WARNING: Please note if you have littles in the room, you may want to preview this episode before listening with them!

What does it mean to be both a man in uniform and a godly husband? Our candid conversation tackles this question head-on through the lens of Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3.

Military service inherently demands sacrifice, yet many husbands find it easier to risk their lives for country than to consistently sacrifice their own desires for their wives. Why? Because military sacrifice comes with medals, recognition, and praise, while marital sacrifice often goes unnoticed. As our guests reveal, this reality exposes how even noble sacrifices can become self-serving without the transforming power of the gospel.

The discussion takes an unflinching look at pornography and sexual sin—identified as the greatest barrier to spiritual growth for military husbands between 18-29. In a culture where such behavior is normalized or even celebrated, this sin silently erodes marriages in ways many men fail to recognize. "This sin is robbing you of a marriage that God wants for you and for your wife," one guest powerfully states, before offering practical resources for those battling this addiction.

For husbands facing deployment, we explore practical strategies for leading from afar: establishing decision-making patterns before departure, delegating responsibilities wisely, and trusting your wife as a partner in your absence. The conversation balances theological depth with tactical advice on expressing appreciation, speaking life-giving words, and building trust through consistent, Christ-like behavior.

Whether you're currently serving, a veteran, or simply want to understand the unique challenges of military marriages, this episode offers biblical wisdom without compromise. The military context offers no exemption from God's commands for husbands—there's no footnote that says "unless you're deployed." Join us as we discover how the gospel transforms marriage, even amid the unique stresses of military life.

SHOW NOTES:

1. False Love: 9 Steps Toward Sexual Integrity - New Growth Press

2. Amazon.com: Strengthening Your Marriage (Audible Audio Edition): Wayne A. Mack, Jim Denison, christianaudio.com: Books

3. Amazon.com : the meaning of marriage by tim keller

http://instagram.com/militarywellnesscollective

Marriage is challenging enough. Add military life to the mix, and the complexities multiply exponentially. How do wives maintain biblical submission when deployments force them into leadership roles? What happens when they must hand those responsibilities back upon their husband's return?

In this candid conversation, Brian and Kelli are joined by Joshua and Brittany Brown to explore how the gospel transforms military marriages from the wife's perspective. Drawing from their combined decades of military marriage experience and ministry to hundreds of military families, they offer practical wisdom for navigating these unique challenges.

"Nothing smacks you in the face with your own selfishness and pride like marriage," Kelli confesses, speaking to the heart struggles that make submission difficult. The women reframe this biblical concept not as weakness but as spiritual strength: "It takes a strong woman to lay down and surrender her will over somebody else's."

Through personal stories—from church decisions to career changes—they illustrate how submission works in real-life military contexts. Kelly shares her journey from resistance to acceptance when Brian felt called to leave the Marines and plant a church: "The Lord showed me what a beautiful thing He had for us, even getting me out of what I wanted or was comfortable with."

The conversation unpacks both Ephesians 5:22-24 and 1 Peter 3:1-6, clarifying that submission doesn't mean silence but rather respectful communication and ultimately supporting your husband's leadership. They emphasize that wives should never submit to sin or abuse and address the trend of "geographical bacheloring" with practical advice.

Whether you're a new military wife or a seasoned veteran of deployments and PCS moves, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for honoring God in your marriage while navigating the unique challenges of military life.

SHOW NOTES:

1. Ephesians 5:22-32, 1 Peter 3, Titus 2

2. Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together | Revive Our Hearts

3. Amazon.com : helper by design elyse fitzpatrick

4. Amazon.com : the meaning of marriage by tim keller

5. Amazon.com : you and me together francis chan

http://instagram.com/militarywellnesscollective

Can Christians share their faith while in uniform? The resounding answer from our veteran hosts is not just "yes," but "you must." This candid conversation dismantles the misconception that military service restricts religious expression, revealing the surprisingly few limitations that actually exist.

Military veterans Joshua and Brian, with over 40 years of combined service, provide practical wisdom for navigating faith conversations in uniform. Rather than starting with assumptions about restrictions, they encourage believers to assume freedom to share their faith while using wisdom about when and how. The military's unique "hurry up and wait" culture creates natural opportunities for meaningful conversations about life's biggest questions.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the balance between boldness and wisdom. The hosts address how Christians can avoid becoming the "morality police" while still living distinctively. Simple choices, like different language patterns or the willingness to confess mistakes, speak volumes in military environments where such behaviors are uncommon.

Perhaps most encouraging is the recognition that faithful witness may not show immediate results. Joshua shares a powerful story of a former Marine who contacted him after 20 years to share how witnessing Joshua's faith journey ultimately led him to become a pastor—proving that seeds planted during military service can bear fruit decades later.

Whether you're actively serving, a veteran, or simply interested in faith conversations in challenging environments, this episode offers practical insights for sharing your faith with wisdom, respect, and genuine love. What conversations might God be preparing you for today?

SHOW NOTES:

1. The Bible, read through the Gospels and get familiar with sharing YOUR story!

2. Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols: Bigney, Brad J.: 9781596384026: Amazon.com: Books

3. Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions: Koukl, Gregory: 9780310282921: Amazon.com: Books

4. Amazon.com : finding common ground book

http://instagram.com/militarywellnesscollective