These past three years I have heard more about a husband’s role and a wife’s role in a marriage than I could ever have imagined. When I began the ministry of women’s equality, all I knew was that in my church a woman could not be a deacon. I knew that it was wrong and I was determined to speak out about it. My eyes have been opened! I know now that complementarians think that a husband is the only one with a leadership role in the marriage and that the wife’s role is clean the house and raise his kids.
Fifty years ago when Don and I got married – yes, we are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary tomorrow – I never heard of such nonsense. My father helped my mother cook, can foods for the winter, and do the laundry. My mother helped him in the fields, picked cotton, and raised 8 kids. They both worked hard feeding and caring for their family. I thought all families were like that.
My husband didn’t know how to cook! He still doesn’t. During the next 50 years I learned that it is not the division of household chores that make a marriage.
After I started working for Baptist General Convention of Texas, Don convinced me that women were not being treated fairly in the Baptist church and he has been my most vocal supporter in this ministry. He is helping me with the conference April 27-28, 2012. (Read more about it by clicking on the top menu).
Today I am not going to complain. I am just going to enjoy my husband, our marriage, and our two sons. Come back Friday and I will tell you about a 29 year old mega church pastor who has a lot to learn about women and God.
bWe Baptist Women for Equality's Blog 
Congratulations on your 50 years of marriage and your blessing of getting a husband that as you said “convinced me that women were not being treated fairly in the Baptist church and he has been my most vocal supporter in this ministry.”
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Thanks! Don and I both appreciate your congratulations.
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Congratulations on your 50 years! Looking forward to hearing more. Don must have realized you had alot to say! Good for him!
Pssssssssst! Is the page snowing?
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Thanks so much! This anniversary was such a milestone that I wanted to share it with all of you. That was funny about Don. I didn’t know I had this much to say!
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Yes, the page is snowing!
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wow! congrats. I hope you can celebrate with all those who love you.
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Thank you! I hesitated with that big number because everyone will think that I am too old, and no longer relavant to young minds. However, I think the young minds are the ones that are corroded.
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What a beautiful couple….what a beautiful marriage!………in more ways than one.
May the Lord continue to bless you both! Please send my love and appreciation to you hubby of 50 years. I love men who love and support women with God’s love!!!
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Thanks!
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Happy Anniversary! And thanks for this blog and all your interesting posts!
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Hi Esther, Don reminds me of your husband, even tho’ I never met him. You 2 are half way there! 加油 ( Chinese expression: Add Oil, i.e. work hard )
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What a lovely photo. Thanks for sharing it. And CONGRATULATIONS!
My experience has been that young people are looking for older, wiser role models. They can tell whether a person is mature – wise and experienced, or just plain old – out of date and out of touch. Shirley, I have no doubt that you fall in to the first category.
PS I have two sons too.
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I hope, so, Marg, I hope so!
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This is a beautiful picture of a beautiful couple. Lovely! My heartfelt congratulations to you both on your 50th. My husband and I will celebrate our 50th next year. Where oh where did the time go?
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Thank you. I don’t know where the years went. I picture our life together as a book, each day is a page. Some days are boring, some exciting, some filled with joy and others with anguish, with every page helping tell the story. Let me congratulate you on your 49 years!
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Congratulations, Shirley, and happy celebrations on this wonderful occasion!
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Thanks so much!
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