Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Stacey - A Tribute

Of all the things I am thankful for since Jesus transformed my life nine years ago, there is one that ranks pretty high on the list. It’s the radical way in which He’s changed and reshaped my view of the opposite sex.

Secular culture did little to help me understand how men think and what they experience or need as they face life—except perhaps that physical intimacy was a high priority, and that for them, being in a relationship—whether a casual or committed one—was important. My own father’s faithful presence in my life was somehow not enough to stop me from believing the lies of the world, the flesh and the devil that were influencing my thinking and attitude towards the opposite sex … and cheapening my expectations of what I should expect from them in relationships and in life.

 But God has been so faithful! He has given me an increased understanding and appreciation for what motivates and discourages them, and how we women can make a difference in how they see themselves—we are in fact uniquely designed to do just that. 

So this is a short tribute and encouragement to you—my brothers in Christ—and to those still finding their way into His light and His love. In spite of what the world communicates to you … you are needed … and valuable … and appreciated!!!

  •  Each of you are made in God’s image—unique, precious in His sight, and incomparable to any other (Genesis 1:27, 31, Psalm 8:3-5). 
  • Your leadership and provision are a needed dimension in our lives and families (Ephesians 5:23, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Peter 3:7). 
  • Your physical strength—though admirable—is most awe-inspiring when used for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 1:25, Psalm 84:5-7). 
  • Your spiritual strength comes from your humility and inspires us to follow your lead (Proverbs 11:2, 15:33). 
  • Far from being unemotional, your hearts can be vulnerable to the women you love … so guard it wisely (Judges 16:4-19). 
  • But trust God to bless you with a woman with whom your heart can be trusted (Proverbs 18:22).
  • Your courage in the face of insecurities, setbacks, disappointments, and struggles will be rewarded as you trust God (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:6-8, 2 Chronicles 32:7-8, Psalm 31:23-24, 1 Corinthians 16:13). 
 May God strengthen and prosper you as you honour Him!

-------------------

Click on the comments link below to vote for Stacey

43 comments:

Kara D said...

Excellent message Stacey - thank you. I will be forwarding this to my husband as I think it will really encourage him. Thanks!
Kara

Kara D said...

Excellent message Stacey - thank you. I will be forwarding this to my husband as I think it will really encourage him. Thanks!
Kara

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, Stacey. I wonder if most Christan men realize how attractive they are when displaying spiritual strength. Thanks for the great insights.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Stacy! Men need to hear these affirmations! A man in Christ is a surely a beauty to behold, especially in these latter days when culture screams 'lusts of the flesh and the pride of life to our men, of all ages.

Anonymous said...

Well said, my Sister.
May He continue to use you to be ablessing to His people!

Sandra D said...

Well done Sis!

Farah said...

I agree with you, Stacey -only Jesus can change our views, so that we can begin to think and see things as He does. May the transformation that Jesus made in your life be experienced by men and women worldwide. God bless you.

Beloved of God said...

I am voting for this one because I think that the men in our lives need to be encouraged. They have similar feelings and insecurities as we women do but sometimes we forget that. Thanks to Stacey for reminding us!

Ruby said...

Thanks Stacey, wonderful tribute! Blessings to every man who is totally committed to God and the family that God has entrusted to him.

Heather said...

Very well written Stacey! Well presented. Thanks for encouraging the truth and beauty of love through the eyes of God

Ann Peachman said...

Beautiful, Stacey. I wonder if most Christan men realize how attractive they are when displaying spiritual strength. Thanks for the great insights.

Anonymous said...

Yes Stacey! We need to be reminded of the roles God designed for us. Our men need women to use their power and influence to empower and encourage not tear them down. Our children need us to walk in dominion. Having a father in the home is not enough. Thank you sis!

Princess Levinia said...

Wonderfully said Stacey! I agree with the above comment.

krystsyde said...

Matt 15:8 the people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me... that's what comes to mind. Who will man up for their wife, family, and the cause of Christ... awesome!!!

krystsyde said...

Matt 15:8 the people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me... that's what comes to mind. Who will man up for their wife, family, and the cause of Christ... awesome!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Stacey for your words of encouragement to men out there who may feel devalued or not appreciated. God has so much more in mind than what the world has to offer!

Julie B. said...

Thanks Stacey for your words of encouragement to men out there who may feel devalued or not appreciated. God has so much more in mind than what the world has to offer!

Pamela said...

I agree with Stacey. We have to encourage our brothers in Christ and pray they realize how valued they are.

Holly said...

Good words for our brothers in Christ! I will pass this along to the young men in my church.

kaybee said...

Very profound, Stacey-- well done!

shirley said...

This is a message that would encourage all men, great word Stacey
Shirley

Frenchie said...

Great message Stacey!

Clemmy said...

Good job Stacey for the tribute. This is a true blessing. I will make sure my husband sees it.

David Osah said...

This is wonderful Stacey. i am blessed by your writeup. God bless you.

Courtney said...

A much needed perspective, Stacey...thanks for sharing your heart. Praise God for the changes that He works in each of us.

Pophie said...

I am encouraged to read your message encouraging men.

We Christian women need more Godly men in the Church and in general. May your message be read by men and women alike and be a source of encouragement in our world today.
God bless and I hope you win!
Sophia

Lynn said...

..And you shall know the truth & the truth will set you free.... How this truth needs to get out there to counter our rather warped culture! Thanks, Stacey!

Anonymous said...

Awesome message Stacey
I can also attest to the changes that God is making in my own life about my impression of men!
Excellent biblical truths.

shay said...

great message

Honey V said...

Good message Stacey, young Christian men needs to be encouraged by Christian women to keep them on the right path.

Mississauga girl. said...

Thank you Stacey for sharing this with us, it is very helpful to young men today.

Mr. Not So Anonymous said...

Very insightful! Thanks for the great post Stacey!

Portico Friend said...

Well said, Stacey!

Cor said...

Stacey
I admire that you took the time to express yourself, your objective being to encourage.

Colin A. said...

This one has my vote. Simply put, effectively received.

Andres said...

That was really encouraging. Thanks for the kind words :).

April said...

Amen Amen Amen Amen:) I agree 100 percent:) :)

April G said...

Beautiful:) :) :) AMEN:) :) I agree:)

Hilda said...

Wonderful post, Stacey! You made some excellent points and supported them well with Scripture. I had to smile when I saw how often the word "courageous" popped up in the references for the last bullet. ☺

And you are right: we women do have significant influence with those special men in our lives (husbands, sons, fathers). May the Lord help us always use it for good.

Desiree said...

Wonderful message , as a married woman myself i thank God for the man in my life , its really nice when they are appreciated i mean all men need to read this lovely message .

Jennifer said...

Stacey I just sent a very long message and it was erased. In short, I was thanking you for reminding me how important it is to encourage our boys of who they are in Christ and what impact that truth will have on how they choose live and walk in this life. They are fearfully and wonderfully made. I think that it's been so easy to forget that since so often negative comments are made about men.

Jennifer

Jennifer said...

By the way was still February 29, pacific time when my first comment was erased.

Stacey said...

Thanks so much for everyone who voted for me ... some of you I know, some I don't... but thank you all so much! God bless you...