A Woman's Place

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy
and good fruit, impartial and sincere."  James 3:17 (NIV)

This week I want to talk about the importance of men receiving influence from their wives. Women are more naturally open to receiving input from their husbands and sharing when it comes to relationships. However, men can view receiving input and influence from their wives as being weak.

It is common for men to fear being henpecked or controlled by their wives. In spite of the progress that has been made in the arena of women’s rights, male chauvinism is alive and well.

But beyond the issue of male chauvinism, there is a natural pride in just about every man that makes him highly sensitive to the issue of honor and esteem.

This is why men don’t stop and ask for directions when they are lost. It is also the reason they can be resistant to receiving advice and input from their wives. For all of the men reading this, I want you to know that it is very important for you to learn to receive input from your wife and to let her know that you value her ideas and feelings. Your need for esteem is important. But your wife’s need to feel valued in the relationship is of equal importance.

When Karen and I first got married, I was chauvinistic and very insecure. When Karen shared with me, I would roll my eyes, make sarcastic comments and let her know in no uncertain terms that I didn’t value her input. I’m a different man today. I deeply value Karen’s input; she is God’s gift to me. In every area of our marriage and my personal life, she has enriched me. She helps put me in touch with feelings I am not sensitive to without her. She helps me make better decisions because she has a unique perspective that broadens my viewpoint.

Karen has such incredible wisdom. I have learned to listen to her and value her ideas and feelings. It really makes a woman feel special and secure in a marriage when she knows her input is received. Few things hurt a woman more than to be rejected and devalued by her husband as she tries to share her viewpoints.

Women are a gift from God. Society is greatly benefited by the influence women bring to men. Without them, men are much less productive and much more dangerous to themselves and others. The more men understand how much they need women and value their input, the better they are.

Talk It Out | Husbands, let your wife know that you are thankful for her. Communicate to her how much you appreciate her ideas and feelings. Ask her for input in a decision or issue you are dealing with right now, and show her how much you value that input.

Walk It Out | Do something special this week to let your spouse know how much you love him or her. Send her flowers or buy him that cd he’s been wanting. Include a love note with your gift.  God bless