You want to be married?

Hey Lemon8 fam! So, I've been doing a lot of soul-searching lately about what it truly means to aspire for marriage, especially as a Christian woman. The phrase 'submissive wife' can sometimes get a bad rap or be totally misunderstood, right? For a long time, I struggled with it, thinking it meant losing my voice or my identity. But as I've grown in my faith, I've come to see it in a completely different light – one that's deeply rooted in love and respect, and most importantly, in my relationship with Christ. It all circles back to the question that’s been on my heart: 'You want to be married? But are you nurturing the marriage you already have with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?' This isn't just a catchy phrase; it's the foundation. I’ve realized that my capacity to love, trust, and even 'submit' in a healthy marriage with a human partner is directly proportional to how much I'm submitting to and trusting God first. For me, being a 'submissive wife' in a Christian context isn't about being a doormat or having no opinions. It's about a willing heart to support and respect my husband's leadership, just as he is called to love me as Christ loved the church. It's a dance of mutual respect and service, where both partners are ultimately submitting to God's perfect design for marriage. When I'm truly nurturing my relationship with Jesus, my heart becomes softer, more patient, and more aligned with God's will. This makes me a better person, and in turn, will make me a better potential wife. So, how do we 'nurture the marriage we already have with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'? For me, it looks like a few things: Dedicating Time to Prayer: Making daily prayer a non-negotiable. It's my direct line to God, helping me understand His heart and His plan for my life and future marriage. Immersing Myself in Scripture: The Bible is my guide. It helps me understand God's blueprint for marriage, what love truly is, and how to cultivate a submissive and servant heart. Seeking Godly Counsel: Surrounding myself with wise, faith-filled women who can speak into my life and offer guidance on navigating relationships and understanding biblical submission. Serving Others: Developing a servant heart by actively looking for ways to bless others. This isn't just good practice for life; it's excellent training for a selfless marriage. Trusting His Timing: Learning to surrender my desires and timelines to God. If He wants me to be married, He will bring the right person at the right time. My job is to be ready, rooted in Him. This journey of faith isn't always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I truly believe that by focusing on Him first, I'm not just preparing for a marriage on earth, but also strengthening my eternal 'marriage' with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s about building a foundation so strong that any future marriage can stand firm, centered on God's love and grace. What are your thoughts on this? I'd love to hear how you're nurturing your relationship with Christ!