11 Years: His and Hers Umbrellas

Photo Credit

Eleven years ago today, I married the man God had for me, my gift, my love. I am so blessed to be called his wife.



Over the years, there has been so much God has taught us and shown us through our relationship with each other as husband and wife:

His love, His grace, His mercy, respect, honor, prayer, leading, submission, family life, holding steady, firmly planting, growth, responsibility, getting back up, dreaming, trying again, smiles, laughter, belief, lifting up, letting go, charity, protection, time spent, sharing, togetherness, unity, raising children, love, listening, whispers at night, sacrificing willingly, forgiveness, thanksgiving, new life, comfort. . .

I am so unbelievably grateful to God for His many blessings by way of marriage, so thankful for a husband who is honest and true.

Yesterday, my husband and I were talking about Biblical marriage, the relationships between Christ and the church, husband and wife--the ways in which marriage should be reflective, mirroring Christ's example--no confusion, but the understanding of each one's part in the complete equation. He grabbed a pencil and drew an image for me, one he'd seen circling the Internet. I found it online:

Photo credit and great article on marriage

He went on to explain, from a husband's point of view, the topics of leadership and submission. He told me: "Stacie, although you submit to me, I'm supposed to cover you. Because if I don't, the next in line is Jesus and I have to answer to Him. If I'm not protecting you and the kids, if I let people "throw rocks" and attack you guys, then I'm not doing what I'm supposed to. If you don't follow my leadership, I'm still responsible for you. So, it isn't so much, "Oh, she gets to submit to me because I'm the leader!" but rather, if my house is not in order, I have to answer to Jesus, because He holds me accountable. I'm your covering, under Jesus."

Talk about a wife's heart melting in admiration, in love, and in appreciation because I am loved by him. . . and I am loved by Him.

Happy #11, Husband!

Linked with: