Freely Submissive.

The transition of our American society seems to be increasing the pressure, particularly on women, to be successful outside of the home. While this shift has been in the works over the past six or seven decades, it's still a challenge that women face every day. The struggle, at least from my perception, seems to be rooted in the ability to find moderation between coordinating relationship-building family time, developing career aspirations, and achieving personal goals rather than the actual ability to have a family, work for a living, and make personal advancements. Bringing all of these aspects together and adding the characteristic of submission can be a stressful combination for most anyone.

As Christians, and as women, we have the promise of beauty, salvation, radiance, and purity through the practice of submission to our husbands in the same way we are commanded to submit to Christ. Our husbands are commanded to be the head of our households and love us the way Christ loves His church. The challenging piece of this covenant is that we often place conditions and stipulations on the act of submission. The idea of submitting to someone who is controlling or dominant can feel twisted and sickening because most of us come from a mindset of justice and fairness. If we can adjust our approach to submission as a personal expectation rather than a reaction based on how we are treated by others, then we might experience a sense of personal power and control because we know that "submitting" ourselves is a personal choice based on a commandment given by Christ.

How my husband acts and treats me should have little impact on my choice to be submissive. Now, my humanity sometimes struggles with this, however if I keep my heart and head in scripture and in tune with Christ's plan for my life then submission is altogether simpler. Choosing to be submissive is choosing to think of yourself less, not thinking less of yourself.