Biography

Amanda is a medical doctor by profession. She’s married to Pastor Leslie Appiah and together they have two beautiful daughters. She loves designing, listening to music and watching sports. 

1. Journey to Love: How We Met

I grew up in Accra, Ghana, where I had my primary and secondary school education. Following that, I moved to Donetsk, Ukraine, to further my studies. Unfortunately, a war broke out barely six months after my move, which then forced me to relocate to Kyiv, also in Ukraine, where I eventually met my spouse at the church I attended.

2. Faith as the Foundation of Our Marriage

We are both Christians, so our faith really is the basis of our marriage. The goal is to have the kind of marriage described in Ephesians 5:22-33, which talks about Christ and His church as a template for a godly marriage.

3. Overcoming Challenges in Marriage

Our first year of marriage was filled with uncertainties. I had just graduated from university when we got married, and a few months later, my husband was called into ministry. This led to many adjustments in our initial plans, and we found ourselves navigating a long-distance marriage with no clear end in sight. What sustained us during this time was God’s word over our lives and His plans for us. We clung to His promises, and He came through for us in remarkable ways. Truly, God is faithful!

4. Keys to a Strong and Healthy Relationship

As Christians, we cannot overlook the crucial role Christ plays as our solid foundation, holding us together perfectly. Additionally, the friendship we share plays a significant role, enabling us to comfortably express ourselves regardless of the situation and engage in conversations that might otherwise be difficult. Transparency, forgiveness, and loyalty are virtues we particularly prioritize in our marriage.

5. A Scripture That Guides Our Marriage

“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” – Amos 3:3 (NKJV)

This scripture stood out to me during our premarital counseling. In any form of partnership, not every decision would benefit both parties equally. Hence, this verse serves as a constant reminder of the need to be ready and willing to sacrifice to maintain mutual understanding and alignment in all situations.

6. Balancing Individual Faith and Marriage

I believe this is easy because we both belong to the same faith, which basically means we are working toward the same goal. We maintain a balance by ensuring that even as we spend time to pray and study the word together as a couple, we equally make time to have our personal fellowship with God.

7. Encouragement for Women in a Season of Waiting

Trust in God’s timing. The waiting period can be challenging, especially when it seems like everyone around you is getting married. Keep in mind that God has a unique plan for each of us. Walk in this consciousness to avoid succumbing to external pressure and settling for less than you deserve.

8. Handling Conflict and Communicating Effectively

As I already stated, friendship has greatly improved communication in our marriage. More importantly, we always remind ourselves that we’re on the same team, never in opposition. Our focus is not on winning arguments but on gaining understanding and finding solutions to the issues we face.

9. Keeping Christ at the Center of Marriage

• Walking in His principles and acknowledging His Lordship in our home
• Praying and studying the word constantly and seeking God’s counsel before taking any step

10. The Role of Faith Community in Marriage

Being part of a faith community gives us role models to look up to while also encouraging us to become positive examples for the younger generation. We have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions and receive sound counsel, always guided by the Bible. This helps shield us from the negativity of today’s world.

12. Supporting and Encouraging Other Couples

We pray for them and make an effort to occasionally spend time together, engaging in meaningful conversations and drawing strength from one another. It provides a much-needed break from the busy and often stressful pace of our lives.

13. The Most Rewarding Part of Marriage

The most rewarding part of my marriage is reflecting on how much we have grown together and seeing the beautiful family we are raising, especially in light of the struggles we once faced. It is incredibly fulfilling to accomplish things we once thought were impossible, and for that, we are grateful to God.

14. Growing Together Spiritually as a Couple

We do so by being intentional with our devotions despite our busy schedules.

15. Balancing Marriage and Ministry

We set clear boundaries to ensure that both areas get the time and attention they deserve. This requires some amount of intentionality, as one could get utterly immersed in ministry at the expense of marriage or vice versa.

16. A Message to Readers of Blossom in Grace

There are many misconceptions about marriage, often shaped by other people’s experiences. It is essential to recognize that the outcome of your marriage is not determined by anyone else’s. Despite the increasing rate of divorce and negative trends around the globe, trust in Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, to make your marriage stand out and be different from the rest.