Several weeks ago, I shared a video with you called "The Story of Ian and Larissa." It was a short documentary by Desiring God, but one that will long remain in my heart. If you haven't seen it yet, I urge you to do so as it's an incredible story of love and marriage--definitely a must see!
Ever since hearing about their story I've been checking in on their blog, "Pray for Ian," and since doing so I'll tell you one thing for sure--I'm learning countless lessons from a woman who is twenty years my junior.
I asked Larissa if she would be a guest contributor this week, and when I got her reply in the mail saying that she would I can't tell you how honored (and giddy) I was. I absolutely love their faith and commitment to each other in marriage. Thank you, Larissa and thank you Ian for sharing your wisdom with us!
"The beauty of the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church
shines brightest when nothing but Christ can sustain it."~ John Piper
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| Photo Credit: www.mrsbethmurphy.com |
It's Active...
"We have to give it away."
He's a profoundly solid and simple leader. Because of that, it's usually a joy to follow his direction. Especially when it came to the car. He knew that because we were being blessed with a car for free, that we could in turn bless someone else just as much. I might not have made that decision on my own. or, I could have just not told him, and made the decision myself.
That's where being married to a husband with a brain injury relies solely on the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart. It is tempting to just make decisions, spend money, or do things without telling Ian. I could get away with a lot. He's not paying attention to the details, simply because he can't. Unless I, being his helper, bring those things to him, and allow him to lead me.
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." - Ephesians 5:22.
Submission for me is so clearly an action. I need to bring things to Ian. He has given me the trust and confidence that I need to make some decisions on my own, like good husbands do. I don't have to take everything to him. However, when I asked Ian for an example of what that looks like, he gave me about 14 fake and sarcastic examples. So, he's not allowed to get a quote on the blog tonight. :) but truly, for example, Ian doesn't care what I make for dinner, because he says that what I make is always good.
What does matter though is that I try to cultivate a heart of submission, even though it doesn't look like submission in a lot of other marriages from the outside. But I think the heart issue is probably still the same. and I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit dwells in me, because without, I would make a terrible mess of our marriage and we would probably be broke.
So tonight I'm thankful that I have a God who lives in me and in our marriage.
Thank you, always, for praying.
Larissa
If you've watched their video, you will see that Ian and Larissa have a "Board of Gratefulness" in their home. They encourage anybody who comes in to write a note of something they are thankful for. It could be something really small or something big. It's a way that they practice gratefulness. And so today I encourage you to jot down a few of your own. If you are on facebook it would be wonderful if we could share them together. Just type them on the wall below this particular post. And if you're not on facebook, then share them with your family and ask them to share some as well. It's a beautiful way to share the goodness of our Lord.
About Larissa and Ian:
Larissa (27) is the wife of Ian (27), and they live in Western Pennsylvania. Larissa works in marketing at a local bank, and blogs at Pray for Ian. Ian hangs out with his company, Vinegar Hill. They met in 05 and were married on 8.28.10
John Piper on Marriage:
“Marriage is not mainly about prospering economically; it is mainly about displaying the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church. Knowing Christ is more important than making a living. Treasuring Christ is more important than bearing children. Either way, it is short. It may have many bright days, or it may be covered with clouds. But if we set our face to make of marriage mainly what God designed it to be, no sorrows and no calamities can stand in our way. Every one of them will be, not an obstacle to success, but a way to succeed. The beauty of the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church shines brightest when nothing but Christ can sustain it.” -- John Piper, (The Momentary Marriage)
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