Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Proverbs 31:10 (04/13/23)
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TITLE: Protect His Reputation | Previous Challenge Entry
By Anne Warden
04/16/23 -
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Amanda’s heart sank. She glanced around to see others overhearing, and embarrassment for her long-time friend engulfed her. Linking arms with Carla, she led her through the doors, chatting about the weather. Then she casually asked, “Can we talk in private?”
“Sure,” said Carla. “What’s up?”
Amanda was already moving toward one of the empty classrooms. When they were inside, she switched on the light, shut the door and pulled two chairs from the table so they faced each other. As she sat, Carla did the same. “By the way, I noticed you arrived alone. Is Joe not coming today?”
“Joe Jr. isn’t feeling well, so he opted to stay home and let me come this time.”
Nodding, Amanda prayed silently, “Father, give me the right words.” Immediately, she remembered a conversation between them long ago. “Carla, do you remember when my marriage almost broke up?”
It was Carla’s turn to nod. Concern clouded her eyes. “Oh, you’re not having troubles again, are you?”
“No. Todd and I are fine.”
“Good.” She smiled. “Then what’s this about?”
Amanda tipped her head, “Do you remember I shared that, during counseling, we learned to think of one another as our other halves? That on a deep relational level, where our two hearts meet as one, I am half of Todd, and Todd is half of me?”
“I remember, but I never really understood what you meant.”
“What it means is that single people are islands. They can please themselves. Married people cannot. We are now teams, which God has permanently joined. One entity with two halves. Because Todd – and God – are my team, I need to always think as the ‘other half.’ First, I need to be in consistent conversation with God, reading my bible and praying – praying especially for Todd. Next, I need to think of what’s best for my husband, no matter what I have to sacrifice. To do what makes him happy, I might need to put off what I want to do. Or I might try taking stress off him, rather than adding to it. My husband is the first neighbor I must love. Before I love myself.”
Amanda chuckled, shaking her head. “I know I don’t always succeed. Sometimes, in the fray of life, I forget we’re a team and push for getting my own way.” She watched her friend nod, relating to her words. “But most of all, it’s my responsibility to protect Todd’s reputation with others. Yes, I know full well what Todd’s faults are, but nobody is ever going to hear from my lips about them.”
Carla nodded. “As it should be.”
“Carla, when Junior is sick, you usually stay home, and Joe comes so he can sing in the choir. But didn’t your husband sacrifice that for you today?”
“Yes. That was really nice of him, wasn’t it?” She smiled.
Carla wasn’t connecting, so Amanda leaned forward to place a gentle hand on her arm. “And what did you say to me just before we entered this building?”
Carla huffed, her aggravation back. “That Joe didn’t listen about the second mortgage and now ––– ” Her jaw dropped and she raised hands to red cheeks, her eyes wide. “Oh no! Everyone out there must have heard me criticize my husband.”
All Amanda could do was nod in agreement, with sad eyes. “I’m just glad Joe didn’t.”
“What have I done?” A long groan came from Carla, as she hung her head. “I’ll have to tell Joe. And apologize.”
“When we make embarrassing mistakes, it causes us to learn, doesn’t it?”
“Oh, it does. I’ll forever remember about being Joe's ‘other half.’ And protecting his reputation.” Carla grimaced. “Obviously, he does a better job in that respect than I do.”
As the women stood, Amanda added, “And reread the last part of Proverbs 31, about the virtuous wife. Part of it says, ‘Her husband’s heart trusts in her. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.’”
Carla drew Amanda into a hug. “I will take that to heart. And thank you.”
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Mark 10:8-9
Mark 12:31
Proverbs 31:11-12 (Tree of Life Version)
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