There’s a guy that I like to watch his reels that float across my screen. I agree with almost everything he talks about. Such is life, right? I don’t think there will ever be anyone that I agree with 100%. In fact, if I ever found myself thinking I agree with someone 100% I would stop and reevaluate myself. But I digress . .
This man was talking about the way he and his wife raise their daughters. He said they raise them to be confident, but not independent. He stated his reasons, and I can understand why he would perhaps think that way. But, I disagree. No shade thrown at him. I still watch his reels and I still agree with a lot of things he says. I just disagree on this.
Some interpret Ephesians 5:22 as wives submitting to their husbands as the wife being quieter, meeker, etc. I disagree. There is a version of translation that reads “Wives, be willing to serve your husbands . . . ” Submit, serve, never subservient, never beneath, never dependent.
Think about when you go to a really nice restaurant. A top notch server can serve you well because they are knowledgeable, seasoned, and know what they are doing. They aren’t beneath you. In fact, you are enjoying your experience because they are there. It wouldn’t be the same without them. They don’t need to serve you to fulfill their shift. If you never came in, they’d be ok. But if they weren’t there, you wouldn’t be able to order and eat your food.
Being confident AND independent makes a person better suited for whatever role they choose to take in life. “Be willing to serve”. I like that translation. You can be willing to serve, and do it poorly if you don’t know how. And you know how the best when you can do it yourself. When you’ve walked thru it, educated yourself, and learned. Not when you keep scrambling after someone, trying to keep up because you weren’t given the time and tools.
This has been rolling around in my head for a couple of weeks now. And tonight just seemed like the perfect time to share it. I have tried very hard to raise my girls and my boys to be confident and independent. They may not always choose to do so, but they have the tools in their life experience toolbox should they need to. And so, they are equipped for life and whatever circumstance they may find themselves in.
Tonight I am thankful that serving, submitting, etc. is best done when it comes from a place of competency, confidence, and independence. Think of how well the hubster sleeps knowing that I don’t need him, I choose him. He never has to question my intentions because if I wanted to not be here, I wouldn’t be.
Momma's Silver Lining 