warrior ethos

In working through this application process, one of the questions arose pertaining to a wife and her thoughts on the matter of pastoral ministry. And while I stated my current relationship involvement, I still jotted down a paragraph or two on the qualities and aspects of a woman I'm looking for - and that I'll need to marry a woman with the capacity to be a pastor's wife. Even if I never see the office of pastoral ministry.

And that got my thinking cap turned on the last few days.

I'm reading this book called Warrior Ethos, and the first section is dedicated to explaining that the strongest men, those of valor and selflessness, those who give up their lives in honor, are those men who's wives and mothers are bold, determined sources of strength in these said warrior's lives. While it references Sparta and other Roman-grecco cultures, and the subsiding reasons for their drawing of the definition of manhood from sources other than God, it has nonetheless made me realize now more than ever - whoever I'll pick to commit to, she needs to be a warrior alongside me.

Bravery out the window, it's the iron-clad determination to do what it takes, whenever it takes, however it takes, to have unwavering resolve and be committed to the Lord, his people, and the mission at hand. To have that in a woman is to have everything in a relationship. I desire that. I desire her, whomever God is making her out to be. And it's something that is learned, grown, and developed - I get that. But the heart, the willpower at the outset, that's the game-changer.

I need her to compliment and support me as much as she needs me for the same things, and to lead her.
I need a woman who undoubtedly loves Jesus more than me. But loves me next.

Anyway, this book is an interesting read to say the least, and it's got me thinking about this part of my life again. And who knows how this application process will turn out. Where but for the grace of God go I.