Free The List by Sherri L. Lewis

of finding out how tall he is, how much money he makes, and what kind of car he drives, find out who he is in God. Does he know what his purpose is? Does he live a Matthew 6:33 life, always seeking first the Kingdom?”
    Cynthia handed over the mic to First Lady Stephanie. She stood and said, “Ladies, let’s give these awesome women of God a hand.”
    Everyone stood and applauded. After the applause died down, First Lady Stephanie spoke again, “To sum things up for the evening, women of God, it’s so important that first you make sure you’re prepared for marriage. It’s not just about going to the gym to lose that thirty pounds so your body can be right. Some of you need to lay aside every weight and get your spirit right. Instead of going to get that new outfit that will blow his mind, outfit your spirit with the fruit of God’s Spirit. Get your credit straight, your finances right, keep your house clean, learn how to cook, and get your attitude right. In every facet of your life, make sure you reflect the image of Christ.”
    The preacher in her was starting to come out as well. Some people said it was just a matter of time before she would be ordained as a minister in the church.
    â€œLadies, make sure your heart is healed from past relationships. Take the time to clear your heart of old wounds, hurt and bitterness. And, finally, know who you are in God, what your purpose and destiny is, and where you’re going. And then when you’re straight, make sure you know exactly what you want and need in a husband. Make a list and check it twice, and whatever you do, don’t compromise. Be prepared and then choose well, so God will have something to work with in making your marriage strong and lasting.
    â€œTo take this ‘choose well’ advice one step further. The Bible says a woman is supposed to submit to her husband. Many women today are so independent and headstrong that they don’t want to submit. But submit doesn’t have to be a bad word. Marriage should mirror the relationship between Christ and the church. Christ loved the church so much that He gave His life. It’s not about control and domination—it’s about love and the ultimate sacrifice. I have no problem submitting to my husband, because I know he’s completely submitted to God. I trust him with my life because I know how deep his love for me goes. Women, choose a man that you have no fears about submitting yourself to, because it’s just like submitting to Jesus, the one who gave His life for you.”
    She stood at the podium. “The divorce rate in this country is more than fifty percent, and the church is no different from the world, where divorce is concerned. The devil is attacking the family, God’s foundational institution for His kingdom in the earth. If Satan can get rid of strong godly families, then he has already destroyed the foundation for our society. Let’s fight back by making sure we become strong families of God.”
    She gestured to the women on the podium. “I’d like to take some time now for questions and answers. There’s a wealth of wisdom here that you single women can glean from.”
    Â 
    The four of us gathered in the parking lot after everything was over and we had spent some time mingling and talking to other friends from the church.
    We were all kinda quiet. Nicole finally broke the silence. “Y’all got this marriage stuff. I may not ever get married.”
    â€œYeah, that was a little heavy for me, too,” I said. “It goes deeper than being lonely and wanting a man. This thing is no joke.”
    Angela answered, “That’s why I thought it was important for you guys to come. If we’re on a mission to be found by our husbands, that was essential stuff.”
    Lisa said, “Everything they said was good information. Especially the ‘choose well’ and submission stuff. Girl, I