Wisdom from My Mother

This is my mom and me:

After reading my blog post from yesterday, she responded in an email with some comments on godly, womanly submission that she wrote in her copy of the book Feminine Appeal, by Carolyn Mahaney.  (It's a book I'd recommend to all women, married or not!)  My parents have been married for nearly twenty-four years.  Part of their ministry at our church includes being part of the marriage-ministry team; they serve other couples and help lead regular marriage retreats.  My mom also leads a moms' Bible study that meets weekly; she has counseled and advised many women and been an encouragement and example to all the women in her life, especially me.  She embodies the Biblical role models I've been writing about lately, and if I can become a godly wife and mother like her I will be content.

My mom wrote, 

Our sinful nature, and the culture we live in, tempt us to want our own way and resist  our husband's authority.

To be submissive is in fact a model of inner strength; an indication of God's grace         enabling obedience of heart and will.

Wifely submission: the divine calling to honor and affirm her husband's leadership and    help carry it through according to her gifts

Looking to find/see the best in our husbands leads us to honor and respect them more, which inspires them to be/do more.

Respecting our husbands is a decision we make in obedience to God's word...not based upon our feelings or their "worthiness".

Our ability to submit, especially during the difficult times, proceeds from a resolute trust in God.  We place our hope in God.  We depend wholly upon God.

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This picture embodies my parents' marriage: walking together, side by side and hand in hand, through life.