By Martha Bush

Praise and Worship was over, the offering had been taken, announcements had been made - time for my pastor to begin his sermon.

As he walked toward the pulpit, I readied myself to listen to his sermon by positioning my Bible and notepad on my lap. Yes, I am antique - I still carry my big Bible to church. Ipads and smart phones do not allow for the sweet sound of pages turning on an open Bible, plus seeing all the notes written on the pages from years past as the pastor speaks.

All of a sudden, from the pulpit, I heard the pastor say, "There's a lady I want to honor this morning for the ministry she has led the past several years. She doesn't know I am going to do this, but Martha Bush, stand up!"                                          

Obviously, I was taken back as I stood up trying to hold onto all the stuff I had placed on my lap, almost dropping all of it on the floor. Okay, okay! For surprises like these, small pieces of technology would have served me better.

From there, he began to explain what the SUM ministry is all about and issued the invitation for those interested to contact me. Once again he reiterated, "Martha Bush, we honor you today for leading this ministry."

The following week as I reflected on the recognition of the SUM Ministry, my heart was touched. I knew there was a BIGGER PICTURE going on with its recognition and the honor the pastor had given to me for leading it.

And so, I sat down and wrote my SUM group the following email.

*** 

Ladies:

The word, "HONOR" that Pastor used in introducing me has taken on a special meaning. First of all, I was not the only one being honored - I was standing up before the church for all of you. I was just the one for whom the blessing of honor flowed through. I was your representative.

One of my favorite Bible stories that has touched me time and time again is the story of Leah, Jacob, and Rachael. Leah was not Jacob's preferred wife; it was Rachael he loved. Leah went through turmoil living in the same house as the forgotten, invisible wife in an unloving marriage with Jacob and Rachael.

But, my favorite scripture in this story is found in Genesis 29:31: And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, He opened her womb, but Rachael was barren.

The key words in that verse are "The Lord Saw." What did the Lord see?

• He saw Leah was hated.
• He saw she was not accepted.
• He saw she was not affirmed.
• He saw she was not appreciated for the beautiful woman she was.
• He saw she had been an invisible woman to Jacob and her father, Laban.

The question is "What did the Lord do when He saw all the things Leah went through?"

The unloved Leah, the forgotten one, the loser's prize, the one totally rejected was compensated with Motherhood.

Certainly, we don't experience the kind of behavior from our spouse as Leah did. At least, we don't live in the same house with his other wife. (Can you imagine that?)

But, think about those words "The Lord Saw," as they pertain to hurts you have experienced in your own marriage, and fill in the blanks.

• The Lord Saw _______________
• The Lord Saw _______________
• The Lord Saw _______________ 

Yes, we all have had our share of problems in some form, as we have walked the path of the "spiritual mismatch" in our home, and perhaps have cried many tears as we prayed. But, on this Sunday, I believe the Lord gave us a wink and said, "I saw the things you have gone through." 

As a result, just as He compensated Leah with motherhood for her troubles, I believe He compensated us with HONOR. That honor was exhibited in at least two ways.

1. He compensated us with HONOR for the role we have had to play as the spiritual leader of our homes. We've been positioned on the front line of duty, if you please.
2. He compensated us with HONOR before men - our pastor and church body. No longer are we the forgotten, invisible ones. We are now recognized as an important role of service to the Body of Christ.

And so, I say to you, "Ladies, receive the HONOR that the Lord has given to all of us through our pastor.

***

And now, to all of you reading this blog on the world-wide web, receive this compensation of honor from the Lord for yourself. After all, Lynn and Dineen stood up and represented ALL of us before the world years ago.  

Perhaps, there are other ways you feel honored in your marriage than the two I have mentioned.  How about sharing your thoughts in the comments.

Be blessed.