By: Donna Martin
I was a teenager when the Feminist Movement began. I never really understood what all of those women were upset about. I had no desire to give up being treated like a woman. I like being the weaker sex. I like having the door opened for me and being allowed to go first. I like having my man in charge of paying the bills so that I don’t have to stress over where the money is going to come from to pay them. I appreciate that he has always kept the yard mowed, the garage organized, the broken things repaired, and the kids in line. I love having him take care of me and the family. I love having him as the head of the house.
It is sad that men today are often portrayed in commercials, movies, and sit-coms as weak and stupid. The men in my life are far from weak and stupid. They are hard working, honest, intelligent, strong, caring gentlemen that have and still are providing for their families. They are men of integrity and faith who are teaching their children to love and serve God. I am so thankful for my Godly husband, sons, son-in-law, my own dad, and my dear father-in-law who is now in heaven.
Being a father and husband is not a job for the weak. Our role as a wife is to be a helper to our husband. Genesis 2:18 says, “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” God created the woman to be a helper to her husband, not because man was stupid or could not take care of the Garden of Eden on his own; but because God had not yet created a creature with whom man could connect. He was alone and needed a companion, a helper, a friend.
Meryll Frost, a quarterback from Texas when receiving the “Most Courageous Athlete of 1945” spoke this famous quote “They say behind every great man there’s a woman.” Years later the feminist movement tried to use this quote to promote their cause. However, I do not believe it is a quote to build up women or to belittle men. I like to think Mr. Frost must have had a wife who supported him in his career and cheered him on to be his best.
Too often women fail to give their man the support and encouragement he needs. Wives complain and criticize, nag and belittle. Both husbands and wives need support and encouragement every day. We need to cheer one another on and look for ways to encourage and support our spouse.
Here’s an idea for a Father’s Day gift that will not cost anything, but a little of your time. If you are a son or daughter or a wife, take a moment to write an encouraging note to your husband, dad, and granddad. It does not have to be long. Just thank them for what they have done for you and give them a little encouragement and love. You may be surprised one day in the future to find that note tucked away in a book or in his wallet or even displayed on his desk. If you really want to get creative you could make an acrostic and list all of your man’s great qualities. And then after Father’s Day is over, make it a point to give your man at least one compliment a day. I think you will find that looking for the positive in your man will help you to be more thankful and grateful for the man God has provided for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as, in fact, you are doing.”
Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
The Martins currently present “Happy Together” Marriage Enrichment Events for churches and organizations. To schedule an event call Michael at 940-735-1515. They are certified “Prepare/Enrich” Facilitators and are available to work with couples on an individual basis using the “Prepare/Enrich Assessment.” They publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues. You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriages.com.
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