When You’re Married to a Man of Courage

I was a 21-year-old college student when a man of courage came rolling into my life. A few years later, we exchanged vows on a sunny day with a beautiful mountain backdrop. At the ceremony we sang How Great Is Our God and praises went up to the Father of impossibles. I held hands with a man of courage, who in the face of adversity, rolled over defeat.

Two years later, I witnessed the proud look on his face as we welcomed our miracle son into the world. The new role of father expanded his heart with an even deeper joy.

Fast forward four years, and the bond between my husband and son continues to strengthen. Their playful voices fill the walls of our home as they build rocket ships, Lego inventions, and play flashlight tag.

My heart whispers thanks to God, the Giver of abounding gifts, for giving me a man of courage who is present in the life of our son.

Passing strangers probably don’t know that my husband is a rolling miracle – that God’s healed him in many ways even though he no longer navigates life on two feet.

Challenges pile high at times and I witness them first hand, but he perseveres because he is a never-giver-upper. His foundation is built on God. Whether you’re standing on mountain tops or crawling through valleys, the foundation that never crumbles IS God.

My heart whispers thanks to God, the Giver of abounding gifts, for giving me a man of courage who chooses Jesus and joy over defeat.

He rises early in the morning, diligently putting in hours at work using his talents and providing for his family. Before the sun sets, he finds the energy to play with his boy, because even though he’s ready for rest after working long days, he values time with his son.

My heart whispers thanks to God, the Giver of abounding gifts, for giving me a man of courage who works hard and is committed to his family.

Through my wavering emotions, no-makeup-undone-hair days, through my worst and my best, my husband loves me beyond the flawed outer layer that reflects back in the mirror.

Because when you’re married to a man of courage, you are loved despite your flaws, your body is seen as sacred and connected to your soul, and your true self is given room to breathe.

My heart whispers thanks to God, the Giver of abounding gifts, for giving me a man of courage who values me and allows me to flourish into the woman God created me to be.

Maybe it doesn’t make the headlines, but behind the doors of many homes are men of courage who often go unnoticed and unappreciated. Men who work with integrity and use their talents to do Kingdom work. Men who labor long hours to provide for their families and to honor God. Humble men who give, serve, and love selflessly. Imperfect men who are being perfected by the power and person that is Jesus Christ. Men who are strong because they are not ashamed to bring their weakness before the Lord.

I know such a man, because I’m married to one. 

And one of the bravest things a wife can do?

Honor her man. Thank him more and nag less. And I will be the first one to raise my hand in admission that I fail miserably at this sometimes because I, too, am an imperfect woman being perfected by the power and person that is Jesus Christ. Marriage is hard and holy all in the same breath, saturated in opportunities to practice forgiveness.

Courage extends forgiveness, and when you’re married to a man of courage, he forgives. Together you forgive, over and over. You love, because HE first loved us and He forever loves us.

Courage isn’t big biceps or the ability to feel pain without shedding tears.

Courage is humbleness. Courage is choosing what’s right, over what’s popular. Courage is living authentically. Courage is loving selflessly. Courage is praising God at all times, especially in the trying times.

The first time I met the man I now call my husband, he was holding the book The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. A year had passed since his injury, and on that day, I saw a glimpse of his courage to keep going. I knew then what I continue to believe today: God has a mighty purpose for him being here.

My heart whispers thanks to God, the Giver of abounding gifts, for blessing me with a man of courage who chooses God and chooses to love me.