All the single ladies, if you like it then get prepared to fight for it.

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So I was sitting in the movie theater, watching the movie previews.  I love movie previews.  They are like a cocktail party - no real entree, just lots of appetizers.  A preview for the movie entitled "Warrior" played and I was super excited about this movie.  I love watching movies where men are living in a state of physical and emotional mediocrity when they experience a sudden motivation to pursue a dream or a vision that requires them to participate in intense training.  There is something about this story line that causes men's hearts to jump.  I do not think most men understand that the reason their hearts jump is because God created them to be "Wild at Heart" (thanks, John).  Men are designed to fight for those they love and the visions and dreams placed upon their hearts.  Most of society does not recognize this truth because spiritual forces of darkness have done all they can to eliminate this part of a man's heart.  Very few stand strongly to endure the "training" the Lord has prepared in advance for them so they can walk in the glory that God has planned.

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While watching this preview, I noticed something that I had not noticed when watching similar movies and previews in the past.  I noticed the role of the women in the film.  Two brothers are in a cage, prepared to begin a mixed martial arts fights, and their girlfriends or wives are sitting in the audience cheering them on.  The women were seemingly excited for their (presumed) husbands, deeply invested and involved in their vision, their dream, their battle, their story.  Great men who take center stage to fight for themselves or for others often have an even greater woman behind them.  I think of ministers and servants that I have met over the years and how they have shared that their wives and girlfriends are a great source of inspiration and encouragement to them.  I have seen this in my own life.  I do not think that I would have the success that I have been having with my physical health had I not been pushed by Lauren.

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I remembered that God created Eve to be Adam's "ezer kenegdo."  This is often translated as helpmate or help meet, but this translation has the implication that Eve (and therefore all women) is supposed to be helping the man with his house projects and making all of his meals.  I am not too sure that is what God had in mind.  From my limited understanding of the Hebrew, ezer or azar is better defined as protector, aid, help and support.  It is usually used in context to describe military assistance or even help from the Lord Himself.  Kenegdo is a preposition meaning "face to face" or "corresponding to."  Combining the two terms suggests that the wives are created to be sources of strength, protection, help and support who are equally as significant and important as their husbands.  Notice the Satan talks to Eve before he talks to Adam, not necessarily because Eve is the "weaker sex," but because she is the source of Adam's strength.  Women are on the front-lines for their marriages because Satan knows to eliminate the very person who refreshes the heart of a man, who spurs him into battle.

Whenever I write about the roles of men and women in marriage and relationships, I usually get a bunch of hate mail.  "Stephen, you're not married, what do you know?"  "Come on, you know that wives are supposed to submit to their husbands" (read the rest of the verses, men).  "I refuse to submit to my husband, I've got dreams of my own" (pride, much?)  The bigger the reaction and the greater the amount of defensiveness, the more God confirms for me that I have pierced to a sensitive area that needs to be addressed.

It amazes me how Jesus speaks through silly things like movie previews.  Women, be encouraged.  Each of you are so vital and so necessary for God's glory to be demonstrated on earth.  Cheer for your men as they fight for their own hearts, the hearts of others, for their families and for their relationships.  Men, honor and love your girlfriends and wives as Christ loves the Church.  If women honor their men and men honor their women, no one feels unloved or hurt.  Everyone's needs are met.  Leave the forbidden fruit of self interest in your past and enjoy the remainder of the garden.  I promise total and complete amazement.  True story.