There are about a million in one reason why I respect, cherish and deeply love my husband. Though I will share just this bit. I know that no matter how stressful or tired his day may have been, he comes home from working hard and lights up when he sees me. Even with messy hair, no makeup and unflattering clothes. Then, reminding me that he got through his day, knowing he was coming home to me. Me. With my unkempt hair and sometimes stress from the latest shenanigans from our children. Even when I am in a mood, he respects that I need a minute, as he reassures his love for me. He cares for me when I am not at my best and he gently lifts me up and helps me heal. I am certain if there ever comes a day as I age where my memory fades, my health declines and I am not quite the woman that I used to be; that he will love me still as though I were.

Men carry a heavy responsibility on the well-being of their families. With both being an honor and a lot; they are called to lead their families to know and to love God. To care for them, in a way that God has perfectly designed them to. Though men are called for such; few answer. I am a small majority in today’s society that have a man that although not perfect, is an honorable, God-fearing man. I know this is a heavy responsibility, though I respect how he carries it with grace.

Many will say that a woman sets the tone in the home. Although a woman has her own special role, that’s for a different day; I believe, the man sets the tone. For I have found when a man lives his life as God instructs; that sets the tone. The wife cherishes her husband and it becomes a cycle of respect and adoration. The children learn from his example. The sons learn what a man is and the daughters learn how they should be treated. Sometimes a man’s responsibility is heavy; though being responsible has rewards that everyone benefits from.

Men, the new year is approaching. Though, everyday is a new opportunity, to be the men that God has designed you to be. This world needs more men. Men that love as God has instructed. That lead as called. Wives need their husband to commit to his promises to her. Love her as Christ loves the church and nurture her. Children need their dad’s, to teach them. Teach their sons how to be men. Their daughters to be respected. Men will be held accountable for their family; men, please lead them well.

I respect and cherish my husband because he has answered that call to love our family, as is called. I love my husband deeply because he is a good man. Not a perfect one; but a truly good one. I love how he leads, nurtures, cares and loves us.

Men, women do not need perfection; they just need you to be the men that God has designed and instructed you to be. For a home can better stand against the elements of this life; when men are leading their families with love as it was made to be. It is both an honor and a responsibility. Men, please handle with care.

He lets me know that he’s on his way home to me and I eagerly wait for his arrival. For where he is; my heart smiles so much more…

Erin Fitts-Brower

Ephesians 5:22-23 NIV

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

Ephesians 5:28 NIV

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

1 Timothy 5:8 NIV

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.