2 simple ways to impact your husband’s reputation

We are home from India and, despite the henna designs on my hands, I’m tempted to think it was all just a dream. Our team had days that were full and fruitful, and we all came home grateful. But I find that spending time in a developing nation in a culture used to the feel of poverty in every nook and cranny has a way of making my mind work overtime. Even with our mixed up body clocks and jet lag, I’m doing more than my usual share of lying awake. I’m deep in thought and in conversation with the Lord, asking for understanding and wondering what God wants us to sift out from the experience to impact our future. I’m pretty sure I’ll be processing India long after the henna has faded.

This is a warning that my blog posts might be a bit unpredictable in this “still jet lagging, still thinking,” post-India remainder of October. If you don’t mind some random bursts of thoughts and images, I’d love it if you would let me share some of what crowds the corners of my heart at the moment.

2 Simple Ways to Impact Your Husband’s Reputation

Not every woman around the world has heard the biblical truth that the husband of an excellent wife trusts in her to do him good and that his reputation is even impacted by her stellar conduct (Proverbs 31:11, 23).  But even those who haven’t heard or heeded inspired words of scripture have a sense that a married woman can make or break her man’s reputation.

Two very different Indian women reminded me of my power and my responsibility when it comes to my man’s reputation.

Adding to his reputation

With just one final day left with our partners in Delhi, we had the honor of attending a Jain celebration. The rare occasion and invitation provided a glimpse into a small segment of life in India, as well as a narrow slice of Hindu faith. Putting on my learner’s perspective wasn’t nearly as hard as putting on the tight (did I say tight?) sari and being wrapped in the 18 ft of material by a seasoned friend. All of my personal dignity depended on 3 carefully hidden safety pins and the promises of my friend that I would not come unwrapped!

Upon arrival at the elaborate event site, I tried to make sense of the world of difference from the slums where our team spent most of the week. We were quickly introduced to the parents of the honored child, and I could hardly take my eyes off of the mother. She was dressed in wedding worthy apparel, perfectly coiffed and colored, with bright designs on her celebratory ensemble. She was beautiful; she clearly wanted to add honor to her family and her man. Her husband was so proud; she was his crowning jewel. It was clear the celebration was theirs together and a unifying event for their marriage and family.

Questions directed to my friend and host helped me understand that a woman’s appearance is considered a reflection on her husband’s reputation. Even poor women of India do all they can to adorn themselves beautifully, often including yards of sari fabric, because their glory adds to the good reputation of their husband.

I thought about how common it’s become for me to throw on a t-shirt, force my hair into a scrunchie, and hope I don’t see anyone I know when dashing to the store. “Frumpy” has become a badge of authenticity among a lot of (Christian?) women, but should it be? One simple way to do my man good is to do like the Indian women and take time to look good when I go out … whether he’s there or not. When I look good, he looks good.

I want to tell you about the 2nd Indian woman who left an impression on me (and everyone else!), but she has to wait ’til tomorrow. I’m sorry, girlfriends … jet lagging is creeping in and I’m giving in.

• How do you think your husband feels when you take time to look good?
• How do you think your appearance impacts what other people think of you, your man, your fam?