What comes to your mind when I say these things?
A strong,independent woman who doesn't need a mans help?
Most of us think this way, partially because of the way media and other sources have portrayed these things to us.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for equality amongst ALL people. No matter your gender, race, age group, or any other label that society has created. After all, in Gods eyes, we are all equal.
However, I want you to know something.
While society has put such an emphasis on how strong an independent woman is, they have either knowingly or unknowingly, put into the mind of a generation of young girls and women that if you have to depend in anyone you are weak.
This past weak I spent a few days away from my husband. We have been traveling as we work to plant a church in Bloomington, Indiana. He had some meetings in Texas to attend and our youngest was having surgery. We have been in Arkansas for most of the month but I traveled 11 hours back home with our 4 kids and he traveled to Texas. In this process, I missed my husband so much. It was only 4 days, and we were both so busy during those days that it went by fairly quickly, but I still missed him.
He's my team mate, my best friend, my right hand man.
Now society says "Don't reveal your weakness. You are independent. You drove 11 hours alone with 4 kids."
What I want you to know is...
dependence and weakness are not partners,
neither independence and strength are partners. Each person is different.
All I can tell you about is Gods calling on my life. Could I do what I do without the help of my husband? If I had to yes, I could probably do most of the things set in front of me. I am very mechanically inclined woman, I am a strong personality type. The fact that I am able to does not ever mean that this is what I would choose. I am miserable after about 2 nights. Not because I don't have the ability to perform everyday tasks but because I miss the sharing of responsibilities.
How cute it is when he tucks the kids in.
How I can tap out when I am tired or frustrated and I know he's got my back.
I want our kids to know that mommy and daddy depend on each other, work together, and are genuinely better together.God has called me into a partnership, a support role, a team effort.
It doesn't bother me that the bible has told my husband to treat me as the weaker vessel(this is where most woman freak out). It's not saying that I am weak and insignificant. Actually, on the contrary, it is saying that I am priceless and to be cherished like fine china. Being cherished sounds like a good deal to me!!
When both of us keep a Godly perspective on what our partnership is supposed to be, it is a wonderful, co-dependent team, that is working together for the glory of God. It's a beautiful thing
Now I understand, that for some of you, life circumstances have thrown you a curve, and you are a strong and independent woman. Society does a great job of telling you how great you are doing. And I commend you. There is no way I could do it alone. So don't feel that I am diminishing you in any way. I just want the young woman and girls in my life to know...
That a strong dependence on God, until the time that he gives you a husband to depend on, DOES NOT make you weak.
I am so blessed to be co-dependent with my wonderful husband. Areas that I am weak, he is strong; and areas that he is weak, I am strong. God has matched us perfectly for each other. As long as we keep our eyes on him and do as he commands, we are the strongest team possible. I depend on him, and he depends on me, but we both depend on God.
I don't tell my husband near enough how much I need him, how proud of him I am, and how much value he brings to my life, and my walk with God. I am blessed to have a great man! If you are blessed in this same way, take a minute today to thank God for giving you that relationship and tell your husband what he means to you.
Some of my friends, I want you to know, that if your feeling all alone, and that you can't go on because of circumstances in life, and the place you are in the journey that your on... Jesus want you to depend on him. He is always there, and he will always care. He is dependable, more dependable than any person can ever be. He loves you and he wants to be your source of strength. If you would like to know more about this visit thejourneybloomington.com or contact us for more information. Our contact information can be found on the site.
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