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Respect State of The Union Watch the intro to find out what this is all about: RSOTU Intro (1 of 15) Questions If you think a man is acting childish, is it possible that he feels like you are treating him like a child? In relationship, how would you recommend treating each other with respect and communicating with respect even when it doesn’t seem fair? How do you humbly confront childish behavior without being patronizing?
Respect State of The Union Watch the intro to find out what this is all about: RSOTU Intro (1 of 15) Let me be clear. Respect does not mean foolishly staying in an unhealthy relationship. However, there are wise and respectful ways to remove oneself from an unhealthy situation or confront a hurtful miscommunication. Questions Have your insecurities ever caused you to misinterpret someone’s statement? How did you respond?
Yes you read that correctly. Part 1 of 15. Most of these videos are going to be short and sweet. The first ten videos will be Ask Joy Q&A on the topic of respect. The final five videos will give us insight into the topic of respect from six men who listened to the Ask Joy responses live. Why? If you didn’t know, I work for my parents’ marriage ministry called Love and Respect based on the Bible verse in Ephesians 5:33. We believe that men and …
Ask Joy Can you be sexual without having sex? I mean, as a single twentysomething Christian, how can one abstain from sex but still not completely shut down their sexuality? Any thoughts? Thanks! My Response Yes! We are sexual beings through and through. Our sexuality must be more than just sex, but it will look different for everyone. Abstaining should not mean denying how we were created. Once we can separate our sexuality from just sex, I think we are free to discuss this in …
As I said in the video, the worst thing you can do is put yourself in a box. Five years ago, my strengths were Activator, Relator, Command, Strategic, and Restorative. God designed us with certain strengths, but He doesn’t limit us. He created us with the ability to grow and evolve as transformative creatures in Christ. But I like this type of test because it helps me identify what I am bringing to the table when it comes to work, ministry, and relationships. My strengths as …
Ask Joy How can I stop from getting emotionally attached to boys on Facebook? It has become a vicious cycle for me with different guys. Please help me! My Response First I want to honor you for being introspective and aware that this is happening to you. My guess is you’re not alone, but most people aren’t intuitive enough to recognize. Well done. However, if you believe it’s unhealthy and “vicious,” I think most people would conclude you should shut down Facebook. Trust me, the …
Some of you ask me questions that I feel I can answer in 140 characters or less. Yes, I value your questions that much. Truly, I do wish I could sit with you face-to-face and answer your questions—no matter how weird they (or you) are. Since I can’t, Twitter allows me to answer some in a quick way that might give you some direction, make you think, make you laugh, or make you want to send a bomb to my house. Please don’t. “But Joy, …
On Monday and Tuesday I answered two Ask Joys pertaining to why men lust and why women aren’t as attracted to the male body. Many women seemed pleased with my acknowledgment that yes, we women are sexual beings, and yes, we do notice a hot man. Others felt that I might be implying that it is OK for women to lust over men. I wanted to be clear about my personal beliefs. You are FREE to believe something else, but this is what I have …
Yesterday a woman asked, “Why do men lust?” I let my father help tackle the question and he challenged the woman to look at the bigger picture by saying, “In the wisdom of God, all good things have the potential for a dark side.” He encouraged the woman to look at her own fears as a comparison. We asked her to trust God in the face of things that don’t always make sense to us — which is especially hard to do when it’s in …
Ask Joy Why did God create men to lust? I hate it that he has to “turn away.” I suppose it’s because I can’t understand it. I am completely fulfilled with my man. There is zero attraction for me when a hot guy hits on me. So my question is, why? Is there a purpose? I think if I understood it a bit more in a biblical sense, I wouldn’t find myself taking it so personally. My Response How many hot guys are hitting on …
Respect and belief. Think about the men in your life. Your father, brother, boyfriend, husband, friend, co-worker. What makes them tick? What are their passions? Don’t know? Then ask or observe. As you start to ask questions, I believe you’ll begin to understand what drives them, and the things that bother you about them will begin to make more sense. As you know, I believe respect is a huge need in the soul of a man. I also believe it has culturally been removed because …
Ask Joy My boyfriend of 3+ years just broke up with me because we have different plans. I thought I would be OK, but it feels like my heart is actually breaking. Do I give up my plans to follow him or do I tough it out and just pray that this pain I feel will go away? My Response I wish I could sit down and have a conversation with you. My heart breaks that you are in such pain. I know that pain. …
Not too long ago I spoke at a university’s chapel. After the event finished, some of the students came up to talk with me. One guy very formally shook my hand and told me he was part of the “Entrepreneurial Club.” He looked at me with the intensity of a car salesman and told me I did “an excellent job.” (The conversation went something like this…) “Thank you. I appreciate that.” “Have you ever considered doing something on your own?” “What do you mean?” “Well, …
It is truly an honor to be posting on the Imago Dei Women’s blog. I have attended for five years now and have been deeply fed and transformed by the community I call my church home. What Do I Know? I recently attended Imago’s marriage forum—as an unmarried person. Thankfully, there was a big chunk of other singles attending as well. And no, we weren’t there to hit on each other. I hope. Although, I won’t lie; there was a guy in the singles breakout …
Ask Joy Will there ever be a point in a relationship where you will feel free of doubt and be 100 percent ready to choose to commit? My Response For some people, yes, but I think that’s more indicative of a personality trait than whether something is right or wrong with the other person. Regardless of personality and feelings, it’s more important to say, “Am I free to date this person based on what Scripture tells me?” Then… Based on your personality, you can decide …
This week on the Love Is site, the question is: How does commitment play into relationship success? February’s Ebony magazine focuses on Couples with Purpose and has the Obamas on the cover. Eighteen years ago, Barack Obama promised his fiance Michelle that their married life would be nothing if not interesting. “In these two, we recognize full commitment; the kind of commitment that takes the ‘what if…’ out of the equation.” How do you think commitment play into relationship success? CLICK HERE TO SEE MY …
Not gonna lie, weirdest video to date. I blame it on fatigue. It was the last of four Ask Joy’s shot in one shoot. I was tired and when I get tired on camera, I somehow appear to have more energy. You’re welcome. Ask Joy Why is it so hard to let go of feelings for someone you know isn’t good for you? My Response Never heard of the band Mumford & Sons that I so beautifully vocalized? Maybe you live under a rock, or …
Ask Joy What does the Bible say about pre-marital sex? My Response 1. Turn off your computer. 2. Now your iPod. 3. Yup, iPhone too. 4. Turn off the TV. The Miracle Mop infomercial isn’t going anywhere. 5. Stand up. 6. Do 15 jumping jacks. DON’T ASK WHY, JUST DO WHAT I TELL YOU! 7. Walk the 3 feet to your bookshelf or the 3 blocks to the library. 8. You chose the Library? Nice. Now whisper. This is a library for heaven’s sake. 9. …
Apparently I am a Love Guru. Says who? This site: Loveishere.com Then why don’t you have five husbands? Exactly what I said. Until that glorious day arrives, I will have to settle for the title of “Love Guru” on the Love Is Here site which is dedicated to strengthening relationships. The site can tailor to the user depending on if they are single, engaged or married. I am humbled and honored to sit among the names of actual experts. (You know, people with a “Dr.” …
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