By Ashley McIlwain

Our society these days struggles with the definition of a husband and a wife’s role. Things have changed, and many people are wanting to re-write the book on what marriage should look like. Traditional marriage and roles are seemingly being tossed by the wayside with people claiming that they’ve reinvented the wheel.

While things do change, and I believe that each couple has to figure out what works best for them, I refuse to invalidate or discard God’s design for men and women as husbands and wives. Again, that’s not to say that there are hard and fast rules with no room for adapting or adjusting within each marriage, but with the “out with the old and in with the new” mentality, came a huge decline in marital success and satisfaction. That says something to me.

There is definitely something to be said for the strengths that each gender possesses. It’s not a matter of inequality but rather different yet complimentary roles that come together in perfect tandem. Men have a God-given ability and responsibility to lead, and women have the God-given ability to nurture and support (Ephesians 6:21-23). This balance between a husband and wife is what creates this beautiful portrait of the marital relationship.

Recently I came across a song that reminded me of the importance of men leading in their homes as a husband and father. I do believe many (not all) women have an innate desire to be led by a strong yet sensitive man, and I believe many (not all) men long to have a woman who will respect and support them. Additionally, the father figure in a child’s life is so crucial on so many levels, which further demonstrates the need for strong, courageous, and loving men who are the servant-leaders of their homes and families.

When I heard this song, Lead Me, by Sanctus Real, I knew it was a song I wanted to share with you all. It touches on that longing of wives and children to have their husbands/fathers lead them while demonstrating a husband’s desire to do so. When I hear this song, I know that it resounds in so many men and women out there. All around, it’s a song that I think many of us can relate to, enjoy, and learn from, which is what I hope for you.

Check it out, and let me know what you think. You can get a copy of Lead Me here.

Author : Ashley McIlwain

Ashley McIlwain, M.A., is a Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, and writer. She is the founder and C.E.O. of the non-profit organization, Foundation Restoration, and blog LittleWifey.com, which are comprehensive resources committed to restoring the very foundation of society – marriage. She is committed to and passionate about helping relationships thrive. In the past Ashley worked with Moody Publishers and Dr. Gary Chapman as Managing Editor to launch and develop a website focused on premarital preparation. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Currently she and her husband, Steve, reside in Southern California.