When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.

Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects his heart and his lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you. I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.

Support the man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.

You are My perfect angel. You are My beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and My eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes – don’t change them. Your lips – how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle in touch. I’ve caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I’ve held your heart close to mine.

Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like Me. Adam walked with Me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see Me or touch Me. He could only feel Me.

So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with Me,
I fashioned in you: My holiness, My strength, My purity, My love, My protection and support. You are special because you are the extension of Me.

Man represents My image, woman My emotions. Together you represent the totality of God. So man – treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt Me. What you do to her, you do to Me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.

Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.

I feel like I have the same discussion over and over again… Church, where are the men? Specifically, where are the men 18-41?

I know I’ve been having this discussion for years, but the first time I can remember realizing it was a problem was earlier this year. I was listening to “Focus on the Family.” (Yeah, I’m a nerd. So what?) The hosts were discussing the book Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman. The female host asked something to the effect of “What are the young women of the Church supposed to do when it comes to looking for a spouse. The man is supposed to be the leader, but there just aren’t that many young men in the church. The number of women to men is completely unbalanced. Are the young women supposed to not get married? Are the young women supposed to marry a man new to the faith and be the leader? Are the young women supposed to forget the thing about being equally yoked and marry outside the church?” Everything I’ve been thinking for years verbalized in one statement. 

The topic arose during one late-night discussion in South Africa that I had with my friend Jeannette. We were both expressing our concern with finding a mate. We both have strong leadership skills and can tell you all the technical information everything about how we lead, why we lead, etc. We both expressed concern about having these strong leadership skills and finding someone who we will be content with letting lead. I know a lot of really great Christian guys that I bulldoze over even as friends. I need someone who will stand up to me.

I guess what has been the “nail in the coffin” for me is looking around at The Underground’s Team Leader meeting and everyone but the Club Director is female. We are influencing and mentoring teens… both males and females. The teen boys need someone. They could have problems and prayer requests that they may not be comfortable talking to a female about. And, honestly, I may not know what advice to give them.

I know I’m not the only one who knows there is a problem. 116 Clique and Reach Records started a campaign this year entitled, “Man Up.” There has been the Courageous movie. Check them out! Pray for the young men of our society to come to know Christ, live a Christ-centered life, and develop into the leaders they are called to be.