Just for Fun

Thursday, September 25, 2008

I'm reading the book 'Created to be His Helpmeet' by Debi Pearl again (third time!) and discussing it with eight other ladies on Fridays. You may not like the book, I'll prepare you for that, but I happen to think that when a woman is ready for it, this is a wonderful book to help us women learn to be the wives God wants us to be. Feminist? no. Old-fashioned, conservative, biblical? yes. I'll not give a blanket approval to the whole book, but there's a lot more great teaching than there is stuff I don't heartily embrace. So, she separates men into three different categories or types. Try to figure out which one most describes your man, and drop me a comment if you will to let me know who your man is--just because it's fun! (I love doing this kind of stuff!) Number One: Mr. Command Man. He is dominant, often ends up in positions that command other men, a surface deficit in gentleness, usually does more than is required of him, known for expecting their wives to wait on them, seems to be sufficient unto himself, willing to take a chance, over the years can become more yielding and gentle, may organize and command others to do what needs done, does not enjoy small talk, wants to talk about his plans, ideas, and finished projects, very objective and unemotional. Number Two: Mr. Visionary. He is a shaker, changer, dreamer, wiling to pick up and relocate without any idea of what he will be doing for a living at their new location, demand doctrinal purity, love confrontation, consumed with a need to communicate with his words, music, writing, voice, art, or actions trying to change the way humanity is behaving or thinking, rich or poor--rarely middle class, not inclined to the 8 to 5 job for 30 years, appreciates his wife's support as he shares a new idea, over time may become more practical, calls himself and those around him to a higher standard, knows how to do nearly everything, is an initiator and provoker, intense focus. Number Three: Mr. Steady. He is caring, providing, faithful, in the middle not given to extremes, does not make snap decisions, avoids controversy, doesn't tell others what to do, content with the wife of his youth, down-to-earth and practical, wise caution, willing to do a job most people avoid where there is no glory, likes a woman to walk beside him yet grow in her own right, loyal, rarely rash or foolish though they will sometimes tolerate foolishness or error without dissent, comfortable in small talk, the one who will be most liked by everyone, is always in demand as people want him to help them, loves to comfort, his still, quiet presence brings peace to others. Remember: All these 'types' are presented as good in their own right. She sees these as being God-given roles and personalities, with no one being any better or worse than another. Many men will also be a little of all three types, but tend to be stronger in one. My Man: Alan is definitely a Mr. Command (he was one of only two 'D's for dominant at a marriage retreat we went to!), with a strong touch of Mr. Visionary as he demands doctrinal purity, has high standards, can do absolutely anything, and has an idea a minute. I love analyzing things like this and having a new appreciation for the way God makes all different types of people and how all the gifts combine to the equipping of the body! This book really is a great one to help women discern how to best be a suitable helper to the man God has given us. One thought to ponder is the idea that it is my job as a woman and wife to let God mold me to become the suitable helper to MY husband, to accept him and adapt to him. Interesting, hmmm? It's also an interesting thought to ponder for those of you who may not yet be married. Consider the characteristics a man exhibits, and determine if you are going to try to change him to be the one you want him to be (not gonna happen!!!) or if you are going to be able to adapt to him as he is. If you can't commit to following him just as he is, get out now before it's too late!