1. Communication Is Key
Introduction
Welcome back to the Teachable Woman Podcast with Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry. In Part 5 of About Marriage, they share biblical wisdom and personal experiences about building a strong, lasting marriage.
Summary
This episode focuses on respect, communication, prayer, and preparation. Rev. Michele reminds us that husbands are called to love their wives, while wives are called to reverence their husbands. Respect helps love endure.
Rev. Diana shares that one thing she would do differently is communicate more openly instead of always compromising or avoiding conflict. Both women encourage couples to pray before responding, address problems before they build up, and learn how to communicate without arguing.
They also emphasize premarital preparation, honesty about faith and expectations, and remembering that marriage brings two imperfect people together.
Key takeaway: Communicate honestly, respectfully, and prayerfully.
2. You Are the Good Thing
Introduction
In this episode of the Teachable Woman Podcast, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry continue their conversation about marriage and God's design for husbands and wives.
Summary
The discussion begins with the biblical principle that a man who finds a wife finds a good thing. The hosts remind women that they don't have to chase what God has ordained to be found.
They discuss loving, respecting, and appreciating one's spouse, emphasizing that respect gives love longevity. They also use Jesus turning water into wine as a picture of how God can transform a marriage that feels “watered down.”
Prayer, Scripture, patience, and thoughtful communication can help couples navigate difficult seasons.
Key takeaway: Let God strengthen what feels weak and remember the value of the person you married.
3. Before You Say “I Do”
Introduction
Marriage begins long before the wedding day. In this episode, Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry share wisdom about preparing for a successful marriage.
Summary
The hosts encourage couples to establish a strong relationship and trust before marriage. Discuss your faith, expectations, finances, values, boundaries, and what you will and will not accept.
Rev. Diana warns against compromising who you are because you're afraid someone will leave. Rev. Michele encourages couples considering marriage to take premarital enrichment seriously and participate fully.
Marriage is a divine institution, but it is lived out by imperfect people.
Key takeaway: Be honest, know one another, and prepare before you say, “I do.”
4. Don't Let Problems Build Up
Introduction
How do you handle disagreements in marriage? Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry offer practical wisdom about communication and conflict.
Summary
Rev. Diana shares that she once tended to remain quiet to avoid conflict. Looking back, she says she would express herself more.
The hosts compare unresolved issues to a trash compactor—if you continually press problems down, eventually there is no room left and something may explode.
At the same time, healthy communication doesn't mean talking endlessly or arguing. Couples should pray and ask God what to say, how to say it, and when to say it.
Key takeaway: Don't suppress everything, but don't fight over everything either. Communicate with wisdom.
5. People Over Possessions
Introduction
What matters most in marriage—the things you have or the person you're married to? Rev. Michele shares a powerful personal story that answers that question.
Summary
During a financially challenging season, Rev. Michele reassured her husband that she hadn't married him for the house, cars, or lifestyle. If they had only a small home and each other, she would still be happy.
Her words lifted pressure from her husband and demonstrated that people are more valuable than possessions.
The episode encourages couples to make their relationship the priority and view material things as tools—not the foundation of marriage.
Key takeaway: Your spouse should know they are more valuable to you than anything you own.
6. Two Imperfect People
Introduction
Marriage brings together two people with different personalities, backgrounds, experiences, and expectations. In this episode, Rev. Michele and Rev. Diana discuss how couples can learn to grow together.
Summary
The hosts share how differently they were raised and how those experiences shaped their communication styles. One was naturally outspoken; the other tended to avoid conflict.
Their experiences remind us that spouses may not think, communicate, or respond the same way.
Prayer, patience, understanding, respect, and honest communication are essential.
Key takeaway: Don't expect perfection. Learn your spouse, communicate, and allow God to lead your marriage.
7. Building a Lasting Marriage
Introduction
Welcome to Part 5 of About Marriage on the Teachable Woman Podcast. Reverends Michele Owes and Di...
