is the woman that DeVon fell in love with, not the woman I became after I met him.”

Both Meagan and DeVon make great points. It has to be frustrating when people you don’t even know are trying to discredit how committed you are to your faith.

What do you think of Meagan and DeVon’s response to their critics? Are Christian entertainers responsible for maintaining a wholesome image or should their walk be separate from their careers?

Jazmine Denise is a news writer for Madame Noire. Follow her on Twitter @jazminedenise.

Source: Bonzal Daily

I could totally melt right now. But, for the sake of this article, I will attempt to get my life. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, EBONY Magazine  is celebrating Black love in an amazing way. The iconic publication released their February issue with three special edition covers, honoring the subjects of this month’s cover story. Bishop T.D. and Serita Jakes appear on one cover, T.I. and Tiny Harris appear on another, DeVon and Meagan Franklin appear on the other.

In this issue, instead of simply interviewing the couples, the men were given the opportunity to compose some really beautiful love letters to their leading ladies. Check out the heartfelt letters below.

Bishop Jakes to Serita:

“What started as an idea between two young people who fell in love and dreamed about the future has burst into the effervescence of reality. As time has gone by, it has been amazing to watch you bud, blossom and bring forth fruit. The fruit of that love, that wisdom and that tenacity have been the nectar that has nurtured me as a man and made our children who they are.  I take this occasion to thank you, to water you with my love and adoration, to fertilize you with the season of our experiences, hardships, tests and trials, which have brought forth the blossom of love that we so cherish. My life is better because of you. My heart is stronger because of you, and it beats at the memories, at the moments, at the affections that we have shared. My partner, my lover, my friend, my wife. Thank you.”

T.I. to Tiny:

“I let you know how much I love you all the time. I want to make sure it’s known on a day-to-day without me saying it. I don’t want to wait for one special occasion or a day. I want to make sure that everyday the sun rises and every evening the sun sets, you have a firm understanding of my feelings.”

DeVon to Meagan: 

“I’m amazed at how incredible God really is. How incredible that He chose me with the blessing and privilege of loving you. You are my true love. I can absolutely say I started living when you came into my life. Each day, I’m so grateful I can love you and be loved by you. Our life together has been a whirlwind so far- the best time of my life- and we’re just getting started! Thank you for breaking me out of my box and showing me what real life and love is all about. You helped me become whole as a man because you’ve helped me love. God has used you to heal me, and I will forever be grateful. I still don’t think you fully understand how amazing you are. You have a brilliant mind. I love the way you think and how creative you are. You are so strong. I love how you are a reservoir of power and courage. You are so thoughtful. I love how you are so fiercely compassionate and caring. I’m glad to be with you and that we’re in this together. No longer do you walk alone, and when you get tired, you can hop on my back. I will always accept you, always pursue you, always delight in you and always fight for you…”

Aren’t these some of the sweetest letters you’ve ever read in your life?

Check out the next page to see the cover shots and more photos from the issue. 

Source: WENN

It seems that being close friends with power couple Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin, in addition to his role in the 2011 rom-com Jumping The Broom could have possibly be rubbed off on Laz Alonso. In a recent interview with Sister 2 Sister,  the Deception actor discussed the success of the Franklins’ courtship and commitment to celibacy and how they’ve inspired him. He also shared his own views on celibacy and entertained possibly even practicing himself. Check out some of what he had to say.

On the decision to become celibate:

“I think it’s everybody’s choice. You know, people have different ways of going about their emotional and their personal lives. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer. It’s all opinion and what works for you. I think what worked for Meagan and DeVon has obviously worked very well because they’re madly in love with each other and they are a role model couple for me. I can’t really force feed my opinion down anybody’s throat. I just think whatever works for you works,” expressed the 38-year-old actor.

On the possibility of practicing abstinence: 

“I mean they [Meagan and DeVon] got married. So maybe I need to try that approach.

I think that it is absolutely beautiful how Meagan and DeVon can inspire those around them. Whether by merely provoking people to consider celibacy; which is something they may have never even considered before or making the decision to become celibate. We can’t say for sure whether or not Laz will be hopping the abstinence train anytime soon, but it’s cool that he’s open enough to consider it.

Check out footage of Laz talking celibacy on the next page. Have you ever practiced or considered practicing abstinence before?

Source: WENN

Megan Good and DeVon Franklin are arguably one of Black Hollywood’s cutest newlywed couples right now. While details surrounding their decision to remain celibate until marriage was a highly publicized tidbit, many still remained curious as to how DeVon actually popped the question. By the way she described it to Wendy Williams, his proposal seemed very traditional.

“When he went to go get the box, I didn’t realize what he was doing. When he brought the box out, I was like, ‘What is that?’ Then he started talking, and I was hearing what he was saying… I didn’t know what to do. I started hyperventilating,” she gushed to Wendy Williams.

Meagan, who seems totally in love and over the moon that she finally found her life-partner answered “absolutely”. The couple dated for ten months and have been married for seven. Meagan has gone on account several times stating that her marriage to DeVon is literally an answered prayer.

“I was crying about so much at the time that God told me exactly what it was going to be and he told me that the next relationship that I got into was going to be “the” relationship. God told me specifically what the criteria was with the man I was going to marry and he told me to not settle. So I would meet guys who are Christians or loved the Lord, but they weren’t trying with all their heart to walk with him. And I wouldn’t feel in myself that that was the guy, so even if I liked him or was attracted to him I would say, OK I’m not going to settle,” she told Global Grind back in April.

She also revealed that she and DeVon actually met on the set of another film six years before filming Jumping The Broom.

“We met 6 years before on a christian film and he called me into his office and told me if I needed anything to definitely let him know.  Then we met again when he exec. produced Jumping The Broom.  And here we are,” she told Wendy.

It’s difficult not to be happy for the lovebirds.

Jazmine Denise is a news writer for Madame Noire. Follow her on Twitter @jazminedenise

It’s that time of year again for Ebony’s annual love issue and after having a few suspect characters in their black love list last year — like Chad and Evelyn — this time around the mag has come up with a great pick for their cover: Meagan Good and her husband Devon Franklin.

The newlyweds, who just jumped the broom in June, have become many’s new favorite couple after setting a strong example of a union built on Christian principles and true love, rather than lust, after talking quite openly about remaining celibate before marriage. Now in the February 2013 issue of Ebony, Meagan gives details into just how firm their bond is. She told the mag:

“One of the reasons I think God put us together is that we see the world very much alike, and where we see it differently, we complement each other.”

Now that their relationship has gotten to a deeper level and the two have consecrated their union, Meagan says she and Devon also complement each other quite well in the bedroom.

“What do I do for him that’s romantic?” she said to the mag. “I try to surprise him whenever he comes to town. I wear nice things…Wink!”

Looks like it’s working.

This February issue hits newsstands tomorrow and in addition to Meagan and Devon, also and features other hot couples like Paula and Denzel Washington, Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, and Barack and Michelle Obama.

Are you loving this couple on the cover of Ebony?

Source: WENN

We know both Meagan Good and her new hubby DeVon Franklin weren’t sexually active before they got married, but what some might be surprised to know is how long DeVon was celibate before he and Meagan even got together.

In an interview with Global Grind, the producer, author, and part-time pastor told the interviewer he went without sex for more than 10 years before jumping the broom. He explained his decision to forego sex, saying:

“Sometimes we want to be this person at home, this person at the office, and this person at church and then we get the lines mixed up. We want to be different people in different situations and it tears you apart.

“What was happening with me is I would go and preach one thing, but then I was living another, and I could not do it. I could not look at myself in the mirror. No, I could not live like this. So, I had to just stop and say,  ’until I get married, that’s off the table.’”

Since DeVon is 34 now, that means he gave up sex somewhere in his very early 20s which is virtually unheard of for a man, and any undergrad, male or female, on a college campus, let alone USC. Suddenly the meaning of his book Produced by Faith is starting to become a lot clearer. Abstinent days now behind him, DeVon is certainly enjoying the fruits of his labor.

“I’m happy,” he told Global Grind. “I just got married. It’s great. Things are great because she’s great. We’ve been married for just over three months and that was a key to happiness.”

“Men, sometimes we run from [marriage.], but I’m telling you it’s a blessing. It is the greatest blessing of life to have be able to have love because then you’re at peace…no matter what happens career-wise, you have a home base.”

Looks like he made the right choice. Do you think you could you go more than a decade without sex?

Devon

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Source: Zimbio.com

Meagan Good is all smiles these days after marrying movie producer and Seventh-day Adventist minister Devon Franklin, and though the actress was clearly smitten before she jumped the broom, she says things have gotten even better since she’s become a Mrs.

“It’s been pretty amazing,” she told Elev8.com about life as a newlywed. “He is absolutely the most incredible thing that’s happened to me. We want the same thing out of life and that’s important.

“We’re both on the front lines for Christ. We’re serious about our walk. We’re not perfect but what we desire and what we aspire to is the same. In having a partner you ultimately have to know and want the same things and have the same type of revelations and we do.”

Meagan talked about those same aspirations before she walked down the aisle as she shared Devon’s desire to remain celibate with her for the year prior to their wedding. The 30-year-old isn’t selfish with the secret to her good loving though, she wants other single women to find the same type of love she has and she says they can by following this one simple rule, not settling. She told Eelv8 that’s the main difference between her past relationships and the one she now has with Devon.

“The difference is God is more evident in my heart. That was always my desire,” she said. “Sometimes…you make what you think are sacrifices because you see there’s potential here, or this person has it in their heart there’s just got to be some growing. Ultimately one thing I would say to all women is don’t settle. It is out there, it does exist and God is so much bigger and greater than what our small minds can think. What we think is impossible is absolutely possible and I’m definitely living proof of that. My marriage is living proof of that.”

Alright Meagan. What do you think about her advice?

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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