Just Being Honest…(A.K.A. Gut Honesty Part 2)

“Teresa, do you think the women your husband sees everyday at work, or on his way to work, or at the store are still wearing their pajamas?” OUCH!!! It was a timely word from a dear sister in Christ. You see, it was years ago, and my husband and I had just had our first baby.

Motherhood was nothing at all like I had expected. It was all-consuming. My heart was opened up to new areas of love that I did not even know had existed. Motherhood was the epitome of selflessness. My time was no longer my own.

BUT somewhere along the line, I had let motherhood overtake me. I no longer got dressed in the morning in cute outfits, or blow dried and curled my hair. I seldom put on make up anymore. Afterall, somedays I really didn’t have anywhere to go. Other days, I didn’t want to put on a pretty and put-together outfit only to have it spit up on.

INTERVENTION! A dear sister in Christ loved me enough to tell me the truth. My husband needed me to still take care of myself. He needed an attractive spouse just like I needed conversation. It may sound shallow, but it is true. Three kids later, my body has changed in more ways than I care to admit…just being honest! BUT I still make the effort to eat right, work out, get dressed, fix my hair, and put on some make up each day. I remember the loving admonishment of a friend years ago.

WHY? Because I can truly tell that my husband really appreciates it. In fact, he loves it. And to be honest, I do too. I feel better when I take care of myself. I feel like a better wife and mom when I take the time to tend to my spiritual and physical needs.

Afterall, check out Adam’s response in the Garden of Eden when he is first introduced to Eve, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh ; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife ; and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:23-24) My mentor couple used to say that Adam was like “WHOOOOA….Man” when he saw Eve. He was drawn to her physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Ladies, your husband chose YOU. You do not have to compare yourself to other woman or try to be or dress like some else. I would, however, strongly encourage you to take care of yourself the way you used to when you were still aspiring to be his MRS.

I’m not encouraging vanity, BUT I am encouraging you to be a blessing to your hubby, and to take care of yourself. Just being honest…I am so glad that a dear friend loved me enough to give me this reality check years ago…Just figured I would pass along the favor. J

Have a blessed day, my friend!

Passages to consider:

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.  Proverbs 27:6

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husbandhas full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praiseat the city gate. Proverbs 31:10-31

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we love you! Thank you for making each one of us so wonderfully unique. Thank you for making us in your image. Thank you for the gift of marriage. May we truly honor you and be a blessing to our husbands. Thank you for the truth found in your word. Thank you for the example of the Proverbs 31 woman. While she did not put her hope or faith in her beauty, she still took care of herself and her household, In doing so, she blessed her husband and honored you. May we do the same. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.