I Love My Husband...

Tonight's post is a dedication to my husband, a man that I have been best friends with for 12 years, dated for 8, and been married to for 5! God has blessed me richly with a wonderful man! He is a strong leader in so many way but most importantly, spiritually!

Acting silly on the way to our honeymoon. 

It's amazing to see how much we have grown in the past 12 years! When I met Jon we were in high school. I was a sophomore, he was a junior. For me, it was instant, although, try as I might, I wasn't very good at keeping that a secret... Oh silly little girl love... Little did I know that "silly little girl love" would turn into a beautiful God ordained marriage! We were best friends, had many ups and downs, cried together, fought together, laughed together, and most importantly blossomed into Jesus freaks together. The Lord had it right when he said, "Two shall become one," he completes me in every sense of the word completion. :)

As I look back on the beginning of our relationship, I realize Jon is no longer the boy I "feel in love with" but rather the man that I grew to love even more! How amazing is God that he gives us this amazing opportunity!?!

College

With all this said, I have to say, one of the most humbling moments for me as a wife is when I go to God in prayer for my husband. My favorite time to do this is when I feel frustration with him. Yes, I get frustrated with him... shoot, I even argue with him sometimes! (GASP!!!) Back to what I was saying.... One area I have to say I pray often for is the area of submission to my husband. Ephesians 5 says we are to submit to our husbands. This word seems to have gotten lost in meaning today. We live in a world where feminism is at an all time high and I believe we have completely overstepped our bounds! I know this statement will not make me popular with friends or family that believe women should have complete equality with men, but I have to say, where in the Bible does it ever say "men submit to your wife?" It doesn't... So here is the breakdown; God created man (male), God saw that it wasn't good for man to be alone. (¹⁸ And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Gen. 2:18)  Wait a second! For the first time in the days of creation, God says something WASN'T good! Don't miss that! God creates woman (female) and they are joined as one! (²⁴ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Gen. 2:24) Isn't that a beautiful picture! God is so good!!!!
Throughout the Bible a woman is described to be, "reverent, submissive (Eph. 5:22, Col. 3:18), have noble character (Proverbs 12:4), etc. The argument can be made that these verses and views of women are a cultural thing, and are outdated. However, lets look at Eve. There is a reason why God give the role of head of household and spiritual leader to man. Eve started us out by allowing herself to be deceived by the serpent in the garden. Adam wasn't deceived, Eve was.  "¹¹ Let a woman learn in silence with all submission...¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ¹⁴ And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression." 1 Tim. 2:11, 13-14
Just so you know, a few years ago I cringed at the concept of "submission." Over the years God has opened my eyes and softened my heart to understand what the true meaning and picture of submission is. It doesn't mean that husbands are "lord" over you. It merely means that when Jon and I are facing a huge decision, we may discuss it together and we voice both of our opinions, but ultimately, Jon makes the decision. See why it's so important to pray for them! Submission is like the ultimate form of respect and honor for our husbands. It's not my place to question him, or throw it in his face down the road if it turns out his decision was "wrong." So pray ladies! Pray that if need be, God softens your hearts to be more submissive! Pray that God give your husbands strength and courage to follow in the ways of our Lord and Savior! If you need direction on how to pray for your hubby, I came across a great blog post from Renee Swope this evening. It's called, "Praying for my husband." It's a beautiful prayer with scripture to pray for our husbands from "head to toe." Make sure to check it out! Click Here! 
I will be praying for you all and I pray that you pray for me as well.