For Women Only.

Ever read it? I strongly believe every woman {especially married women} in this world needs to read For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn. If you let it, it will change your life. In a nutshell it's "what you need to know about the inner lives of men" and it doesn't come across very softly. A lot of the surveys, studies and information provided is shocking and harsh, specifically when it comes to the common stereotype that "men are visual". {If any of you have been on Facebook lately, you may see where this is going...}. Recently, I have personally been shocked on how many women fall short in working to support and protect our men against visual temptations, me being one of them. I fall short all time and not afraid to say that I'm proud of myself when I actually do stand up for my beliefs and stand to protect my husband and disappointed when I get torn down by others because I do so.

FACT: Man was created by God. And, FACT: Our men {young, old, single, married, Christian and Non-Christian} are wired to carry around a mental rolodex of images...stored...sensual...available at anytime...lurking around waiting to make their appearance. 87% of our men actually. For some it's just annoying and they have to work hard to block them out and for others it can cause them to stumble. Especially as our young men grow up and grow into their 20's, 30's and 40's anything can trigger it. As blatant as a Victoria's Secret television commercial or as simple as an attractive colleague dressed in a business suit. It doesn't matter. Our culture is a minefield. It wouldn't be fair to say it's not a big deal or if it trigger's sensual thoughts in our men then there must be a deeper issue. I strongly believe those stances are really naive. It's true, not ALL men have a deep rooted struggle, but why even go as far as tempting them even if you think they won't fall into temptation and sin?

I'm a woman who isn't at all visual. I don't get it half of the time and I don't realize some of the things I say or do. A couple things I do know {as a wife especially} after reading this book is I have a duty to pray hard for my husband cause ultimately only the Lord can lead and guide our men...to continue to educate myself and be proactive so I don't become naive and transparent to what is ACTUALLY going on...to support and protect my husband...I need to be on his side, not against it. Why would I want to do something that would tempt him or others? And most importantly "Champion modesty" in myself. Just because one man isn't struggling, doesn't mean another isn't. Married women are called to respect our husbands, but I find it hard to believe our God wouldn't want all women to champion with all of our men to help them continue in honoring their God. I pray with all my heart that everyday when George walks into our home he can say he honored me with all his heart, mind and soul and soon when he stands before his God he can say he honored his wife. I hope this for every man.

You can't stop everything and can't control what others do, but you can listen to your heart and work hard to do your part. It's a good book. Promise.