Standing the Test of Time

About the Book

Standing the Test of Time celebrates African Americans marriages of more than 30 years while providing a rare opportunity to glimpse in to the lives of relationships that work! The stories are riveting, inspiring and filled with warmth and wisdom. They are love stories with a purpose. Deep and meaningful marriages are one the most rewarding experiences life may offer. Unfortunately, most of us have little knowledge of the tools needed to make relationships work. We're usually guided by our parents' relationships, girlfriends, homeboys or previous experiences which may lead to more failure than success. We spend a life time reacting responding, and rebounding from mistakes and misguided intentions that have caused us pain and frustration. The twenty phenomenal couples featured in Standing the Test of Time, share honest and intimate insight into their relationships to reveals valuable life lessons in love, forgiveness, communication, building a family and growing together. Wisdom gleaned from these African American elders is both intuitive and significant. “A lot of people get married because they are in love. The goal is not to be in love - but to love.” -Hattie Wilson, Standing the Test of Time

About the Author

Julie Rainbow is a relationship educator and author whose love for the human spirit fuels her passion to help others to find meaning and fulfillment in healthy relationships. Growing up in the South during the 1960s, she was unsettled by the cultural norm depicted that portrayed largely dysfunctional, broken and bitter African American relationships. Rainbow embarked on a journey to find and document African American marriages that had weathered the storms of life and sustained healthy relationships for more than 30 years. She was able to interview and interact with hundreds of couples during her research. Twenty of the most compelling unions are featured in “Standing the Test of Time: Love Stories of African American Elders”. Creating Standing the Test of Time, a compilation of oral histories was a humbling experience. While growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, she developed a deep and lasting affinity for senior adults. She found their stories fascinating, lively and colorfully reminiscent. Though the stories reflected days gone by, their life lessons gave her strength, courage, and faith in the human experience. Standing the Test of Time pays tribute to African American elders and shares seeds of wisdom to strengthen relationships. Rainbow is no stranger to translating cultural wisdom and knowledge into meaningful tools that promote understanding. Early in her career, she was a Kellogg Foundation International Leadership Fellows. The fellowship provided an opportunity to learn in seven countries on four continents. The life changing experience permeates her artistic work to bring honor and understanding to the collective voices of ordinary people. It also influences her professional work to bring about healing in relationships and advocate for women, children and senior adults. Rainbow continues to write, facilitate workshops, and counsel couples. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her family.