Well it’s February, and even amid the fiercely cold Detroit weather, love is still in the air. In a few short days, the flowers and cards will be purchased, the romantic dinners out will transpire, and those of us who have found the love of our lives will pause our remarkably paced schedules and celebrate.
Lindsay and I were married just 2 years ago, so we are certainly not marriage authorities. We do, however, want to pass along a couple of things that have helped us on our marriage journey by using the word
“LOVE” as an acronym.
LISTEN
Listen - don’t just hear. Men, in particular, often listen to their wives in order to respond and offer a solution. I think wise husbands have come to understand the greatest form of hearing is listening to understand. Many times our wives will say something but mean something wholly different. It’s important to listen to the “voice within the voice” and recognize the deeper issue. Another massive aspect of listening is paying attention to the “small details.” When your wife mentions something that she likes or would love to eventually do – make a real note of it! I have done this since our dating days, and Lindsay (as well as most women) really appreciate when men pick up on the small details.
OVERCOME
Listen up, ladies. The magical word for all successful relationships comes in under the umbrella of the word "overcome." My parents have been married over 35 years, and when you ask them their secret, they both chime in with, "to have a successful marriage, you have to be the world's best forgiver!" We can all attest to the fact that we've heard 1 Corinthians 13 about a million times, right? "Love is patient, love is kind..." (and, since it's the Month of Love, I'll pretend that none of you have ever elbowed your spouse when hearing this read aloud in church or during a wedding ceremony to give a subtle 'hint' like they need to listen up!) But what about the part that everyone reads, yet no one really wants to listen to-- that's right, verse 5 "keep no record of wrongs". Whether you've been married 2 years or 35 years, there is something so powerfully tangible about this command. It doesn't say that "good people" keep no record of wrongs, and it doesn't say that "calm tempered people" keep no record of wrongs. When you're full of God's unconditional love, it's easy to let go of things because He first forgave us and commanded us to do the same.
VISUALIZE
Men, it’s so important that we paint a picture of the future on the canvas of our wife’s heart. Women are “wired” by God to be our helper, but if they don’t know the vision, they can’t run with it. When we envision our wives with the dreams, goals, and aspirations of our heart, they begin to work consciously and subconsciously towards that vision. Visualizing also helps get you through the tough times and the times of sacrifice. When you have a clear picture of your future, you can so much better endure the challenging moments. This year Lindsay and I put up a “dream board” in the main hallway of our house. Every time we walk past it, we’re inspired to continue to work hard and focus on these goals.
ENCOURAGE
I would guess that about 90% (or more) of men are fueled by encouragement. Whether spiritual or otherwise, it is the invisible force that drives them. When preparing for our marriage, my husband and I read "The Five Languages of Love" to see how seemingly compatible we were in these areas. Boy, were we surprised! The least important things to me were his most important things, and vice versa. I had no idea that words of affirmation could mean that much to a person because I am the exact opposite. Therefore, I wasn't exactly good at giving out compliments and encouraging words. At first I was frustrated, asking God why I had such a difficult task. (I laugh now because it seemed so hard at the time.) When I first started to verbally encourage and compliment my husband, I couldn't believe my eyes. He was a new man! God knew what he was doing when he designed us this way. It says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll be together." This verse perfectly encompasses unity. When we build each other up with encouraging words, we come together as God created us to come together, in His perfect love for one another!
- Dominic & Lindsay Russo, for WVIW
A Word about Dominic Russo Ministries
At the young age of 20, Dominic began filling stadiums with capacity crowds across Latin America. Now, at age 25, he has been able to lead nearly one million people in the prayer of salvation. His large-scale outreaches often include humanitarian projects with over $100,000 in practical aid, food, and clothing and have involved influential political leaders and national presidents.
His message challenges, empowers and reaches directly to the heart. Dominic’s story reverberates with inspiration and connects him with people of all ages. He is a true voice of the 21st century with a passionate call to dream and experience what the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard. Dominic’s ministry spans across the U.S. in churches, conferences, and large youth assemblies. He received his formal training at Oral Roberts University and now lives in Michigan with his wife Lindsay.
This is the Russo's first Guest Blog for WVIW and we are blessed to have their partnership. Please be sure to visit http://www.dominicrusso.org/ to learn how you can get connected to their relief efforts in Haiti and become a part of their worldwide ministry.
