"Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. - 1 Corinthians 11:11-12

I am having prostate surgery today. This procedure has been on the calendar for quite some time and my wife has been making plans for my recovery needs. I am incredibly grateful for my life partner. While I am called of God to fulfill a role of spiritual leadership in our home, I am never independent of the one God called to be my "suitable helper" (Genesis 2:20 NIV) We are in this thing together.

Paul gave clear and distinct directions for marital roles of leadership and partnership. Over the years these instructions have either been ignored by some or misinterpreted and abused by others. Right in the middle of his instruction Paul gives the balance of dependence to protect from both extremes. And for every marriage to be blessed, the central truth is highlighted... "All things are from God".

My friend, the strength of our marriage should always be the ruling presence of the Lord and the supportive partnership of two. We should laugh together and weep together. We should grieve together and grow together. We are never independent of each other, and all that we are and have is always from God. When I wake later today I will find the caring presence of my Lord and the sweet comforting presence of my soul mate... and all will be right in my world.