I did not marry someone of different ethnicity; I married a woman.”
Inter-racial marriages and relationships still turn heads, illicit whispers, and stir suppositions and curiosity.
Recent years have seen an increase in interracial relationships as cultures become more accepting of the concept. A couple’s love can overcome any obstacle, even racial stereotypes, and unsupportive family. A beautiful couple was bold enough to take the leap of faith and be together in an era when interracial partnerships weren’t prevalent, and now they’re sharing their story and account of a life well-lived by God’s grace.
Where it Started
Reverend Randolph Singh and Minister Norma Singh have been married for more than four decades. The Lord blessed their union and stocked their quiver with three offsprings: Ruth, Rhonda and Junior. Their beautiful love story began as a mystery to both of them since they had never interacted before despite attending the same church. During a meeting they both attended, the Lord spoke to Min. Singh, revealing Rev. Singh would be her husband. She was unsure whether what she had heard was real since she had never encountered him before. At the same meeting, the Lord spoke to Rev. Singh, revealing that Min. Singh would be his wife. Rev. Singh had never contemplated marriage previously since he lacked positive role models. He, however, was adamant about marrying this young lady, relying entirely on God’s help. Their romance blossomed as a result of their first encounters. Many obstacles faced Rev. Singh and Min. Singh, but their faith and their love triumphed over them all.
Racial Stereotypes
In a period when inter-racial relationships were uncommon and prone to racial stereotypes, the couple encountered multiple challenges. When they were married, they faced opposition from family members, as well as skeptics in their former church community who questioned the viability of their marriage. With complete trust in the voice they heard, the end of their relationship was far out of sight. “Race is something I never see; I married a woman,” Rev. Singh said.
Family Acceptance/Non-acceptance
Rev. Singh was determined to marry Min. Singh despite his family’s rejection. “I heard a voice say this is your wife, and nothing or no one could’ve stopped it,” he said. As Rev. Singh reflected on the two weeks prior to his wedding, he recalled his parents were unaware that he was set to marry Min. Singh due to the expected response, but he was secure in what he wanted for himself and trusted God to take care of the rest. He spoke beautifully about his in-laws, declaring them “the best In-laws” since they treated him as if he were their own son despite his ethnicity.
Adapting to Culture
According to Min. Singh, she had no trouble assimilating into her husband’s culture. “Prior to my marriage, I spent months amongst Indian people, eating their food and socialising with them while I was on assignment. I believe this was God testing me to see my reaction.” When she met her spouse, she had no trouble adjusting since she feels that opportunity helped prepare her for him.
Raising Inter-racial Children
The couple shared that race was never brought up in their home in an effort to teach their children to view people for who they are as men and women. Reverend Singh said that he never referred to his wife as “black,” nor did his wife refer to him as “coolie” because they are simply a man and a woman. It was critical for them to instill in their children the idea that race has no place in the home and that the only things that matter are love and communication. Min. Singh remembers her second daughter, Rhonda, being exposed to ethnic groups at school during a lesson at her primary level. Rhonda had no idea of the many ethnic groups in Guyana prior to that. She further noted that Ruth, the eldest daughter, had been subjected to racist attacks in her secondary school for years, and before those occurrences, her children had no concept of race. “You need to be careful what you teach your children at home; we kept out the topic of race so much that it feels like it’s dead,” said Rev. Singh. Discussions of race and politics were strictly prohibited in the Singh’s household.
Power of Faith in Their Marriage
Min. Singh, after listening to the voice of God on being each other’s partner, described it as complete dependence and faith in God moving forward. Even though they had no place to call their own when ‘tying the knot’, Rev. and Min. Singh have become grateful homeowners thanks to the grace of the Lord. It was tough for them to keep up with their mortgage payments, but they had faith that God would see them through. As they have grown in trust and confidence in God through their marriage, they have been able to testify to the goodness of God’s hand at work in their lives.
Greatest Accomplishment
The Singhs’ most significant accomplishment is their family, even though they have acquired a wealth of material possessions throughout their marriage. They are grateful for their children’s maturity in their grasp of God’s Word and their accomplishments.
A Proud Example
The Singh family takes great pride in serving as ambassadors for God’s kingdom. Min. Singh said their union embodies kingdom ideals, which should include people from all walks of life. The testimony of their marriage and their manner of life exalts the name of Jesus. People in their neighbourhood, Min. Singh highlighted, would have only positive things to say about her family. Because of it, they take pride in being excellent role models for their children.
Defying Obstacles
Reverend Singh revealed in hindsight that he was a school dropout, but he remained steadfast in his desire to achieve success. “I looked at my wife to be; an educated teacher, driving, and me a school dropout with nothing, and I decided to myself, ‘I will not pull my wife down.'” This was a significant deciding point in Rev Singh’s life, and he is thankful to God for how He has guided him. Rev. Singh noted that God’s support was essential in overcoming their numerous obstacles, but “it feels good to know that we overcame our many trials.” Despite their difficulties, the couple never wavered in their faith in God and their commitment to making their marriage work. Their faith in God has been their saviour through all of their trials.
To conclude the interview, The Singhs advised that individuals move away from race and see others as either men or women. As devout Christians, they counsel those in committed relationships to seek God’s approval before embarking on a romantic relationship.
May God’s blessings continue to pour through this marriage for all the great things He has done!
