“For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife…” 1 Corinthians 7:14
I thank the Lord for my God-fearing, loving, beautiful, gentle, strong and hardworking wife, Wanda. Let me start by saying that she took a big gamble on me, because I was a prideful unbeliever before we got married. But God’s grace is amazing. The Lord used her as one of His key means to bring me into faith in Jesus Christ. I’m eternally thankful for Wanda because she’s a big reason why I’m living today as the spiritual leader of our family.
For a brief history, I met Wanda at the Olive Branch party in the AUC (Atlanta University Center) on Morris Brown’s courtyard in 1997. I proposed to Wanda on that same courtyard six years later. We became friends at that point but we didn’t start dating until 2001. I believe God had us meet that August night and slowly developed our relationship over the years. Nothing has ever felt forced or rushed in our relationship.
Concerning business…
A lot has to go right in order to be a successful entrepreneur. One thing that has gone exceptionally well for me is my marriage. Wanda and I will be married for 13 years this July if the Lord wills. Our bond has helped both of us grow spiritually, emotionally, and in wisdom — together and individually. Our family has also grown in size over that time with three awesome kids: Naomi (soon-to-be 9), Maria (4), and Elijah (20 months). Our children are a blessing and I really love Wanda’s peaceful energy and patience with them (and me).
Marriage was the best thing for me personally and professionally. Being married to an entrepreneur can be stressful, but Wanda handles it well. Adding to that … Wanda’s demanding work calling as makes for some busy moments to say the least. But I give thanks for her because she has stuck with me during personal and professional ups and downs. I know that I could not have made it to where I am today without her.
When I’m down, she pulls me up. When I’m facing a tough decision, she helps me think through all the factors. When the kids are a lot to handle and I have a big project, she makes sure that I have space to work. She’s also a great copy editor (to go along with her other talents), so I can get an honest redline from her when I need copy reviewed. I’m so spoiled.
Here are some practical business benefits that have come from being married with kids. My wife and children…
Humble me.
Motivate me to keep pushing.
Keep me focused on what truly matters. Sports consumption, watching television, random hanging out and other non-essentials have decreased dramatically.
Help me work efficiently. Having a schedule, systems and routines are necessary.
I’m open about my wife’s career and how she currently makes more money than I do. This allows me to be an entrepreneur in a non-stressful environment.
Kind of related to the previous benefit, our marriage allows me to work on long-form writing projects (like The Foundation) without a ton of pressure. This creative space and low-stress freedom have been great for my writing career.
Love, trust and faith
I trust Wanda and she trusts me. Anyone who knows her knows that she does what she says and she says what she does. You might think that mutual trust is a given in a marriage, but you’d be surprised how many marriages are wrecked due to the lack of trust. There’s so much that I love about Wanda and the following list can’t express them all, but these portions from Proverbs 31 hit the nail on the head. I love that:
“She does him (me) good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:12
“She … works with willing hands.” Proverbs 31:13
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” Proverbs 31:25
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30).
Ain’t that the truth! Our family is blessed to have Wanda Guy-Craft in our lives. I could write on and on about the love of my life, but I’ll simply end it by saying that after Jesus, she’s the next best thing to ever happen to me. She saved my life. I pray that God blesses you with a wife or a husband who completes you like my wife completes me.
