Warning: This post is not to answer all of your questions. It is not to provide a universal equation. It is not to defend feminism or complementarianism or anything else. It is to share my story.
Up until a few months ago I had stretched ears, a piercing in my chin, and dreadlocks, and while those are gone (because I’m attempting to look a little more professional due to my books coming out), I still have two tattoos—one on my neck, symbolizing motherhood, and the other on my wrist: lilies, reminding me that God cares for me.
I’m a girl with a lot of questions and a lot of boys (two biological sons, two foster sons, and a man I met in Bible School). I am a white, middle-class, Bible-believing, married, heterosexual woman. And up until a few years ago, I was a radical feminist.
All of this, to explain the position from which I write this post. I might disagree with myself in years to come. I might not. But the whole point of A Deeper Story is to dig deeper, and lately, I’ve felt the need to dig deeper into my roles as wife and mother.
So will you dig deeper with me?
Can we pretend we’re sitting in a pub with some pints, and I’m telling my story to you?...
(follow me over HERE to A Deeper Family, friends, where we'll continue this conversation.... thank you.)
Oh friend. I envy the wisdom you are finding in your youth. My husband and I have always said (tongue in cheek) that the first 25 years of marriage are the toughest. It is so difficult to put another person's desires before your own. When you both are doing it at the same time. Bliss.
ReplyDeletewow Emily, you know, the Lord showed this to me a few years ago about my own self with my husband. Why do us women FIGHT so hard against being cared for? This is my biggest battle and I knwo that I know my man isn't the man he should be many times because I won't let him be. Great insight, great post, the example of your parents is so perfect for what I know to be true.
ReplyDeleteI fought my husband for 23 years until I read a book that changed our marraige. I started loving and serving my husband. I stopped arguing with him. I started smiling at him and our marriage turned around almost immediately. Love changes people! I am so sad it took me so long to figure it out but I sure am glad I did before it was too late. Your story of your parents is amazing!
ReplyDeleteEmily, your piece at a Deeper Story Saturday was simply beautiful. That story of your parents' love and the shifts in you -- such a picture of redemption. Thank you for leading with grace and love...my, how that changes things. I have been praying for you this week and am grateful for how beautifully Jesus shines through you, right from the places of your pain. Bless you, dear one.
ReplyDeletethank you SO much for praying for me this week, ashley. it was definitely a hard week, in more ways than one, but i was SO encouraged by all of the angels like yourself who took it upon yourself to lift me up to Jesus. i wouldn't have known how to get it without you. love you so much.
DeleteI really hope to meet you one day Emily. I love that you just simply desire to tell your story. This too is the heartbeat of my telling. All we can do is share life through our own lens. This should be good enough and not up for debate by others. Love your tellings....
ReplyDeleteoh friend, i hope we meet one day too. love your heart and your Christ-like spirit. e.
DeleteEmily, Your words and story are so needed. Because God is doing great things through you and He guides our steps and our words and our story and when we ask the hard questions, I am certain He leads us into truth.
ReplyDeletealia, this means so much to me. thank you for speaking encouragement to me tonight. i crave truth. love to you. xo
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