Speak Well of Your Husband (Marriage Challenge – 31 Days of Prayer)
Looking for the husband’s version of this prayer? click here
I’ve recently discovered that my husband reads my blog every day. I knew he was peeking in from time to time, but reading it every day? Well, that’s pretty cool. It blesses me beyond measure to know that he’s peeking in and cares about a ministry I’m passionate about.
So last weekend, I asked him why he doesn’t comment.
“Well,” he said, “I thought it might seem a little self serving.”
He’s humble that way, and I love that about him. But I was quick to remind him of Proverbs 31 which says, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” v.28
Then I got to thinking about my own role in this, which brought me to verse 23 of the same chapter, “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.” And I was reminded that every word I speak about my husband in public is painting a picture him.
What kind of a reputation am I giving this man? Is it one that abounds with kindness and grace? I hope so. But in order to do that I have to respect him enough to speak well of him.
And so today I wanted to remind each one of you to speak well of your husband (and guys, speak well of your wife). Be the first one to sing his praises and the last one to point out his flaws. Respect him in such a way that his noble character is evident to every one that you meet. Let him be known at the city gates for his good qualities, not those little things that get under your skin. Some things are better left in the privacy of your home.
And if he isn’t so noble? If you can’t think of anything good to say? Then start looking for something of worth. Pray that God will help you to notice his value. Maybe he’s good at his job, maybe he’s an awesome photographer, maybe he’s great with computers… I’m sure there’s something that makes him unique. Find it.
With that, I’d love to sing my husband’s praises. Yes, it might seem self serving to some, but the truth is that I’m serving the one that I love.
So if you’re reading this today, Michael, here are 7 incredible things that I love about you.
1. I’m proud of who you are – I could never tell you this enough. I’m proud to call you my husband and the father of our children. You’re a good man whose character is the evidence of your unwavering faith in God.
2. You’re an incredible father – I love our kids and the way they are growing in your footsteps. A day doesn’t go by without me seeing a glimpse of you in each one of them, and it’s awesome to see!
3. You’re the best husband EVER – You are my best friend, my lover, and home to my heart. You are one of my greatest blessings from God, and your love is a gift that I open every day.
4. Thank you for your tireless effort – Your dedication to providing for us does not go unnoticed. Thank you for working without complaint and giving of yourself to your job every day.
5. We appreciate the little things you do – Rubbing my back at night, tucking me in when I’m tired, fixing little things around the house, bringing me chocolate, a kiss in the kitchen, watching one of my shows, listening to me talk about my day… and the list goes on… thank you for the many little things you do.
6. The awesome way you fix our dishwasher when the door is broken. See photo here.
7. I want to grow old with you – If anyone were to ask me what I want to be when I grow up, I can say with all certainty that I want to be the one holding your hand.
I love you – Today, tomorrow, forever… you hold the key to my heart.
Chime in: What good things can you tell us about your husband? Click here to join the discussion.
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
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37 Comments
Davonne Parks
I love this article! My husband reads my blog too 🙂 I love how patient my husband is, that he’s a great dad, that he genuinely wants to please me, that he’s so supportive of my dreams and goals, and that he works hard to make his own dreams and goals happen.
Niki
I’m very thankful for my husband. He is the best person I know. He loves God, is faithful, constant, hard working, strong, more common sense than anyone I know, humble, easy to please, an outdoors man, athletic, excellent hygiene, fun, cool, handsome, he’s always nice to me, he is a loving father to our three kids, he takes good care of our pets, and he doesn’t waste time. He goes about his day in quiet goodness, and is such an example of a good person. He doesn’t criticize people or have judgmental ways. I am so grateful he loves me and asked me to marry him 25 years ago. Thank you heavenly father for the gift of him. I pray God take care of him and bless him with things that make him happy.
Tabitha
Things haven’t always gone easy in my marriage. This blog and your book are speaking to my heart though! I know the Lord is changing me and will help my marriage become restored once again. Now, to chime in about him. My husband of 26 years has never wavered in his quiet strength. What I used to find annoying about his quietness, I’m now appreciating that God has made him strong and solid and quiet for me because I’m totally the opposite! I love how he goes to work and provides and then comes home and helps his elderly dad with projects just because dad can’t do it on his own. And yeah, he’s tired because he worked all day, but he loves his dad and so he goes off to put trim up on the house or hold a table leg or whatever. I love him, praying that God gives me more appreciation for him and that my hubby will be receptive to it as well.
Jodi
My husband supports me in so many ways both big and small. He has always been my biggest advocate and has helped me through some very difficult times in my life. One thing he does that I think is so sweet is that sometimes he gives me a standing ovation when I come home from work! That’s his way of thanking me for the long hours I put in! 🙂
Darlene Schacht
Awesome!
Cheryl
Haha. I can appreciate the whole dishwasher thing(#6)!! It wasn’ t too many days ago that my husband had dishwasher parts all over the kitchen floor as he was trying to figure out “what is wrong with this thing”. What I appreciate about that, is that he keeps a very short “to do” list. I barely have to breathe a word about something not working, or whatever, and he is very quick to look in to it. Sometimes at not the most convenient time to me though lol….
Darlene, just a side note. I appreciated your talk at the Revitalzing Women conference in Winnipeg.
Tracy
🙂 This blog made me smile, makes me think of all the amazing things that my husband does for me and our sons. He works so hard for our family, to provide a good life for us. We work together to make our home beautiful, always cleaning, making meals and taking care of the outside duties.
After a tiring day still gets down on the floor and plays with the boys. Then sits and cuddles me on the couch after the boys have fallen asleep, looks at me and tells me I’m beautiful every day, kisses me good night and prays for me.
Thank you Lord for this amazing man.
Darlene Schacht
Awesome!! Thanks for sharing Tracy.
Tracey
My husband is my best friend. We just celebrated 29 years together and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And to know that he still rocks my world after that many years together is an awesome thing!!! Like you I want to grow old together holding hands. I pray that I lift him up in public and not tear him down. He is our spiritual leader and I try to follow his lead. Thank you for your blogs and your willingness to be so open with us. Have a Blessed Day.
sithando
wow what a profound programme you are running Darlene.I recently subscribed and this is the 3rd article i have read….amazing staff God bless you,i cant wait to get my daily bread from you.
To summarise about my husband
1.He works very hard and tirelessly for the family….i appreciate a lot.
2.He is a very great supporter….he will support me even when im thinking i cant make it.
3.Has a great,accomodative heart and sweet spirit….
4.He is a great thinker and dreamer…..he never seizes to dream and propell the family forward…i have learnt to continue dreaming and believing God for every little thing, his faith in God amazes me.
5.He is practical….he does what he says…never promises what he cant do.
6.He is very loving,husband and father of our two children
7.The list is endless i can write a book about him….i love you and appreciate all that you are,he has not changed in these 9years that we have been together.God bless!!
Darlene Schacht
Awesome!! He rocks.
Kim Sullivan
I love everything about this post, but especially the dishwasher picture!! Fabulous!!!
Michelle
Wow this is awesome…I’m doing this marriage challenge for a couple off my friends struggling right now. This challenge has been great. Please continue to write these they are such an inspiration to many…unfortunately my marriage is over in every way except legally at this time, I I so do not want to see people have to endure that, I pray this challenge has a positive impact in my friends marriage lives <3
Darlene Schacht
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement, Michelle!
ana
My husband has had an amazing transformation by the Lord. 8 years ago when I married him, against God’s word I married someone who wasn’t Christian. But the Lord had mercy, grace and my husband is not even close to the man he use to be. I don’t encourage woman to marry someone who isn’t of the same spirit or likeness in Christ but the Lord is gracious and forgiving . He is loving, caring, patient, amazing father and husband. What I love the most is his willingness to know God and he keeps searching for him. Thank you God.
Darlene Schacht
God’s grace is amazing!
Kathy
I love that after 18 years and all we have been through, we can still laugh and pray together.
Peggy
Thanks Darlene …wonderful word and lesson here on speaking well of our mate! Love the incredible things written to Michael 🙂 I would love for my spouse to be interested enough to read any of my blogs any time. But see how easy it is for us not to speak well (though that was not my intention) however it starts out that easy with one comment of our dislikes or a complaint and soon we are carrying on (and on and on) on how our mate doesn’t cut it in various ways. We may not think about it at the time but we definitely are seeding “bad” seed and choking out the good (like a weed)… I too appreciated the “dishwater” illustration:) The deal with my marriage is that for most of it, my husband spoke well of himself and gave his self enough accolades for us both (plus he also received alot of outside applause from many as a speaker on human rights and adoptions, etc) so it was easy for me to speak well of him, it’s those times when I did not that matter more. I had enough with family not speaking well of him so I always tried to shine the best light on him (even when perhaps he was not being so good). On second thought, maybe I’m glad that he does not frequent my blog because that might inhibit what I say (naw, just kidding) I rarely speak about him on my blog, especially because I guess I feel like I’d need his approval to say what I might say. I try to to share much of anyone else’s life other than my own because well, a blog is public and once it’s out there, it’s out there and you have no idea who may be reading it or what their real reaction is. I believe that their story to tell is their story to tell (not mine), but the hard part is how so many are interlocked in mine. I too would like to grow old along with mine (except he’s 24 yrs. ahead of me). In my last post of my 31 days, I will be sharing THAT song: “Grow Old along With Me” by Mary Chapin Carpenter (a very dear song to me) ‘cuz now that I turned 60 … it’s growing closer day by day (ouch)(sigh)! We can never praise enough! May God help us notice every day the value of our soul mate and let him know something positive to praise him about rather than “nag”… and maybe we’ll get the same in return. If not, take it to God and give Him the glory and praise!~Peggy
Peggy
sorry, small important typo … I try NOT to share
Amanda R.
Loved the dishwasher pic! Too funny! Great article today 🙂
Sandy
First, and most important, I must boast in God, that He saved our marriage and that we soon will be celebrating 22 years together. My husband and I were both non-believers until 2006, when the Lord saved us both through Christ and then redeemed our near-dead marriage. Now I can boast in my husband: he works hard every day, takes care of many things that need taken care of around the house that I cannot do/get to, he cuts down trees and chops up wood for us to burn to keep warm in the winter, drives us where we need to go, makes me laugh, and puts up with me and my declining health with love and grace. I am thankful to God for him and I am thankful that God kept us together and is faithfully growing us together each day. Thank you for this opportunity to “speak well” of my husband!
Teresa Watson
He walked out of a work meeting and out into the cold today just to give me a kiss! And he was smiling all the way!
Nancy
There are so many good things and qualities that I notice and praise in my husband. Through the help of your blogs, books, and prayers, I have learned to pray to God to concentrate on the good when I want to scream out what I think is not so good and hurtful. I start my day with the daily prayer from Unveiled Wife, and I know that God will show both my husband and me the way to a more solid marriage. He truly is a good man. Two separate cultures have caused more troubles than I ever could have imagined.
Jennifer @ Emulsified Family
I love this reminder so much. As I blog I always think carefully about how I portray my husband. While I share things that frustrate me about his career as a chef, I always want to honor him as my husband and make sure he knows how much I love and appreciate all he does for us (online and in person.) Thanks for this post today!
Lisa
My husband is patient and kind, even when I am having a grumpy day. He always does little things to try to cheer me up on those days. He’s a great cook, goes to work every day without (much) complaint. He loves our son more than anything. 🙂
Darlene Schacht
Aww! He sounds awesome!
Ronda
I love this series that is helping me to focus on the good that my husband does day in & day out… Some people questioned why for a while of facebook my profile picture was a bag of pork skins… I had mentioned to my husband that if he happened to go to the store I would like a bag & when he returned he brought me a bag & I told them that the picture was there to remind me that he does love me & tries hard to do things for me… the more I look for the good the more I’m finding & the better our marriage is becoming…one of the fun things that he has been doing is when I’m at work & he decides to unload the dishwasher it’s like have an Easter egg hunt trying to find where he put the dishes but at least he puts them up & reloads the dishwasher so I don’t have too…:)
Comfort Bethel
That was really awesom of your husband fixing the dishwasher. To some it might look stupid and unskillful but this is a sheer display of love and caring from a HUSBAND . I wish all husband show a little more understanding to the numerous and endless daily administration in the home.This in not just one way makes the woman feel appreciated.
Darlene Schacht
Yes!! He’s awesome. And he also took the lead and called the repair man for me. It’s getting fixed for real tomorrow. 😀
Andrea
Thank you for the daily prayers! They are very inspiring and are great at helping me to focus back on God and his work in our marriage.
Darlene Schacht
You’re welcome!
Sharlyne
I love this today. I am laughing because I do the same thing. I sneak into my children’s room too after they are sleeping and tell them again how much I love them and they are an answer to 2 prayers (from my mother and myself because I wasn’t sure if I could have children). I usually tell them that when they are having a bad day, in hope that they will understand how special they are to me.
I also give my husband a kiss when he is sleeping and cuddle up in his arms when he is sleeping. After that I will hear him start snoring and I know he is OK. His snore puts me to sleep.
Jess
Woops! Wrong spot.. I meant to post my comment under Day 28, for Capturing Joy, so I reposted it there. Thanks!
Darlene Schacht
Okay, no problem!
Trisha
#6 – LOL!!!!!
Love it =)
Ada
Darlene i love your blog is really helping me to find myself an to build a better relationship with my hubby may GOD continue to use you mightily to build in homes that are at the verge of breaking.God bless you
Darlene Schacht
Thank you Ada. I’m blessed by your words.