My Reply to Mr. Harvey's Answer to "What Does She Bring to the Table?"

 We have all seen celebrity authors become topic experts. Their books are usually vetted for errors and scrubbed to ensure their data is correct before publication. Interviews are another matter. When asked such a question requiring an opinion, these can be a goldmine to make news, or go viral for the interviewer. However they could be terrible for the interviewee. I came to this conclusion as I read the scathing comments in this particular Instagram post.

However, if I were Mr. Harvey, I might have kept this answer short so as not to misinform people. Additionally, the media establishment, whether through their many TV shows, films, tabloid magazines we see at the supermarket, or interviews as we see here, almost always portrays a flawed perspective regarding the context of marriage and precisely the origin of the woman's role. Yes, I said "role.' This word is tantamount to profanity in feminist circles, but I don't care what they say or think. I will explain this later in this article.

As an Ordained Elder, minister of Christ, and fellow author, I make it my business to research, study, thoroughly understand, and teach what the Bible says in context about one topic or another. Therefore, I will weigh in on this question and reply.

The question: "What do you bring to the table?" is often asked by women towards men when discussing the topic of dating or marriage. Men understand why it is being asked, and they simply answer it.

This question is usually met with great disdain when asked from men to women. Why is this? Men are expected to do many things over and above just being a male in a relationship, as they should. The words "husband and father" have a long list of things they mean. Shouldn't it also apply to women? Why should only their gender be enough? I disagree with this notion. I believe women should have to bring to "the table" more than just the fact that they are women. Competence should apply here as well. You might gain more clarity from reading about the Proverbs 31 woman in the book of Proverbs, Chapter 31, verses 10-31.

God was the creator of Adam, Eve, and marriage. God designed Eve to bring companionship and be a helpmate for Adam. Child rearing was only one part of her designed function. We can find this in the Bible in the book of Genesis 2:20-22.

Genesis 20-22 (NIV) 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky, and all the wild animals. But for Adam, no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

If you go to the "Strong's Concordance" and look up the word "helper," you will find the Hebrew word "succor." In the Etymology Dictionary, this word means aid, help, a helping hand, assistance, ministration, comfort, ease, relief, support, guidance, backing, or easement. 

As we can see, Eve was more than just the bearer of children. Her first ministry was to her husband. Mr. Harvey has done very well for himself, and he is a world-class comedian. However, concerning this topic, he is wrong. This is why when it comes to such matters, the Bible declares that we should study it for ourselves so that we cannot be misled, even deceived, 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

In closing, regardless of the indoctrination of feminist policies and agendas in every aspect of our society, no one escapes the requirement to be competent. Although many women find this question rude, unnecessary, and even combative, statistics today reveal that 34% of married men are raising children that are not biologically theirs. They reveal that women cheat far more than men, and initiate 84% of all divorces, and 94% if they are college educated. I find the question: "What do you bring to the table?" to be relevant indeed. 

-John

My Answer to: What are the benefits of getting legally married instead of just living together as partners for life without going through all the hassle of paperwork and ceremonies etc.?

There are Biblical reasons why marriage is an excellent choice and terrible reasons why you shouldn't consider it if you plan to live in the United States. I will share my humble opinion.

Marriage versus living together are NOT the same. Marriage can not be simulated. Marriage is recognized and ordained by God Himself. He watches over it, blesses it, and the marriage covenant is considered a form of government as far as He is concerned. God's recognition of your marriage as a government, can yield "government' like blessings, recognition and generational blessings and stability.

Living together is none of these things and if you're having sex outside of marriage, He considers that fornication, which prevents Him from blessing you and your partner. This is not His best for you.

Any man and woman who are considering marriage, must first put away any notion of what modern society teaches, portrays in TV, films, magazines, and the education system concerning what marriage is and isn't. Why? Because society, filmmakers, article writers, and network TY producers did not create marriage. Thus their notions and advice are irrelevant.

Any couple should thoroughly examine and understand the origin of marriage in the context of Biblical principles. Why? Because God created it for a specific purpose.

If you do not know that purpose, you will likely be unaware and probably marry for the wrong reasons. As a result, you both live frustrated lives and eventually divorce.

Secondly, if your intentions were to begin with the end in mind, you won't get married only to divorce. 

Most people who desire marriage do not educate themselves before getting engaged. Reading relevant books, listening to audiobooks and watching relevant videos would be vitally helpful to you and your relationship. The following are the benefits.

Exclusivity, companionship, emotional safety, and care - God created marriage for companionship, Genesis 2:18 (NIV) 18 The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

The word "suitable": in this context is the Hebrew word "need." which means:  in front of, in sight of, or opposite to. In this context, opposite means two complementary or mutually exclusive (limited to only one person or group of people). The word mutual means: In a mutual manner, reciprocally, in a manner of giving and receiving (Cambridge Dictionary).

So you can see, from the beginning, marriage was designed for companionship and care to be mutually shared by a specific and exclusive person. This provides for emotional safety, comfort, security, and care.

The husband receives the blessing of God on his life and household - Proverbs 18:22 (NIV) 22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.

God desires to bless you and your family. If you follow His direction and instructions, you open the ability for God to bless you, your family, and everything you do and have. You can see exactly what this means in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.

You are in covenant with God and your spouse, God becomes a witness in your marriage, He blesses you with children (a bloodline), to be raised in Godly principles - Malachi 2:13-16 (NIV) 13 Another thing you do: You flood the Lord's altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. 14 You ask, "Why?" It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.

15 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.

16 "The man who hates and divorces his wife," says the Lord, the God of Israel, "does violence to the one he should protect," says the Lord Almighty.

So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.

We see the term covenant in Genesis 9:13 when God promises with a covenant, a solemn oath never to destroy the Earth with water again. According to the King James Bible, the oath requires one to "do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." Adhering to covenant principals protects your bloodline, stabilizes the family, and establishes standards for your generations to follow.

If you are a person of integrity and faith and have chosen a partner that shares your same values, your life and marriage will be blessed. It will last its intended term, which in the Biblical context is for life. A life like this is hard to beat. 

The following comment is for men. According to published statistics, women are now cheating more than men. For example, 34% of husbands are raising children that are not biologically their own, and women initiate 84% of all divorces in the United States. This number jumps to 94% if college educated. 

Women are favored by the courts so men lose terribly in most divorces. The man's accumulated wealth is redistributed by biased judges. Wives often win even if they cheated in their marriages. The child support system provides great wealth for the states so it is to their benefit to put men in the system. 

Additionally, women are also favored by the courts when it comes to child custody. Men are having to fight in the courts to see their own children.

As of this writing, if you happen to live in the United States, and due to the indoctrination of feminism in nearly every area of society, finding a wife with traditional Biblical values will likely be challenging. Therefore, I suggest going overseas, where you are most likely to find partners with traditional family values that you can marry for life. Marry her in her own country and live there. I would not consider bringing her to the United States only to be negatively influenced.

What are your thoughts about this? Please leave your comments below.

-John

My Answer to: What are some tips for having a productive conversation with your spouse without getting into arguments?

 I would start with the wisdom of the Bible in the book of James. James 1:19-20 (NIV) says: 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

The word "righteousness" means "right standing with God." Since you used the word "spouse," it lets me know that at some point in your past, you and your spouse stood before a priest or officiant and entered into a marriage covenant before God. You did so to please God, and your vows were the scope by which you would do so.

I would also practice "active listening" versus "passive listening." It is a better way to have a conversation and will significantly assist you in developing and maintaining your marriage.

Active listening and James' advice are excellent ways of showing your love for your husband and being in right standing before God. When I say "love," I am talking about 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV) love: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

Touching while talking is an effective non-verbal way of letting your spouse know that you love them, no matter the difficulty of the topic. This can be done by simply touching their leg, shoulder, hand etc.

I would also become an avid learner about marriage and relationships. Reading great books can fast-track your progress. There is so much to learn, and the results will stabilize your relationship in an unexpected way.

-John

My Answer to: What are some of the most misunderstood aspects of relationships?

 Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) says: 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

The greatest one is: 1) Many people do not get wisdom or understanding about intimate relationships and marriage before getting into them. The next two are significant as well. 2) That submitting yourself to another person and committing to a marital relationship demands that you die to yourself and do all that is humanly possible to maintain it. (Ephesians 5:21). 3) That both husbands and wives have the responsibility to protect the marriage, your spouse, and their wellbeing at all times, especially when they are not in your presence.

1)Wisdom and Understanding - We cannot do well, what we have not learned. Preparation is vital in camping, going on a hike, doing anything difficult that you have not successfully done before. Relationships and marriage are vital life events. You will need to learn what to do, why you are doing it, and when.

2)Dying to oneself requires a fierce commitment, humility, mindfulness, consideration, faithfulness and loyalty.

Commitment - I am talking the very same that you committed to your spouse on the day of your wedding-covenant. In other words, when you wake up in the morning, you replay the commitment that you made to your spouse before and after you said your vows… as if it were the first time.

Humility - Humility is a mindset that is soberly modest, and knows that you do not deserve all the good things that God richly gave you, but has done so anyway, including your spouse. Bless God for his grace and mercy by honoring the "gift" of a spouse He has given to you.

Mindfulness & Consideration - Are deliberate acts. You make yourself aware of your surroundings and the ones that you love. You remember that “love” is a verb in thought, word and deed: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

Faithfulness and loyalty - Are two sides of the same coin. The definitions are: Faithfulness - 1) steadfast in affection or allegiance: Loyal. 2) firm in adherence to promised or in observance of duty: Conscientious. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Loyalty - the quality or state or an instance of being loyal. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

What stands out for me in these two definitions is the attribute of being steadfast and adherence to a promise or in observance of duty.

Being steadfast is an attribute that is taught and developed over time. I was taught not just with words but by observing my mom and dad. Yes, they had their flaws as we all do, but I observed them keeping their word to us and other people even to the point of their own inconvenience. As adults we can teach ourselves the same, one moment, one hour, one day at a time. In short, live a life of integrity no matter what anyone says.

3) Protecting each other as husbands and wives should be a very basic trait but clearly it is not. Men are taught very young to protect the weak and those who cannot protect themselves. Women have this natural trait when it comes to protecting their children.

Dare I say that a slight adjustment may be needed? The Bible teaches that God’s purpose for marriage is Godly offspring (Malachi 2:15-16). It has also been established through statistical analysis that the best environment in which to raise a child is within a two parent home, in the context of scripture. That said, both wife and husband need to protect each other from negative outside influences. What do I mean?

We are given direction from the book of Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The proper protection of one’s marriage and family stems from these words. Your “Thought Life” can keep you on the straight and narrow, or it can take you down. Be mindful of your thoughts. If they are not what they should be, quickly change them. The choice is yours. I kindly recommend that you choose the kinds of thoughts that benefit your life.

The onslaught of negative Films, TV shows, biased publications that inaccurately depict the nature of men, that degrade men, fathers, and the “rightful” place of father’s in the home. These need to be avoided by mothers who consume such content as likely her girlfriends that additionally raise their children in a home that exposes them to the same.

Most of the content on TV, in magazines, etc. do not promote what Philippians 4:8 says. It is deliberate.

The research is readily available concerning the staggering divorce statistics and by those who initiate divorce the most. That said, just as a couple should be faithful not to commit adultery, they should also be faithful to protect their own eyes, ears, mind, and heart from content that will lead them astray. The result is likely the compromise of their own hearts, thus leading to events that eventually will compromise their own relationships and marriage. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) states: 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

In closing, recognizing and dealing with such aspects is not an easy task. This likely takes more discipline than most people are willing to admit to and give, but it can be developed over time with prayer and effort if one is willing. This is the unspoken part of the marriage conversation that is rarely discussed and nowadays, rarely consistently practiced. However, wisdom, understanding, dying to oneself, and protection are vital elements in a successful long-term relationship, if you dare.

God loves His children and wants us to succeed. We do not have to navigate relationships and marriage without the necessary help, guidance and instructions. I encourage you to pray, study what the Bible says about many other topics that will affect your relationships and marriage. I encourage you to read great books on marriage and relationships and develop yourself into a partner that He and you would be proud of.

-John

"What in marriage is very difficult to accept in the beginning? - A Wedding Is Where A Couple Goes to Die

 When people consider getting married, they may not fully examine the fact that marriage is NOT a contract but a covenant and its origin comes from God (Genesis 2:22-25). That said, what might be very difficult to understand and to accept is that when you go before God to be married, you are literally going before an altar. Based on the statutes that God laid out to His people concerning the operation of the temple, the altar is a place where things go to die and are burned up as a sacrifice.

In short, when you go before the priest or officiant, who stands in proxy for Him, both man and woman are saying to each other, before God and the world “I die to myself and make this marriage covenant to my spouse the priority after God, even above my own wants and desires.”

This is further confirmed in Ephesians 5:21 (AMPC) 21 Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

Imagine how different marriages would be today if couples seriously internalized what I shared?  If each and everyone abided by this, it is likely that divorce lawyers would not be so busy.

When we know better, we should make an effort with all of our might, to do better. I pray that all who are considering getting married, even those currently married, would take the time to seriously reflect and consider in your heart individually and together, what this means for you. I kindly suggest that you would even pray on it and ask God for a deeper revelation. He loves you and would certainly answer such a prayer.

Yielding to the process of dying to oneself will be His expectation for you both as you grow together as a married couple. I trust that this helped you and all those who read this.

-John

My Answer to: "Are there any effective strategies to help a couple communicate more effectively regarding marital issues?"

 Thank you for the question. What comes to mind for me are several strategies that I will share. They will come from several sources starting with the Bible.

The first comes from the book of Proverbs, 1 Peter and then James. Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

The Amplified Bible (AMPC) says it this way: 7 The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).

1 Peter 3:7 (AMPC) 7 In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God’s unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]

James 2:19-21 (NIV) 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Proverbs 4:7 says that we are to obtain wisdom. When you got a job, someone had to teach you how to do what you were hired for. You might have received training, even formal training. Why? Because it would be ridiculous to try to put you to work when you did not know what you were doing.

That said, how do you expect to be married to another person without knowledge? When was the last time that you read a book about marriage and relationships? Knowing what to do can fast-track your knowledge thus your results. This article is one example.

In 1 Peter, men are called to live considerately with an intelligent recognition of the marriage relationship. He is also to honor the wife, which means to give "high respect, great esteem." Intelligence comes by making an effort to learn things that you did not previously know. For example, did you know that if a husband and wife argue to the point where the situation becomes heated, a hormone is released in the brain. This causes a part of your brain to switch your brain over to a “fight or flight” mode. James warns us NOT to become angry.

In this state, you become physiologically unable to intelligently reason. At this point, most couples keep trying and make matters worse. It will take approximately four hours for the condition to subside. If you knew this beforehand you could now recognize what is happening and respond in kind. I learned this by reading a book titled “Wired for Love '' by Dr. Stan Tatkin. Reading marriage and relationship books is a very effective strategy to improve your marriage.

In James, Chapter 2, he is wise to suggest that we do more listening than talking. In the midst of a disagreement, even an argument, our focus is usually to be heard. In fact, the ultimate goal for any form of effective communication is NOT to be heard but to be understood. It takes a certain amount of humility to truly listen to someone else. This is where many couples miss the whole point of communication.

First, a couple should humble themselves. Remembering that you both promised on your wedding day that you would love each other. Humbling oneself enough and being patient enough to listen without any other agenda but to understand IS an act of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

In closing, I realize that what I have explained is more than you anticipated. Most people do not like to read, and statistics say that 65% of people haven’t likely read a single book since graduating high school or college. Since you asked me such an insightful question, I believe you to be in the 35% of those who will.

Finally, Peter mentioned “that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off.” This means that you should be praying. I pray on a daily basis, and I find prayer to be a very effective strategy. Prayer is simply talking to God, having a respectful conversation (There are great books on prayer). I highly recommend that you pray for yourselves and each other as you go through the process. Journaling can help as well to fine-tune the education process. I hope this helped.

-John

My Answer to: "What or who is your source of sorrow? My husband makes me so sad and life unbearable."

 May I gently say that no one can make you feel one way or another? May I also say that you are choosing to feel how you feel. Could it be that are unknowingly giving your husband too much of your personal power? We will always be impacted by one thing or another. It is up to us, how we choose to respond, not react, to it.

Sorrow can also come from what you are exposing yourself to the most. Perhaps you are watching many hours of TV, movies, or reading romance novels? Whatever troubles that you have, will likely only be amplified by spending too much time partaking of these things. Perhaps you need some wisdom. I present to you; Proverbs 4:7 (CEB) 7 The beginning of wisdom: Get wisdom! Get understanding before anything else.

The same text that governs your marriage also has great suggestions on how to govern your thoughts. In the Bible, the book of Philippians says in chapter 4, verse 8 (NIV), 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I would kindly recommend that you consider improving yourself. The reason I say this, initially, many of us look outwardly when trying to analyze a problem. We might first consider starting with ourselves. May I ask, when was the last time you read a great marriage and relationship book, or attended a marriage seminar with your husband?

There are many great books, audiobooks, podcasts, and seminars that can show you different aspects, and best practices of love and relationships. Many seminars are even interactive. Sometimes we need to be impacted by better and more information than we have. It can give us opportunities for growth and great insight that we otherwise would not have been exposed to.

Why do you need this? We often have ingrained perceptions and stay within a certain circle of people. Thus, we get same kind of input. A fresh perspective can be refreshing, even vitally important. Our own actions or inactions, diet, lack of exercise, lack of water intake may contribute to your emotional state as well. I gently prompt you to start with a concise self-assessment.

In conclusion, you also said that you felt as if your life was unbearable. A change in afore mentioned things may be great for you and your daughter. As for your husband, while things are in the process of moving in the right direction, kindly choose to “love” your husband. The stance of scripture says that love is NOT primarily a feeling but a “verb,” something that we do. 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a (CEB) 4 Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, 5 it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, 6 it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. 7 Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.

-John

Don't Ignore Your Body, You Might Get Only One Opportunity

 This is a true story that I hope helps even one person. Last Tuesday, I woke up about 2:00 AM in the morning to go to the restroom. I felt nauseous and the bathroom seemed to be spinning. I struggled to make it back to my bedroom, clinging to the walls and my furniture as I entered. I sat on the edge of the bed.

I felt nauseous and began to vomit in the trash can. I began feeling a tingling in my right hand, down my arm, right leg to my foot. I was thinking that a nap won't fix this. I was alone so I called my cousin who lives up the road. God bless him, he said that he would be right over, and never complained once.

After arriving at the hospital, they tested, took blood, but at the end of it all, nothing was found. I heard words like mini stroke, pinched nerve, etc. As my cousin was driving me home, I began to reflect on what I just experienced. 

To give you perspective, the following was my life before this event. I would wake up in the morning at 2:30-3:00 AM in the morning. I would pray, answer messages, emails and articles for about an hour. I would then write music charts and practice from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. I am aware that my work isn't physically taxing. However, the mental energy required to do these tasks can be intense. I was at this for weeks.

In short, I wasn't giving my mind a break, never took time for fun or relaxation. Taking time to decompress your mind is important and is not an option. What good is achieving goals if you do not have the health to enjoy your successes with your family and the one's that you love? 

Don't do what I did. I count myself fortunate that it wasn't a worse health situation for me. Reconsider your pace and how much time you spend working. You don't want to regret not taking the time needed to care for your mental state and health. Take care of it like you do the most perceived important things in your life.

-John

Don't Get Tired of Doing Good - It Will Pay Off

 There are times in our lives when we feel feel like it has become routine. It may appear that we are doing the same thing everyday, while seemingly not making any progress, or as much progress that we desire. It can feel disappointing at times. As a Christian, I am reminded of the scripture passage in Galatians 6:9 (NIV) 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I looked up the word "well-doing (in doing good)," in the original Greek. It means: beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

What a description that is! Did you know that what you might feel to be ordinary and mundane, can be viewed by others as beautiful, valuable and virtuous? Moreover Almighty God sees what you are doing and if you are doing good, He sees it as valuable. In fact, the seeds of good work(s) that you are sowing, He promises that it WILL bring a harvest, IF, you do not faint or give up.

The Greek word for "give up" means to "To loose, release, unloose (as a bow-string), relax, enfeeble; pass." What I found interesting about this definition is that it reminded of another word that is related to the bow. That is the word "sin." It is more of a military term that meant in the day of the use of bows and arrows to "miss the mark." In other words, when an archer aimed at a target and missed hitting it with his arrow, his fellow archers would say that he "sinned" or missed the mark.

When we get weary and give up, we miss the mark as well. Instead of getting frustrated by the routine and the seemingly lack of progress, kindly consider seeing this as a test of your resolve. After all, if achieving goals were that easy, everyone would be doing it and with ease. Furthermore, experiencing the harvest will be all that much sweeter and you will fully appreciate it. 

Keep going my friend. Don't give up now. You are likely closer than you think. Look forward to celebrating your harvest with family and friends. Look forward to the feeling of achieving something truly remarkable. In your later days, it will be another cherished memory for you to enjoy.

-John

When You Are At War, Remember More Than One Victory Will Be Won.

 I have been waging a war for myself and generations for a long time, more than five years hence. It has been tough. I have had to grow in many different areas along the way, heal from my wounds and fight while I was still hurting.

After fighting many battles, it would seem that I can see a a ray of light at the end of this war. It is so close that I can taste it to the glory of God. At the same time, I remind myself to stay focused on completing one task at a time to finish the mission.

To be clear, my team has been outstanding, praying for me, giving me the encouragement and coaching needed as I also did the same. We wouldn't have gotten this far without God's help, each other and His excellent "air support."

If you feel tired, discouraged, like you are at the end of your rope, you might even feel like are losing hope and faith. Know that you are not alone. You can do it. Ask God for help, for support, for those who will join with you in prayer. I recommend these things because they work! You do not have to reinvent the wheel. Good soldiers know to use the strategies and tools that have been well-tested over time.

In closing, a well fought war yields many victories that yield fruit that spans over decades and beyond. This is what you are fighting for. This is what you have to took forward to. Don't give up, because it's worth it, and will forever be remembered as your legacy.

-John