In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, he saw it all to be good except for one thing: man was alone. It was then that God created a suitable helper, a wife. Man would no longer be alone but the two would become one flesh. Being a wife is a journey of its own and being the wife of a law enforcement officer is a unique journey. As a wife on duty, whether it be through law enforcement, fire, or military, we share the protection of our spouse with our cities, counties, and country. Take a journey with a wife whose marriage had an uncertain future and see how God transformed her life once she surrendered it all. It was realizing that her role as a wife was prewritten and ordained by her maker which made her put her faith into action. With marriages falling apart every day in the law enforcement community, there is no better time than now to fight for our marriages with God by our side. Who better to seek council and guidance from than the one who created marriage in the first place?
I would definitely recommend that all LEOWs read Because I'm Suitable and refer back to it often. For those new to the LEO life, it provides valuable insight and guidance. Those who have been in this life for awhile will find acknowledgement of common struggles and encouragement in knowing that you are not alone. Allison writes from the heart and shares many tips for promoting strong and supportive marriages. At the end of each chapter she offers questions and scripture references that help the reader reflect on the chapter and apply to her own situation. Allison also offers prayer starters and encouragement to "lean not on your own understanding" but on God, who knows the bigger picture. With the divorce rate in law enforcement at over 70%, we need to be proactive in protecting our marriages... this is one of those tools that will help you put perspective to your relationship in the face of a career that demands so much of a family.
I've been married for 26 years to a Marine turned LEO, and have learned many of these lessons the hard way. I could have really used Allison's insight early on in our relationship. Never-the-less, I found great encouragement in her stories as I received confirmation that we as LEO families are indeed unique in many of the challenges that we face, but God knows that and called us to this life not to let us flounder through on our own, but to walk through it with us.
If I had to pick out a life lesson that has been the most helpful to our marriage, and one that I have prayed over and over again for help with, I would have to say it is to act and not react. Allison dedicates a chapter to this concept, and I realized anew just how imporant that one prayer has been in equipping me to handle so many situations over the years... and I continually need God's help in this area! Thanks Allison, for reinforcing God's plan for marriage as we partner with our LEOs to do life together as He planned.
"God sees it all. Our tears and cries do not go unnoticed or unheard; they are acknowledged and made triumphant. It is up to us as to whether we will act in faith or react out of fear." (pg 86 talking about acting rather than reacting... good stuff!)
PS - This would be a great book club book with the questions at the end of the chapters being natural discussion points!
If you are a LEOW...this book is a must read. There were so many times while reading I smiled (or cried) and realized I am not alone in how I feel sometimes. It was nice to be reminded of His word and my place as a wife on duty. Make sure you have your Bible handy along with a journal...you will want both...powerful book and wonderful ministry!
I've been a LEOW for 13 years. I never knew something like this was out there for support. It is an easy read and I used it like a daily devotion time with The Lord. I finished it today feeling empowered to pray for my marriage and my husband.