Today’s episode is called “What every husband needs from his wife . . . the newlywed vs. the veteran”.  This is a unique episode of Destination Marriage as I will be flying solo, but will be co-hosting with my nephew Chris Ford, a newlywed of just over a year. Chris is Jackie’s older sister’s son and I have known him since he was about 5 years old. It’s still weird calling a grown man your nephew, but nonetheless.    

We discuss a number of topics with perspectives from 1 year of marriage and from 19 years of marriage.  Some of the attributes of a husband's needs from their wife that we discuss: 

• Respect

Chris and Emily gave me the honor of officiating their wedding last year and below is a part of the ceremony that I spoke directly to Emily about as her role as a wife.  I think it summarizes much of what a husband needs

• Men and women are different …………… I trust we can all agree on that ………. We generally have respective needs that are different from the other and the Bible lays out a perfect balance here for a healthy marriage …………. These verses can be very challenging in today’s culture and I’m very glad you chose them to be read ………. The word for submission in Ephesians is one of a willing and sacrificial submission ……………. Biblical submission takes humility and has nothing to do with value ….….. you are both equally valuable in God’s eyes and in this marriage ……….. it has much more to do with God’s ordained structure for a healthy marriage ……...  Emily ……… it means letting Chris be the leader of your home ……….….. it means letting Chris fail ……….…….. and if he’s anything like me …………… he’s going to fail a lot …………. It means lovingly showing grace as he grows into the man he is going to be.  It is one that you do out of love and respect for Chris ……….. and it is what he needs