I am reading another book (actually three at a time right now but with different topics). This book is called An Excellent Wife. It is a study of Proverbs 31. Martha Peace is the author and a fascinating woman. She was not a believer when she got married so she followed after the pattern of our culture when it came to being married. In other words she was all about making sure her husband understood that her career and desires were to be just as prioritized as hers. In fact they were to behave as two singles with a marriage contract for sharing a home.
That attitude is nothing new; women are expected to think they are to have it all (illustrious career and perfect home and kids) and have an almost “in your face” attitude about it. But what strikes me about Mrs. Peace’s writing is her ability to pinpoint the heart of the issue. What does it really mean to be submissive and what how does that affect my understanding of marriage as the WOMAN in this duo? Man and wife are equally important but have very different roles in the marriage.
Her writing is very counter-cultural in many ways. Most women (unfortunately even Christian women) would completely think she is off her rocker. She is very real though and she has lived in both camps….the driven woman who WILL make a name for herself in this world in spite of who it may affect and now the gentle, submissive wife who sees her ministry first and foremost to her husband and children. She seems like a much happier, content woman in the second scenario! (Though I have seen women serving at home and totally not content for numerous reasons…another recipe for heart-ache.)
I am adding her book to the list!
