112/444 Healing from Infidelity: Reflections on Gender
2011.12.26
We took several weeks to go through gender. We'll revisit the topic in the intimacy section. We encourage you to take time to reflect on your gender. Here are some questions to assist you. Remember to focus on your stuff and let your mate focus on his/hers.
Family
What were your family’s expectations of being male or female?
What expectations were passed on that were helpful?
What expectations were passed on that were harmful?
Society
What do you perceive as society’s expectations of being male/female?
How have these perceptions impacted how you have lived out being male/female?
Our True Design
Male: Strong, Tender, Involved (speak and move), Courageous
Female: Relational, Inviting, Nurturing, Courageous
Where do you feel you are ‘missing the mark’ living out God’s design as a man or woman?
What is the impact on your spouse?
What would you like to be different in the way you are living out God’s design?
What are your obstacles to changing the way you are living out God’s design?
Redemption of Our True Design
Men – What do you believe it means to love your wife?
Women – What do you believe it means to respect your husband?
Men – How would you like to be shown respect?
When have you felt believed in by your wife?
Women – How would you like to be cherished by your husband?
When have you felt special in your husband’s eyes?
These ought to get you started. As you write, other significant memories of your story tend to emerge.
Leave questions in the comment section. I'm sure others have the same questions you do.