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 of 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 “ 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 extra-marital 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.
The ugly truth is that older men date women younger than them because they are easier to manipulate. Yes, they may be more financially stable and experienced relationally to wine and dine you, you make yourself susceptible to manipulation. This is because you lack emotional maturity, relationship experience, and power which automatically creates an imbalance in the relationship.
When you date someone within a decade, you’re less likely to be exploited and avoid the challenge of a generational gap like different values, music tastes, expectations, and cultural references that can create a disconnect.
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, Emanuels’ 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.
Brokenness or trauma should never be the reason to exit a marriage just as healing isn’t a prerequisite to marry. Healing happens gradually and is not a defined destination. Moreover, when it comes to healing, you need only to be self-aware, and committed to being engaged. This means being done with any desires of the past, and being willing to work on and through those unhealed areas of yourself. Healing is simply an intentional decision that should be cultivated daily.
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 they kept their relationship private and 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.
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
In conclusion, Emanuel and Bri’s relationship serves as a cautionary tale and reminder to approach our relationships with pure motives and self-awareness. This means following Gods order in marriage, and establishing a relationship with pure motives.
Have you ever dated or married an older man? What were your experiences? Let me know in the comments below!
