good men are changing the world

In over a year of blogging,

i've never had any post speak to so many women in such a profound way,

as I did on my last post about my husband redeeming a view of men.

if you missed it, you can read it here.

so many of you beautiful women sent me email after email depicting the hurt and shame you've felt from a man,

but how God in his mercy,

redeemed "men" by using a Godly man in your life to love you fiercely and boldly

in grace, compassion, beauty and servanthood.

I was so very honored to read your stories,

and it continued to reinforce the idea that

good men are needed to heal the world. 

I think of the ultimate "good man".

a carpenter from Galilee

who defied all custom and tradition and spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well,

offering her not condemnation for her past of 5 husbands, but instead, HOPE for her future.

who defended and praised, in front of popular society, a women who washed his feet with her hair.

who saved the life of a women caught in adultery.

not because she wasn't guilty,

but because his love for her was so strong

He wanted to see her break free from sin,

not be punished for it.

a savior, that in his last breath before dying on the cross,

made sure his mother was taken care of by John.

in short, it is no secret that this "good man" cared incredibly for women,
and viewed them as treasures, as part of his ministry.
He still does.

Ladies, Godly men are out there.

If you've been hurt by a man, there is hope.

And it starts with the best man there is, Jesus.

He's the one that speaks soothing life into the healing.

No man will bring you wholeness or complete healing,

but God can certainly use a man after his own heart to stand with you and encourage you in the process.

and men

{if there are any reading this blog!}

you have no idea how your love for women speaks VOLUMES in a hurting world.

fathers, husbands, sons, and friends,

what a unique role God has given you to play:)

when you shine His light, you shine HIs love.

I wanted to leave you with an email I received from a friend (with her permission to post it, of course).
I felt it was fitting to share because it so beautifully champions the power of a Godly husband.

So your most recent post really touched my heart. Your husband reminds me of mine in so many ways. I've told you that I have a real passion for helping girls who have been victimized, but I haven't told you the reason... I was sexually abused as a child. Five different abusers over a period of 12 years.  

My husband was my first boyfriend and I was his first girlfriend. He was 18 and I was 17. The first year we dated, he ever-so-patiently and sweetly walked by my side as I began counseling and a path to healing. Looking back on it now, it amazes me how much he took on as an 18-year-old, but that's just how he is. Tender, gentle, kind, hilarious, and willing to prove to me that some men could be trusted. 

9 years later, he has continued to be my safe place. He loves me as Christ loves His church and that love speaks volumes. The faithfulness speaks louder than any words I could say

So when I read your post about your husband and how he is loving those girls. Respecting them. Bestowing value on them. Giving them space. Making them laugh. Being the butt of every joke. It just sounds like you're speaking of my sweet husband. When we have talked about mission work in the past, we haven't been exactly sure what our roles might look like - but after reading your post, I can see how my husband's gifts and personality can be used to bless not only me, but so many others! 

Love like this is not only beautiful, 

it is changing the world. 

Thank you Lord for good men. 

love Katie 

ps- if any of you have similar stories (or just a story you want to share) please email me!