It’s week 3!

Yaaaasssss! And our feature for the week, First Lady Tawana Washington, is taking it there! Married for 24 years, check out what she has to say about Communication, balance, and what it means to “wait on God”. You can connect with her via email: tawanacoolbeans@gmail.com 

After being married for 24 years, I have learned that communication is a key component in my marriage.  I have come to the realization that communication is not just talking, but the ability to listen to what my spouse is saying.  Many times we say “I hear you,” but the question is are you really “listening” to what your spouse is saying.  Listening is something I consciously choose to do.  When I choose to listen to my spouse, I make a conscious effort to concentrate on what my spouse is saying, and to process the information.  Communication is paramount in one’s marriage.  The Word of God says:

 “Let you speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” –Col. 4:6

2. You are definitely a “woman of purpose” how have you navigated that space of being a help-mate for your husband, and a woman with a purpose/platform/ministry? What challenges have you had to overcome and how?

Balance is how I navigate this thing called life.  Not only am I a wife, but also, a child of God with a divine purpose, a mother, a daughter, and a woman with a career.  How does one handle such a great responsibility… it is called Balance.  It is important to learn how to balance all facets of your life.  At any given point we are being called upon to satisfy or fulfill one of our roles.  Balance is what is needed to maintain stability and, truth be told, our sanity.  It is important to align one’s role with one’s responsibility and not allow your self to get lost in process.  Again Balance is the key.

“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1

Submission is the act of yielding oneself.  God has given us (wives) the commandment to submit to our own husband.  Ephesians 5:22-23… “Wives, submit yourselves unto you own husband, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.” During present day, submission is often misunderstood and sometimes comes off as a negative act. We have to understand that our submission is to God first.  Submission comes from a place of love, caring and trust.  In our obedience and submission unto God, we submit ourselves to our husband.  We submit to our husband because we love him, and are confident that we can trust him with our heart in knowing that he would not bring us harm with his word, actions or his deeds.

The Bible also says in Ephesians 5: 21…“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”  

In a marriage, both the husband and the wife are called to submit. Christ is saying that the wife is willing to follow her husband’s leadership, and the husband is to set aside his own interest in order to care for his wife.  I encourage the wife to know that submission is honoring God.   As we submit to God we become more willing to obey his command and submit to our husband.

4. What about the singles who want to be married, and feel like they’ve been waiting FOREVER? What does it truly mean to “wait on God” as a single woman waiting to be found? Is it just a cliche?

To wait on God, for a husband, is to trust God and understand that God knows what’s best for us.  God knows what we need and when we need it. Waiting is the process of preparation.  Preparation is the process of First, knowing who you are as an individual and knowing who you are in Christ.  Secondly, knowing that you have worth and that you are worth waiting for. What God has for you is for you.

5. Anything else/advice/wisdom you feel led to share?

Marriage is a “Good Thang.” Like anything in life, marriage is work.  You have to work at being communicative, understanding and forgiving.  Marriage is ordained and sanctioned by God.  Trust God, trust yourself and trust your spouse.  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”(Philippians 4:13)

Yasssss to all of the above! Love what you’re reading! Be sure to comment below and let us know your thoughts! And be sure to connect with me on Instagram, @reese__dennis, for a more wisdom from the Fierce 5! Can’t wait to hear from you!