The Truth About Women
MD: Lauren, do you consider yourself to be in ministry? Everyone who goes to church knows and sings Chris’ music. You, obviously, have a strong personality, and you’re not a woman who’s afraid to make tough choices.
LT: I do have a ministry, but it’s different in that I’ve been hidden. In this season, I’ve sensed God calling me to “man-the-fires” at home. It’s interesting because, when I actually Googled it, I learned that [“Keep the Fires Burning”] is a patriotic song that was sung in World War l. It was about the silver lining that awaits the soldiers when they come home. So, I really felt my role was to focus on the home front. Because I’m home, I’m able to strengthen the foundation of our family, and be present. I’m also able to come alongside Chris in ministry.
MD: In this day and age – especially when women struggle with the definition of who they should be – did you wrestle with the decision to be a stay-at-home wife and mom? Did you ever question whether you were doing enough?
LT: That’s an interesting question, because it’s a daily thing that I have to surrender. Because my husband is in such a prominent place, the enemy comes in and whispers, “You’re in an insignificant place.” It’s only in me hearing from Jesus that I’m able to overcome it. Literally, at least twice a week, I have to seek out reminders from [the Lord] – affirming me in the way I should walk. I think that’s a challenge for every woman – whether she feels led to pursue a career, or whether she feels led to stay at home. Each woman has to personally go to God, and find out which way she is to walk.
MD: Oh, that’s good stuff! And, Chris, how has Lauren ministered to you in that role? What importance has she played in your day-to-day ministry?
CT: My entire world has been touring, and traveling, and playing music. I was 38 when we got married. Lauren had a little bit of an idea of what she was walking into, but not entirely. She could have definitely resented my life – me being on the road – me being away – people paying attention to me, and not to her. She could have been a person who resented that. But Lauren is the opposite of that. I feel free to fly, because of the way she is. I feel such freedom on the road, because we’re in this together. Obviously, she doesn’t like me being gone, but I never feel guilt. Guilt can feel horrible. When I was looking for a wife, I always thought, “If someone never meets me, and they only meet my wife, I want them to think, ‘Man, that guy must be pretty awesome to have a girl like that.’” Lauren is that woman. She’s made me so much better than I was on my own. I’ve learned to communicate things a lot better, because Lauren is an amazing communicator. She’s always challenging me – even in how I’m representing my music, and how I’m connecting with people. She makes what I do so much stronger.
