A man of God was in town for a crusade around this time and somehow, Mrs. Brown got invited. For want of anything else to do, she decided to attend. If she stayed home, she would only be fighting with that useless man anyway, so she thought. She went and the Holy Spirit was ministering through the man of God as he spoke about relationships and what it takes to be a submissive woman. It was like he knew what they were going through. She was boiling mad. “So, this foolish man had gone to tell this preacher what is going on in the family? Wait till I get home tonight. He is in trouble!” However as God would have it, she was convicted by the Holy Spirit in the course of the evening. She answered the alter call and gave her life to Christ. She was thereafter counseled. She had a nagging question though. Why would her husband go and tell the Pastor family secrets? They didn’t even know her husband, they told her. She was educated on the workings of the Holy Spirit. She was advised that being a new creature, she should by all means refrain from quarrels with her husband, difficult as it would prove to be. Then, they prayed for her.
She got home and the husband was already there, watching what was left of the TV. The poor thing had broken bones to show for all the constant fights. She greeted him, good evening, to which he didn’t respond. It was as if he didn’t hear her. She went inside, into the kitchen and made dinner, then set the table for him. This is something she hadn’t done in ages. Then she invited him to the table. Of course, he didn’t respond. The food ended up in the trash bin. The following morning, she greeted him, good morning. No response, but he was getting ready for work. Then he saw something amiss and queried her. She didn’t respond in her usual way. Rather, she offered an explanation. He wasn’t satisfied, so he ranted on and on. At a time she felt like giving it back to him, what nonsense! But the Holy Spirit helped her keep her cool. If she wants her family back, there is a price she had to pay.
Then she went into the kitchen to prepare his breakfast. It was trashed since he wouldn’t eat it. Then he slammed the door and went to work. At least that morning, the neighbors heard only one voice. She got to work and was encouraged by her friends who invited her to the crusade. Upon getting home that afternoon, she made his lunch and set the table waiting for him to return from work. She opened the door for him and offered to take his jacket. He brushed her off and went into the bedroom. Coming back into the living room, she invited him to the table. He flared. “I have been watching you since yesterday. You and your mother, you are trying to poison me, right? It will not work! I am not eating your food. Try all you can, your voodoo will not work on me.” Then he took his car keys, slammed the door and went out. Upon returning, dinner was ready. At her invitation, he just hissed and went to bed. But that was a full day without a fight. Impossible! The following morning, he was determined to raise a fight at all cost. It is not fun fighting yourself, is it? And what is wrong with her? Why won’t she be herself so they could go at it again? You could get used to a bad thing. He did all he could, but she wouldn’t bulge. He fumed and fumed, then went to work.
Getting back from work that afternoon, lunch was ready and waiting. This is not possible! Again, he referenced her mother and the possibility of trying to poison him. When she wouldn’t say anything, he went as far as daring her to talk and get a dirty or clean slap. Nothing. Like a wounded lion, he pranced about the house, swearing and cursing. Nothing he did could provoke her into action. Well, even if you are the devil and you are quarrelling with someone who is saying nothing, you will soon wear yourself out. He burnt out, then sat on the sofa panting and from the corner of his eyes waiting for her response. She got up. Yeah, here she comes. Now we will fight, he thought. But she went on her knees before him, crying and apologized for all the fights they had. She accepted guilt for every instance, even when she was not wrong and asked for his forgiveness. He couldn’t take that. At that point, he knew something had happened to this woman. This is not the woman he married.
What happened to you? He wanted to know. She told him about the crusade ending that evening. He told her to lead the way. Whatever had changed her like that, he intends to find out. They got there and the man of God was completing his happy home series with emphasis on the role of the man. Mr. Brown was angry! So, this woman went and told this man our secrets and brought me here to be ridiculed! What insult! He was there anyway and the Holy Spirit got him. He gave his life and was counseled. He too had his teaching on the working of the Holy Spirit in answer to how the pastor knew so much about his family. Mr. and Mrs. Brown went home that night a changed couple. For the first time in a long time, they actually had anything to laugh about. Gradually, things went back to normal and they bonded more. The neighbors lost their alarm bell and wondered what happened. Their story when told, actually fortified other relationships. They began to do things together and it was wonderful. However, it began with a woman who was willing to pay the price. Several times she felt like answering back, but she didn’t. She was a business executive too; not a push over. People answered to her on her job, but at home, she learnt to answer to her husband. It was a lesson she learnt the hard way, but she was happy to have paid the price. The happy home she got in return was worth it many times over. Being a good wife is challenging, especially nowadays. But nothing good is supposed to come easy anyway. I learnt a long time ago that EVERY good thing comes at a price.
Join me in Part Four as we focus on the men.
