“35 years of marriage today to this beautiful lady. A lot has happened in 35 years. Whether up or down, her love has been consistent and constant! I’m a blessed man! Many that started with us have gone on and some have split up. Our parents are gone, our church home has moved. And all our children are grown. The constant has been our unwavering love and her consistent loyalty to me and the vision God gave me! ” Bishop T.D. Jake wrote.
It was at the age 23 that T.D. Jakes met Serita. They got married in 1981 and have five children.
Given the platform, they testify to the fact that they have experienced difficulties like all couples, but through the difficult times they are able to come closer to each other.
In an earlier interview with Oprah, Bishop Jakes talked about the toll it took on the family when his 14-year old daughter became pregnant. Other events too challenged their relationship, but they overcame them.
“Lots of communication, lots of talking over the phone when he is travelling. As he has evolved, I have had to evolve with him. You have to work at marriage, it is an assignment,” Serita says.
Not even six months into their marriage the couple suffered a devastating car crash that left doctors unsure if Serita would ever walk again because of damage to her feet and legs.
“It risked our marriage in a lot of ways and was very difficult to go through. I prayed for her, I took care of her. Cooked for her, washed her hair. Taught her how to walk – literally stood in-front of her and said; you can do this. It brought is together in a way. We had an unexplained connection.” T D Jakes told Oprah.
Thirty five years later, the bishop and his wife, the “first lady” of the Potter’s House, say they continue to evolve and work to keep their marriage strong.
