Bridal Blessing

Today I went to something called a Bridal Blessing. It's where married women share scripture and wisdom with a soon to be bride. I'd never heard of it but one of my lovely bridesmaids organized this. We had cupcakes and I got to hear from some amazing women who weren't there to tell me anything but the truth. They were honest in saying that submitting is sometimes hard, that arguing comes naturally and that they are still works in progress. They shared some of their difficulties. They shared some of the things they had learned. and overall "blessing" doesn't seem to describe what it was. It was amazing to hear from such God fearing women about what it really looks like and means to submit and encourage a husband.

I don't have a ton of experience or example in this. The marriages I've seen up close and personal the women run them. and when they don't get their way they react in a not so pleasant way. But some of the points they made were awesome. The ladies there were the first to admit that when they don't get their way its easy to argue, what's harder is to just turn to prayer. They shared that because God has given you this husband to lead you, when you have a problem with your husband and where He is leading you you really have a problem with God. They explained the importance of forgiveness. They read to me out of proverbs 31:25-31 and hebrews 11:8-12.  They shared the importance of being a blessing, and that you need to trust God. That when you are serving your husband you are serving Christ. I loved their hearts and candid answers. They explained that they are still learning. One women even said "you just taught me that" when another was talking.

This is what I've been looking for in my church. Women like this. women who are honest and open. Women who share what they know but aren't afraid to say "I don't know" "I'm not good at this". REAL WOMEN. and how funny these women go to Real Life Church. (not a coincidence in my mind). But one they they said is that you have to trust that God's provision for you is your husband and in times where you might not agree or you might have difficulty to just be praying. The importance of prayer and specific prayer. To pray and pray and pray and see how that's powerful. I felt like for the first time I really was seeing "marriage preparation" and it was amazing. They said their church has something called "When two become one" and the amazing things that she learned from it. How awesome that a church has a program that is growing people. How amazing is it to see that the spirit has clearly moved in these women and I can hear it just in the brief time I spent listening to their story and testimony. They talked about the ministry of marriage. They talked abotu not getting too busy with ministry though and keeping time for eachother. I have so many things I heard that I liked that I can't even capture them all.

Last thought: one of the ladies told me this. the "flowery" part of marriage is that you have someone to love you and comfort you and care and that's wonderful and a blessing. But that's a small part of it. The growing and sanctifying, the ministry, and all the other things it teaches and shows you--- thats marriage. It's not just someone to love though that's what the world advertises, its a completely new phase of life.

i thought it was a beautiful explanation. I have a lot to learn but I'm excited for it and I have faith that God will help me. <3

Blessing definitely doesn't cover today!