Don’t miss out on the great responses to the last topic: Her Life in a Fishbowl: Funny Stories Time
Topic Introduction
You all just sat down for “Family Night”. The phone rings. Your husband is needed. You try encouraging the caller to get in touch with the person who should be dealing with the issue, or you give them the advice you know to be correct, however… you are obviously not who they want to talk to.
Your husband is being unfairly treated, even abused, and your heart is so heavy for his burden. You know though, from past experiences, that you cannot speak up for him. You cannot defend him, or confront the individual like you really want to. First, they won’t listen to you, second, your defense of your husband only makes him look weak, and you, like a snarling, ugly fishwife! It would only demean your husband’s position…
What would you do?
How do you carry this burden?
How do you encourage and enlighten your husband?
How do you handle the reality that you can’t fix it?
How do you cope with not having any credibility?
Anonymously respond to the prompt in the “Leave a Reply” box at the very bottom of this page.
Don’t forget, here’s how this works…
Each month a topic will be presented. I will give an introduction and an invitation to all of you who would like to respond to the topic. Ask questions. Tell your story. A little bit of crying and bellyaching is allowed, however, there will be limitations. Our goal is to find each other through our discussion of our shared experiences and to encourage each other. God will be with us!
Respond to the topic in the “Leave a Reply” box at the very bottom of the this page.
- Be sure to use only your initials in the section where it asks for first and last name, or give a pseudo-name to keep your identity private.
- Please, don’t give actual names of people or places as you tell your story. Protect. Protect. Protect.
It may be necessary for some editing of your submission to present a concise version. I will work (and pray) through your comment/response and then post both what you contributed and my own comment or response, as well as interaction from “the Sisterhood” I have received concerning it. Nearing the end of each month, I will inform you of the next month’s topic, to give the opportunity for you to prepare.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
How do you carry this burden? How do you encourage and enlighten your husband?
Galatians 6:1,2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
*The advice I take away from this verse is that I need to be spiritually strong in these situations by relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power to help and encourage my husband. I am also to be watchful that I do not allow myself to be tempted to respond in an emotional and ungodly manner.
How do you handle the reality that you can’t fix it?
I can pray. In praying, I can bring my frustrations to the only one who understands the entire situation. God knows how it can best be handled and through his Holy Spirit, He offers me the wisdom to see more clearly, trust that He has it in His control and the patience to wait and rely on His management of it.
How do you cope with not having any credibility?
It is painful to be ignored and not to be respected. But I don’t have control over how people perceive me and my abilities. I do have control over who I turn to for guidance and wisdom as I work to deflect the painful arrows of being disregarded and disparaged.