OK, my tongue is about to start bleeding. I’m biting down on it, trying not to say anything “flip”, especially in front of the kids. You see, I’m practicing submission. Yes, I said “practicing” because I haven’t always been generous in this aspect of my marriage. If you recall in one of my first BMWK posts, I shared with you some magical things that happened for me and how I overcame my blended family blues when I began to take this wifely responsibility of submission more seriously. As with many biblical principles, believing is one thing, but doing is a whole ‘nother story.
Something that helped me, was breaking this thing down and understanding exactly what was needed in order to be a more submissive wife. We all know the definition of submission, but do we really understand the principles and the importance? I personally know how hard this is to do sometimes, but try not to think of it as being inferior or “less than” to your husband, but quite the contrary. Instead, look at is a necessity for your marriage and for the welfare of your family. Like me, you may be struggling with submission, because you are a strong-willed and strong-minded individual. After all, he married you because he saw and loved your strengths, right?
First, lets break the word down. Simply put, the prefix “sub means under”. Think of “under” as the wind beneath his wings to help him soar and support his needs. Think of “under” as foundation. We know that foundation is the absolute necessity upon which things are built. Without legs, the table will fall. Without solid foundation, even the most beautiful and extravagant homes will collapse. Hmmm…think about (worth repeating) without foundation, the home will collapse.
Ladies – on a lighter note, think about that moment when you see another female without proper “foundation” underneath her clothes and her body parts are shaking all over the place. You shake your head in disgust and your lips are turned up. Well, its the same thing. You seem and feel more “together, in order and ‘under control” being that foundation for your husband and family.
Now to the “mission” part of submission. Mission is the goal and purpose of a plan in which the result is success. Who doesn’t want success for their marriage and family? Hopefully, the head of your household takes his role seriously and understands that his family depends on him. From personal experience, the mission of my husband and for our family is fluid. It can change at any given time, from getting ahead financially to focusing on family dynamics and anything in between. So, it should be important for you (the strong wife) to “support the goal of success” for your family.
Disclaimer: This is by no means a suggestion to say yes to everything our husbands say or do, but to just simply serve as reminder of one of our duties as a Godly wife. When there is discord, you may want to check yourself to see if you’re being the foundation that he needs to make wise and sound decisions for your family or are you causing weakness in your foundation?
BMWK – do you struggle with being a “submissive” wife? What does it mean to you?