Actress, producer and author Meagan Good-Franklin knows a good marriage is worth the wait.

Good-Franklin married DeVon Franklin, a producer, minister, motivational speaker and author, in 2012. The couple share their decision to remain celibate until after they got married and offer practical advice in their new book, The Wait: A Powerful Practice for Finding the Love of Your Life and the Life You Love.

“With DeVon, our physical connection didn’t come until after we got married,” said Good-Franklin, who has appeared in a number of roles, including the Think Like a Man movie franchise and Jumping the Broom. “We connected on a deeper level. I didn’t have the other issues this time around. The blessing is I know who I married, and he knows who he married.”

The pair takes their commitment to each other seriously, and they work hard to build their marriage.

“Marriage comes first,” Good-Franklin said. “We make sure we make each other the priority. We make sure we stay connected. We try not to let more than three weeks go by without seeing each other. He’ll come where I am, or I’ll go where he is.”

She understands the delicate balancing act working women face, but encourages women to focus on what’s most important.

“Make marriage first,” she said. “Careers come and go. Marriage has to be treated like it’s precious.”

Like many in the spotlight, Good-Franklin’s calling has resulted in her receiving criticism, especially in recent years because of what some deem as “too sexy” attire for a minister’s wife.

“It wasn’t until my late 20s that I realized this isn’t personal. It has helped build my character. I just pray for them,” she said of the criticism. “At the end of the day, I’m not for everyone, but I am for the woman who considers herself an outcast.

“I want people to learn God’s way is the best way. The Wait isn’t about being able to find a husband or a wife, it’s about allowing God’s best for you,” she said. “It’s also about his preparation for your purpose and your calling.”

To learn more about The Wait, visit www.thewaitbook.org.

Catch Good-Franklin in her upcoming role on Code Black, and head to theatres March 18 for Miracles from Heaven, starring Jennifer Garner, the first movie from DeVon Franklin’s production company, Franklin Entertainment.