Since the beginning of time when man was created, he has always been deemed the stronger vessel. However, God himself looked at man and realized that he would need a helpmate. So God in His wisdom created woman for man. God did not take the woman from the man’s foot, nor did He take her from the man’s head. So she was not taken from his feet to be trampled upon by him, nor from his head to rule over him, but God took woman from man’s side or rib, where man’s heart was. This would be to make man and woman equally yoked side-byside. She would become flesh of his flesh because man could not manage alone.

This is why when you see a man who seems to “have it all” I can promise you there is a woman who has stood there beside him and helped to get him where he is today. Though some may believe that a woman was made solely to serve man, Galatians 5:13-14 states that all of us, women and men alike, are to serve one another, submit to one another and even rescue one another from being alone. This was God’s plan all along.

Woman was to be that help mate for man, and man was to be a covering for woman, his help mate. He is to cover her physically, spiritually, financially and emotionally.

So when you see a husband who takes on the responsibility of protecting, providing for and even guiding his wife through godly leadership, you will see a marriage that is strong and equally yoked, where both pull the weight. It is all about partnership and respect for each other as both work toward specific goals that benefit the unit mutually.

When I think of a covering, I think of a huge umbrella that provides protection from the storms of life and the elements of everyday life – like bed covers that are warm and inviting, but also intimate and safe.

The woman beside the man also offers him comfort and care. If man is the godly leader God has called him to be, she will value his opinion, admire his character and consider his needs.

God himself was the first homemaker, stating He creates a heavenly home for us, a prepared place that is peaceful and nurturing, so shouldn’t we also create that for each other here on earth?

Recently I have attended more funerals than I have really wanted to attend. However, as I have listened to family members describe their loved ones, I am reminded that beside every good woman is a good man, and beside every good man is a good woman.

I believe God made man stronger than woman physically but made women stronger than men emotionally, even guiding them differently than men spiritually, because we aren’t afraid to depend upon God wholeheartedly. Women help to provide emotional support, encouragement and even stability for man while he pursues his goals and dreams as he rises to meet God’s expectations. So behind or beside every successful man is a strong woman and vice versa.

So perhaps Bill Duvall said it best when he was asked, ‘what was his greatest accomplishment in life’ and he answered with a cry, “Marrying Imogene.” For truly this humble yet great man saw his shortcomings but realized the woman beside him would help him become something great and she did. That’s why the woman beside the man matters.