R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me!

"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."Ephesians 5:33

Did you know that the writer of the song Respect, that Tina Turner sang, was a man. I found that out when I began reading about RESPECTING your husband. Over a year ago, a friend shared with me a book she felt would help me with my marriage. This book was LOVE and RESPECT, by Emerson Eggerichs. She said it was the best book she read that explained how a husband and wife are to relate to each other. I carried that book around in my car for months. Then I moved it to my closet. Next, I put it inside the drawer on my night stand. Finally, I sat it on the coffee table next to the chair I often sit in. God just kept nudging it a little closer and closer to me.

I was seeking God's will and praying for God's guidance in my life. I wanted to become the wife, mother, and mostly importantly the woman God wanted me to be. In the midst of this time, that book would not leave my heart. I looked at that book on the coffee table for 3 months. Every time I sat down, there it was. The word RESPECT just loomed over me.

And then it happened. I read. I read, and read, and read. I could not put it down. God had prepared my heart to "hear" the words I needed so desperately to hear. I love my husband. The moment I saw him, I turned to a friend and said, "I am going to marry that man!" We went out the very next week. After our first date, I told my mom, "I am going to marry this man!" I BELIEVE in love at first sight!!! I also believe that GOD put my husband and me together.

But I must admit, I was not a very respectful wife. I was a loving wife. I was an awesome mom. I was a good teacher and friend. But I sure lacked in expressing respect for my husband. We married very young, and I had a picture of this fairy tale marriage. You know, white horse, prince charming, me the princess.... I believe there are many young girls with this same vision. What became real to me as I read through this book, was that my husband is the KING, and if I allow him to be the head of his kingdom, I will become always and forever his princess, his queen.

My husband is the hardest working man I have ever known. His work ethic is unique in today's world. He has always been a wonderful provider, but he has so many more wonderful qualities. He is my best friend. He makes me laugh. I enjoy his company. From the moment we meet I felt as though I had known him all my life. We have been married for 23 years and dated for 3 1/2 years before we married. Over time, work, children, and everyday life, got in the way of my attention to my husband's need for my time and attention. My admiration and affirmation that he is a valuable man in my life was not relayed to him. I dropped the ball.

Through my prayers, talks, tears, and cries before my GOD, he softened my heart enough for me to forgive myself for my downfall. It took my a while to first admit I needed to be more respectful, then it took God's love through me to truly feel it down deep. And I mean to the very deepest part of my heart. I am more critical of myself than most people would ever believe. I can dwell on my faults for days, but that is just Satan trying to keep a good woman down! But, God has restored my heart and my soul. He has given me new eyes. Eyes that appreciate, love and respect the man I first told the world I was gonna marry. I believe God picked him specifically for me. We have had some serious bumps in the road, potholes too, but I thank God for him everyday. I respect him immensely!!!

That song has a brand new meaning to me now! R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.............. It means love. If you love your husband, respect them first :)