After listening to Emanuel and Bri Babineaux’s recent “Dear Future Wifey” podcast interview, there are 3 valuable lessons to learn concerning their relationship.

But first, you can watch the full episode HERE and return to this post, or listen to my commentary addressing the major red flags below.

 BRIANNA BABINEAUX MARRIAGE TIMELINE

I was in for a huge surprise after discovering Brianna Babineaux, a gospel musician who recently divorced after being married to her first husband, Keeslon Fontenot, after 5 years of marriage. 

They tied the knot in 2018 and gave birth to their first child, Eli Arias Fontenot, in November 2021. The couple separated in 2022 and, unfortunately, divorced in 2023. The reasons for their divorce are unclear; however, Bri Babineaux has openly shared that in previous years, she was mentally battling a lot from experiencing the highs and lows as a new mother and battling depression and suicide. You can listen to her testimony on depression and suicide HERE

On top of that, her husband spent much time away from home due to work obligations. 

EMANUEL LAMBERT MARRIAGE TIMELINE

If you don’t know Emanuel Lambert, he’s a music evangelist who goes by Da T.R.U.T.H. He was nominated in 2024 for the “ Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. He’s a father of two children and was previously married to Nicole for 21 years.

In 2009, Emanuel admitted to being in an extramarital affair with Shante Tribbett, wife of Tye Tribbett, who himself at that time was caught in an affair with a member of a choir.

A year later, after reconciling with his wife, he released a track in dedication to her titled “Cherished”. During that time, Emanuel was transparent about how he broke his marriage vows, yet, with God’s help, they both learned the power of forgiveness and restoration.

Unfortunately, his marriage ended in 2023 because of infidelity again, which was also the same year Bri Babineaux and Keeslon Fontenot ended.

DA T.R.U.T.H & BRI’S RELATIONSHIP TIMELINE BEFORE MARRIAGE

When the couple was asked about their relationship timeline, Emanuel shared they started talking in January of 2024, he proposed in month seven, and in month eight, they tied the knot.

On December 22, 2024, Bri Babineaux made an IG Post sharing how grateful she was for how her and Lambert’s unique journeys led them to one another. 

3 VALUABLE LESSONS TO LEARN ABOUT BRI & DA TRUTH RELATIONSHIP

Lesson #1: Never marry a man who’s over a decade old.

The newly married couple is 17 years apart. Bri Babineaux is 30, and Da T.r.u.t.h. age 47.

It’s important to understand a difficult truth: older men sometimes date significantly younger women because they find them easier to manipulate.

While they might use their financial stability and experience to impress, this can simultaneously open the door to manipulation. This often happens because younger women

may not yet have the emotional maturity, extensive relationship experience, or established personal power to balance the relationship’s inherent power dynamics. Dating within a ten-year age span generally offers more protection against exploitation and helps avoid the complications of a generational divide, like conflicting values, differing tastes in music, or distinct cultural references.

Lesson #2: Healing is NOT a prerequisite for marriage.

In the episode, brokenness and trauma were the excuses as to why both individuals ended their previous marriages.

Regarding divorce, biblically speaking, Emanuel’s wife, Nicole, has grounds for divorce. (Matthew 5:32)

He doesn’t have grounds to remarry, but to remain single or be reconciled with his first wife. 1 Corinthians 7:11 ) As people who are called to a higher standard, this is extremely important.

SIDENOTE: Am I saying that God doesn’t forgive divorce? No. However, when one repents, they are responsible for bearing actions in keeping with repentance. This didn’t appear to be the case with this couple.

It’s important to understand that brokenness or past trauma don’t have to be reasons to end a marriage. Similarly, you don’t need to be completely healed before you tie the knot. Healing is a journey, not a fixed point you arrive at. It happens step by step over time.

For healing to truly begin, you need self-awareness and a commitment to actively engage with your inner self. This means letting go of old desires that might hold you back and being ready to work through those parts of you that are still unhealed. Ultimately, healing is a daily, intentional decision you choose to cultivate.

With God’s help, His grace is enough to meet us where we are, and we can experience His power made perfect in our weaknesses.

Lesson #3: Keeping your relationship private is necessary and should be done with the right motives.

In the episode, the couple shared that they kept their relationship private and were clear that it was not a secret.

In a culture of oversharing, they chose to be wise and selective with who they had around. It then became obvious that they didn’t want anyone to hold them accountable. They didn’t want anyone to tell them the truth regarding what God says concerning remarriage.

My point is this. Having a private relationship before making it public isn’t wrong. In the dating phase, you want to be mindful of what and who you share information with concerning your new relationship because you never want people’s opinions to hinder your decision-making. However, the motive should be rooted in purity and peace, not to dodge accountability or criticism.

Conclusion

Emanuel and Bri’s relationship offers a clear lesson: we should always approach our relationships with pure motives and a strong sense of self-awareness. This involves aligning our partnerships with a divine order for marriage and ensuring our intentions are truly honorable from the start.