What Really Matters

In this intimate interview with Darell and Rahmya Veal-Houpe reveal what their life looks like during the COVID-19 pandemic and how God is proving once again that He is a good good Father.

Question #1: What changes have the current pandemic created or brought to light in your relationship as husband and wife both positive and negative?

Rahmya: Well, positively it has made me so grateful and truly appreciative of the love Darell and I share as true friends. It has become a source of strength and perseverance for us. It has brought to the forefront the importance of enjoying one another when outside distractions aren’t even an option. We try to make being in the house together 24/7 as fun as we can from having movie nights, making date time even with our little kids, going on long rides, and talking and dreaming with and for each other. The downside of all this togetherness: Darell drinking the last of my orange soda and eating my sour gummy worms (LOL). I may need to figure out a hiding spot.

Darell: Each day we get to spend the time together that we would usually spend traveling back and forth to work or doing 1,000 other things that distract us. Now, we have been forced to slow down and we get to talk through our goals and desires daily for the next step in our lives. I can’t begin to tell you just how much that means to me. This unexpected time has not only reminded me that I have a great wife, but it has shown me I have partner who I am so excited to do life with. Along with all the great things, I have also been shown the vast number of hours and energy we put into things outside of our family versus taking that time and investing it in each other.

Question #2: What has this time revealed to you about the future of your family?

Rahmya: I have been shown that there is power in our unity and that God will continue to increase us even in this time of need. During this time of quarantine, we have celebrated birthdays for both Darell and our daughter Zyon. Seeing what is going on in the world has made the “little things” seem not so small anymore. These life milestones are precious and should be appreciated as such. As for the future of our family, God is going to increase us from the inside out. We are becoming a new family with what really matters being brought to the forefront of hearts.

Darell: Wow, that’s deep question! I look forward to the growth ahead of us. We have come so far as husband and wife and as parents. For those who don’t know, Rahmya and I have known each other since we were kids. Sometimes I look at her and our kids and I laugh and think “man, I can’t believe we are doing life together.” It means so much to me that even now I struggle to put it into words. But as far as the future, I can say this moment of uncertainty will pass and prosperity will flourish in every area of our lives; which is my prayer for everyone who reads this article.

Question #3: What does quality time with God and your family look like today?

Rahmya: My time with God is precious. I’ve realized that I am no longer finding time with Him, but He is always with me even in simple moments. Also, I’ve purposed to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit by letting him guide me through my day. This has created a space for a greater level or peace to operate in my life.

My time spent with family is exiting, fun, and even tiring. I’m enjoying watching our girls grow literally before my eyes. I’m rediscovering my ability to do my own personal pampering, doing my nails and hair trying to stay cute just for our walks or drives around town. Unsurprisingly to me, meals have become very important right now. We enjoy sharing every meal together as a family.

Darell: I would say my relationship with God has become more focused. The additional time I can spend in prayer and reading my Bible has opened the door of revelation in my life. As I seek Him more, He reveals and answers more. In a nutshell, I’m grateful and that’s what I’ve been telling Him.

My time spent with my family during this pandemic has shown me what true quality time looks and feels like for us, it has been intimate and eyeopening. I have even developed a genuine appreciation for technology. It has helped keep me connected to my eldest daughter and I genuinely enjoy the time we spend together virtually.

Question #4: Is there any advice you would give to other families?

Rahmya: Take this time to get to know something new about your spouse or your child. You may be pleasantly surprised! Plan for where you want to be when we come out of this season. Set goals daily and keep living your life. Never give up!

Darell: While you take this time to get to rediscover your family and your kids, workout, truly enjoy something as simple as fresh air, and plan for the future because its coming!

Question #5. What advice can you give those who’s spiritual walk has been tested?

Pray, and after that settle in your heart to have true Faith, believing the unseen. Believe in God’s perfect will to be done in your life and the lives of those you love. On hard days choose to be happy and only speak the Word of God no matter what it looks like. You may think that seems simple, but it’s not simple, it’s powerful, it’s lifesaving, and it’s what God wants from us.

Darell and Rahmya are married with three young girls. They are in the midst of burgeoning professional careers in addition to growing their entrepreneurial endeavors.