Men,

When you find the one who lets you lead, lead her towards the Lord.

When you find the one who supports you, stand by her.

When you find the one who finds refuge in the Lord, protect her.

When you find the one who shows you her vulnerability, carry her.

When you find the one who is obedient to God, honor her.

When you find the one who speaks with wisdom, listen to her.

When you find the one who is a help meet, appreciate her.

When you find the one who loves the Lord, cherish her.

I closed my eyes and saw a woman. She was beautiful inside and out. She took care of children, animals, the innocent, and the helpless. She prayed for those who cursed her. She left people better than she found them. She knew the Lord and walked with Him. She was kind, quiet, gentle, and humble. She was confident, knowing her worth. She spoke life into people, building them up, including herself. She spoke with wisdom and grace. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. She was creative and incredibly passionate. She found strength and freedom in her vulnerability.

“That’s her.” I said. “She’s the one I choose. I choose her today and will choose her everyday for the rest of my life.”

I guess you could say the person you choose to be is a lot like a gift that you give not only to others but yourself as well.

We must learn to cherish the gift that we are before ever expecting anyone else to. We must seek to have a relationship with the Lord, take good care of our minds and bodies, protect, honor, appreciate, and listen to ourselves.

One day I realized my worth; I am loved, favored, precious, irreplaceable—I am her.