This past weekend, I had the extreme privilege to spend time with some of the finest Christian people I know. As many (or most) of you may be aware, my husband started a podcast network in January with the help of 3 other guys. The four of them (and wives accompanying), got to spend the weekend together, and it was much-needed and tons of fun. But there were bits of the weekend that surprised me.

You see, you hear the horror stories: when women get together, all they do is gossip about their husbands and make them out to be either useless or stupid or annoying or a host of other things. No doubt Hollywood makes a ton of money depicting families in this light. Sadly, though, the church has women who do this same thing: who “put up with” their husbands, and when they’re around other women, don’t hesitate putting them down or making fun of them. And it’s sad. Really, really sad.

And not at all Biblical.

This weekend, though, I was around 3 ladies who encouraged me so much, though not so much by the words they said, but the ones they didn’t. They didn’t harp on their husbands shortcomings. They didn’t belittle his beliefs, practices, quirks, or personalities. They didn’t nag about the work which they’re involved in, or complain about the amount of time they dedicate to working. Instead, they praised their husbands. Even behind closed doors, they showed respect and admiration, and yes, submission to their husbands. For me, it was a beautiful representation of what Proverbs 31:11 looks like:

“The heart of her husband safely trusts her;”

These women’s husbands probably already know that they can trust them, but it was such a wonderful example and encouragement to me to keep on and even try to be better at publicly and privately praising my husband.

I am so thankful for Christian friends, especially these wonderful sisters in Christ. I am so blessed to be a part of their lives.