I grew up in a fundamentalist "Christian" home. Meaning, I was taught early on that women were lesser than men and as an adult woman I would be transferred from my father's "protection" (see: authority) to my husband's while my father would still play a rather large role in deciding my life. Obedience, respect, and honor were words used interchangeably and the idea of becoming my own person with my own agency was roundly discouraged.
I wrestled with that concept from my early adolescence onward. It didn't sit well with me and didn't have the "ring of truth" to it. Whenever I read the Bible for myself, I couldn't quite grasp where that authoritarian, legalistic, soul-crushing idea came from. I didn't see Jesus treat women as the lesser half of humanity. In fact, in a culture known for degrading women, I saw a Savior who LOVED them and elevated them.
So while I outwardly "submitted" to the teachings of the mainstream church, I constantly sought answers to my questions. This inner struggle led me down a long, difficult path fraught with a lot of wounds and heartache from the abuses of people I thought I could love and trust.
And then I found Tru316 and the answers to the questions I had wrestled with for over two decades. Hearing Bruce break down Joy's research in such easy to understand and complete ways has been such a refreshing oasis in my journey of faith. It's reaffirmed that God was speaking life and truth to me and guiding my questions from childhood onward to married life. It also blessed me to know that I did not have to build up an expectation of my husband into this authoritarian creature who demanded my obedience and submission. God blessed me with a marriage that looks a whole lot like a Tru316 marriage and I am blessed to have that confirmation every time I listen to the Eden podcast or read through Bruce's books. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow and hopefully someday teach others including my own sons and daughters about the True meaning of God's love and grace for both men AND women. :D
Sarah P. Wisconsin