Podcast Title: In Totality with Megan Ashley
Episode: EP 68: Waiting Well: Purity Before the Promise
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Host: Megan Ashley
Guests: Melody Fabian and CD Fabian

Introduction

In EP 68 of In Totality with Megan Ashley, titled "Waiting Well: Purity Before the Promise," host Megan Ashley delves deep into the profound journey of maintaining purity and consecration before marriage. Joined by her dedicated guests, Melody and CD Fabian, Megan explores the challenges and triumphs of living a life wholly devoted to God amidst societal pressures and personal struggles.

Personal Journeys to Purity

CD Fabian’s Story:
CD shares his early experiences with faith and his commitment to purity. Raised nominally Catholic, CD's relationship with the church deepened after his mother began serving the Lord. At 16, influenced by church teachings on sexual purity, CD made a solemn commitment to wait until marriage to engage in sexual relations. This decision was met with skepticism and mockery from his mother, leading to a month-long period of emotional turmoil. CD reflects, “Only God was drawing me,” highlighting his reliance on divine guidance during his formative years.

Melody Fabian’s Transformation:
Melody recounts her transformative encounter with God during her college years. Initially a party-goer involved in destructive behaviors, Melody experienced a profound spiritual awakening after immersing herself in scripture. Reading Matthew 5:27-28, she felt convicted about her actions, leading her to surrender to the Lord. Melody describes this pivotal moment: “I surrendered… I felt the light and the warmth of God enter into my body,” emphasizing the profound impact of her newfound faith on her commitment to purity.

Meeting on a Mission Trip

The Fabians' paths converged on a mission trip to Uganda, Africa, marking the beginning of their remarkable love story. Both struggling to uphold their purity vows, they found solace and strength in each other’s commitment to God. CD narrates their initial interactions, highlighting the divine orchestration in their meeting: “He [God] showed me her beauty through her spirit.” Their bond was further cemented through shared challenges and mutual support, demonstrating the power of shared faith in fostering a strong, pure relationship.

Building a Faith-Based Relationship

Guidance and Discipline:
CD and Melody discuss the importance of establishing boundaries and seeking divine guidance in their relationship. CD emphasizes spiritual compatibility over physical attraction, stating, “Because we both love the Lord, but our views on ministry and hearing from God differed initially.” Melody adds, “Spiritual compatibility, in my view, is first and foremost, what did God say?” Together, they built a relationship founded on mutual respect, shared faith, and unwavering commitment to God’s teachings.

Overcoming Temptations:
Throughout their journey, both faced numerous temptations that tested their vows of purity. CD shares instances where he had to flee from situations that could jeopardize their commitment, saying, “I couldn't put myself in situations that would make it easy for me to fall.” Melody echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of guarding one's heart and maintaining integrity: “You need to protect her, even from yourself. That's the role of a man.”

Marriage and Ministry

Sixteen years into their marriage, Melody and CD Fabian exemplify a life of dedication to God, ministry, and family. Their union is a testament to the blessings of waiting and maintaining purity before and within marriage. Megan Ashley praises their journey, stating, “It needs to be seen and people need to know that it's possible.” The Fabians serve as role models, demonstrating that a life committed to God leads to fulfilling and sanctified relationships.

Key Insights and Lessons

1. Intimate Relationship with God:
   The Fabians stress the importance of cultivating an intimate relationship with God during singleness. Megan Ashley reflects on her own experiences, emphasizing, “If you do not learn how to have an intimate relationship with the Lord, you cannot build a strong marriage.”

2. Spiritual Compatibility Over Chemistry:
   Their stories highlight that shared faith and spiritual compatibility are more crucial than mere physical attraction. CD articulates, “Not every godly guy is your guy. You need to know your purpose and who you are.”

3. Integrity and Boundaries:
   Maintaining integrity and setting clear boundaries are pivotal in preserving purity. Melody shares, “But as women of God, we need to watch our mouth. We be saying too much, talking too much.”

4. Divine Timing and Guidance:
   Trusting in God’s timing and seeking His guidance are essential for aligning relationships with His will. CD recounts, “He [God] invites me to throw a fleece. So I said, okay, I won’t ever pursue a girl. You will have to show me who she is.”

Notable Quotes

• Megan Ashley (05:54):
  “This conversation is for all of you, whether you're single, dating, divorced, or married.”

• CD Fabian (07:05):
  “When you're about to make a decision that's going to impact your destiny, the devil will use the closest people to you.”

• Melody Fabian (14:26):
  “Spiritual compatibility, in my view, is first and foremost, what did God say?”

• CD Fabian (16:05):
  “Forget it. I'm not making this stupid purity commitment.”

• Melody Fabian (22:01):
  “If you do not learn how to benefit from your marriage, you can't.”

• Megan Ashley (31:54):
  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Conclusion

EP 68 of In Totality with Megan Ashley presents an inspiring narrative of faith, purity, and divine orchestration in relationships. Melody and CD Fabian's stories underscore the significance of waiting for God’s timing and maintaining a steadfast commitment to spiritual integrity before and within marriage. Their journey offers valuable lessons for listeners aspiring to live a life wholly devoted to God, demonstrating that with faith and dedication, purity before the promise is not only possible but profoundly rewarding.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own relationships and spiritual journeys, taking inspiration from the Fabians' lived experiences. As Megan Ashley aptly concludes, “Every day is a new opportunity to know better, choose better, and live better… In Totality.”

Tune In Next Week:
In the following episode, Megan continues the Fabians' story, revealing the results of a pivotal test and how it further solidified their commitment to each other and to God. Don’t miss this continuation of their remarkable journey!