Marriage Monday is Coming!

From Gold-Digger to Helpmate

Jokes about women who marry for money abound, but marriage counselors know that women do marry for a certain amount of financial security… and it is no joke. Sociologists at the University of Virginia found that,

American wives, even wives who hold more feminist views about working women and the division of household tasks, are typically happier when their husband earns 68% or more of the household income. Husbands who are successful breadwinners probably give their wives the opportunity to make choices about work and family—e.g., working part-time, staying home, or pursuing a meaningful but not particularly remunerative job—that allow them to best respond to their own needs, and the needs of their children.

When we study Genesis 3:8-22 and note the differing curses God put Adam and Eve under after the Fall, it’s easy to see why this research reflects truth. The Scriptures clearly show that God intended for males to find fulfillment in work, and females to find satisfaction in family relationships.

No Finance? No Romance.

Adam’s curse created serious financial difficulties. But fortunately, God had given him a wife with a built-in job-description: helpmate (Gen 2:18).
As relational creatures, we women want our husbands to be our soul mate, but our men truly need our support and assistance first. All the romantic goodies that we crave so much are likely to follow when our husbands feel there are sufficient funds in the coffers.

So do we thank him for his efforts and encourage our husband in his work… or do we gripe and complain? Recently, one writer’s words really
hit home to me:

Making a living is not easy in our competitive world. The husband often faces frustrations, discouragements, and setbacks. Some people take advantage of him, cheat him, and deceive him. Others criticize or censure him. He needs someone to encourage him, to appreciate him, to believe in him, to respect him—and that is why God gave him a wife! He will be able to bear a great deal more hardship in the workaday world if he knows that has a wife at home who admires him, trusts him, and stands by him, whatever happens. If he gets the same sort of treatment at home that he gets in the working world, he will be tempted to try some form of escape which will lead to unhappiness for all concerned. But the thought of a smile coupled with a little admiration and encouragement will draw him home like a magnet.

According to e-Dad, when the going gets tough for him in our business, the most meaningful thing I can say is, “How can I help?” Romantic dinners out, lengthy conversations, and “play” always drop down our priority list when unpaid bills are pressing.

We've worked out a schedule where I help e-Dad in the office with mailings at least one day a week. I also help him run errands, brainstorm new ideas, and set sales goals. What do you do to lend your husband a hand with his job?

Seeking Your Submission

With the recession still affecting so many among us, and the expenses of the holidays just ahead, let’s take a few minutes out of our day on Monday Nov. 1 2010 to encourage one another on the vital topic, “Financial Contentment in Marriage.” Agreed?

Financial Contentment in Marriage

We all know that the topic of money can be a negatively charged issue between married couples. The following four title options give you the opportunity to put a positive spin on things. Choose one title, and let the Spirit lead you where He wants you to go.

Thanks for taking the time to share your wisdom and advice with us, dear sister!

1. Our Holiday Spending Plan
2. Why the Recession has Strengthened our Marriage
3. Money Management Tips from the Bible
4. How We Recovered from a Big $$$ Mistake

Are You New To Marriage Monday?

If you’re new to Chrysalis and Marriage Monday, you are welcome here! Please jump in and join us on Monday. Choose one of the titles above, write your heart out, and then come back and link up. Your entry doesn’t need to be fancy or clever, and you can make it as long (or short) as long as you like.

After you leave your permalink, take some time to visit a few of the other contributors. Introduce yourself in the comments; I guarantee you’ll meet some very high-quality blogging women if you do.

For a general introduction to Marriage Monday, click here. If you would like to be added to our Blog List, please click here.

Photos: My Patterned Mind (Flickr)



Have you chosen your title for Monday?