They said what millions of others said, but she didn't say it all.
The world watched the wedding of Prince William and Kate in England. The world saw the pageantry and fanfare, the beautiful dress and the impressive celebration that followed. It was a ritual followed in England for hundreds of years. It has been replicated in smaller events around the world for centuries as well.
However, the vows of the couple were modified a bit. The vows that the couple took at first sounded traditional Old English, but there was one significant twist.
Did you catch it?
William promised to love Kate in sickness and in health, for richer and poorer until death. It is the same vow that has been shared by millions for centuries, including the funny sounding phrase "I plight thee my troth" which means I pledge to be faithful to you and you alone.
Kate gave the feminine response in her vows with the exception that she did not promise to obey her husband, only to honor and respect him. Hmmmm!
It was a beautiful ceremony filled with great pageantry. The price tag was in the millions, all paid for by the English government.
Jesus said in John 19:5-6, "..For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
It was a by the book wedding, except that the couple apparently agreed that Kate could ignore 1 Peter 3:1 "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands..."
And now the fairy tale begins!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, April 29, 2011
Sunday, June 20, 2010
"You just like your daddy"; Compliment or insult?
You just like your daddy! Is that an insult or a compliment?
There are many who don't celebrate Father's Day because their memories of father are not flattering. To some, father is just the name on a child support check, a blank line on a birth certificate, or a weekend visitor, but not a loving presence.
This thinking is reflected in many popular songs over the years. Lowell Folsum started it all with a song called "Tramp" in which he criticized his father severely but praised him for being a lover. Otis Redding and Carla Thomas later came out with their version of "Tramp" with Redding saying he had no money, bragged much and had little but he too was a lover.
Joe Tex also sampled Lowell Folsum's song with a popular song called, "Papa was too." In it Papa was projected as a man who was poor, wouldn't work and "covered the holes of shoes with the daily news." His redeeming factor? He was a lover.
Most memorable is the hit by the Temptations: "Papa was a rolling stone" a song that depicted papa as a man who moved from woman and very irresponsible and unstable, but he too was a lover.
Those song paint a dreary picture of fathers. They characterized as no counts whose only asset was their ability to make love and babies. Many today have the same image of their fathers.
But along comes Luther Vandross who lifted the spirit of millions who have fond memories of their fathers when he produced, "Dance with my father again." He painted a picture of a loving dad who cared for his daughter and loved his wife till death.
They were beautiful lyrics:
Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around �til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I�d play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
The ultimate depiction of a father's love is this:
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
No matter how many bad attributes fathers have; they all have a few positives,too. We are a summary of of everything all that father is or was; both the good and the bad.
It's those positives that endear us and make some yearn to "Dance with my father again."
There are many who don't celebrate Father's Day because their memories of father are not flattering. To some, father is just the name on a child support check, a blank line on a birth certificate, or a weekend visitor, but not a loving presence.
This thinking is reflected in many popular songs over the years. Lowell Folsum started it all with a song called "Tramp" in which he criticized his father severely but praised him for being a lover. Otis Redding and Carla Thomas later came out with their version of "Tramp" with Redding saying he had no money, bragged much and had little but he too was a lover.
Joe Tex also sampled Lowell Folsum's song with a popular song called, "Papa was too." In it Papa was projected as a man who was poor, wouldn't work and "covered the holes of shoes with the daily news." His redeeming factor? He was a lover.
Most memorable is the hit by the Temptations: "Papa was a rolling stone" a song that depicted papa as a man who moved from woman and very irresponsible and unstable, but he too was a lover.
Those song paint a dreary picture of fathers. They characterized as no counts whose only asset was their ability to make love and babies. Many today have the same image of their fathers.
But along comes Luther Vandross who lifted the spirit of millions who have fond memories of their fathers when he produced, "Dance with my father again." He painted a picture of a loving dad who cared for his daughter and loved his wife till death.
They were beautiful lyrics:
Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around �til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I�d play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
The ultimate depiction of a father's love is this:
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
No matter how many bad attributes fathers have; they all have a few positives,too. We are a summary of of everything all that father is or was; both the good and the bad.
It's those positives that endear us and make some yearn to "Dance with my father again."
Sunday, May 30, 2010
I brought you in this world, I'll take you out
When your mama talks, keep your mouth shut.
The young lady was right; her mother had the wrong information. However, she tried to exchange words with her mother, rolled her eyes and then tried to walk off while her mother spoke. The conversation changed to confrontation, it became threatening, insults were exchanged, then the mother slapped the daughter several times.
Then there was silence.
Tears.
A few hours later, the mother learned that her daughter had been right about their issue. Apologies followed. Then there were more tears and requests for forgiveness.
Two lessons were learned that day. Parents should allow their children a chance to speak, uninterrupted, to explain themselves when questions arise. Situations often have odd appearances but logical explanations. Some clarifications reduces the need to argue.
The second lesson is that no matter how wrong your mother may be in an argument; "Be still, and keep your mouth shut while she is speaking and don't say one word after she has spoken unless asked." Mothers deserve a tremendous amount of respect, but they can be wrong. We must find ways to tactfully differ with them that does not show disrespect.
When there is a heated exchange between mother and child, many mothers in our neck of the woods have been known to throw down the gauntlet and say, "Keep messing with me, I brought you in this world and I'll take you out." -It's a threat spoken in tested love but carries serious implications.
Millions on our side of the track have been hit with shoes, switches, books, dishes, fan belts, straps, telephone receivers and just about anything else when we crossed our mothers and showed disrespect.They mean what they say.
Wise mothers have learned to listen to their children, treat them with respect and to act in love even in the midst of controversy and disagreement.
Wise children will always, approach mothers with respect; even when they believe she's wrong.
That's non-debatable.
Exodus 20:12 "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
Mother and daughter learned something after they finished their argument. The daughter learned to show her mother respect but she also learned although her mother said she would "take her out" in reality her mother would give up her own life if it would save her daughter.
In anger bad feelings prevail, but love conquers all.
The young lady was right; her mother had the wrong information. However, she tried to exchange words with her mother, rolled her eyes and then tried to walk off while her mother spoke. The conversation changed to confrontation, it became threatening, insults were exchanged, then the mother slapped the daughter several times.
Then there was silence.
Tears.
A few hours later, the mother learned that her daughter had been right about their issue. Apologies followed. Then there were more tears and requests for forgiveness.
Two lessons were learned that day. Parents should allow their children a chance to speak, uninterrupted, to explain themselves when questions arise. Situations often have odd appearances but logical explanations. Some clarifications reduces the need to argue.
The second lesson is that no matter how wrong your mother may be in an argument; "Be still, and keep your mouth shut while she is speaking and don't say one word after she has spoken unless asked." Mothers deserve a tremendous amount of respect, but they can be wrong. We must find ways to tactfully differ with them that does not show disrespect.
When there is a heated exchange between mother and child, many mothers in our neck of the woods have been known to throw down the gauntlet and say, "Keep messing with me, I brought you in this world and I'll take you out." -It's a threat spoken in tested love but carries serious implications.
Millions on our side of the track have been hit with shoes, switches, books, dishes, fan belts, straps, telephone receivers and just about anything else when we crossed our mothers and showed disrespect.They mean what they say.
Wise mothers have learned to listen to their children, treat them with respect and to act in love even in the midst of controversy and disagreement.
Wise children will always, approach mothers with respect; even when they believe she's wrong.
That's non-debatable.
Exodus 20:12 "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
Mother and daughter learned something after they finished their argument. The daughter learned to show her mother respect but she also learned although her mother said she would "take her out" in reality her mother would give up her own life if it would save her daughter.
In anger bad feelings prevail, but love conquers all.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The preacher was a wedding no-show, three times
The preacher didn't show up for my wedding; three times!
Yesterday, my wife and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. It has been 36 years that began with the three failed marriage attempts, and 12 years of messups on my part.
In 1974 my wife and I decided to get married after two years of courtship. We contacted a local preacher to marry us but he didn't show up; he forgot. We ate the food, drank the punch and set another wedding date two weeks later, using the same preacher. He didn't show up for that one either. With a week left on the license we found another preacher, and set another date. He didn't show up either.
Finally, we found a preacher, he hurriedly signed the license before the expiration date, we filed it in the Caldwell Parish Courthouse and we went back to work. Done deal. No vows, no ceremony, no punch; but it was legal.
Since that time I have tried to be a good husband.
I think the last 24 years have been closer to the ideal than the first twelve. During the first 12 years of our marriage my ministry and business persuits were all consuming. My wife and family were secondary and it caused us considerable problems as I plunged all of our meager resources into what I called ministry but were really candies for my ego.
In the 12th year I came home to find my wife crying. She was pouring out her soul and her face was covered with tears. She had followed me in every pursuit: business, pastorate, politics and community service but did not enjoy the fact that she and my three sons were always second place to whatever new venture I conjured up. It would have been better if I had a mistress, someone to physically compete with, but how do you compete with an ego based dream that was so big that it took in the whole world but had little room for those close to it? It fact, it was all consuming.
She said, "You are saving the world but losing your own family."
That was staggering. I was faithful, I paid the bills, and kept food on the table. I thought that was all that was required. I thought I could give lectures to others about how to make a marriage work; but the sight of my wife crying said I needed to take the class, not teach it.
I got the message.
That same year I resigned as: President of the NAACP, President of the Baptist Association, and as a member of seven boards and committees. I tried to resign as pastor of the church but the church wouldn't accept my resignation. They told me to take off when I needed and whenever we did take off, they provided for her to go as well.
Since that day I operate with a different set of priorities: God, family, the world. Yes, I'm still trying to save the world I guess, but I'm trying to save my wife and family FIRST, then the world.
She doesn't cry anymore. We laugh a lot. We fight poverty together. We spend an inordinate amount of time and money helping youth. We plunge into civic projects together. Then sometimes, regardless to what anybody thinks, we take off and just disappear to who knows where; sometimes without notice.
She likes that.
God gave me a good thing. Through her, he has blessed me for 36 years of marriage and two years of courtship.
The bibles says, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverbs 18:22
About that wedding ceremony we never had; we plan to have one on our 50th anniversary! I'll get my son to perform the ceremony; I know he'll show up.
Yesterday, my wife and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. It has been 36 years that began with the three failed marriage attempts, and 12 years of messups on my part.
In 1974 my wife and I decided to get married after two years of courtship. We contacted a local preacher to marry us but he didn't show up; he forgot. We ate the food, drank the punch and set another wedding date two weeks later, using the same preacher. He didn't show up for that one either. With a week left on the license we found another preacher, and set another date. He didn't show up either.
Finally, we found a preacher, he hurriedly signed the license before the expiration date, we filed it in the Caldwell Parish Courthouse and we went back to work. Done deal. No vows, no ceremony, no punch; but it was legal.
Since that time I have tried to be a good husband.
I think the last 24 years have been closer to the ideal than the first twelve. During the first 12 years of our marriage my ministry and business persuits were all consuming. My wife and family were secondary and it caused us considerable problems as I plunged all of our meager resources into what I called ministry but were really candies for my ego.
In the 12th year I came home to find my wife crying. She was pouring out her soul and her face was covered with tears. She had followed me in every pursuit: business, pastorate, politics and community service but did not enjoy the fact that she and my three sons were always second place to whatever new venture I conjured up. It would have been better if I had a mistress, someone to physically compete with, but how do you compete with an ego based dream that was so big that it took in the whole world but had little room for those close to it? It fact, it was all consuming.
She said, "You are saving the world but losing your own family."
That was staggering. I was faithful, I paid the bills, and kept food on the table. I thought that was all that was required. I thought I could give lectures to others about how to make a marriage work; but the sight of my wife crying said I needed to take the class, not teach it.
I got the message.
That same year I resigned as: President of the NAACP, President of the Baptist Association, and as a member of seven boards and committees. I tried to resign as pastor of the church but the church wouldn't accept my resignation. They told me to take off when I needed and whenever we did take off, they provided for her to go as well.
Since that day I operate with a different set of priorities: God, family, the world. Yes, I'm still trying to save the world I guess, but I'm trying to save my wife and family FIRST, then the world.
She doesn't cry anymore. We laugh a lot. We fight poverty together. We spend an inordinate amount of time and money helping youth. We plunge into civic projects together. Then sometimes, regardless to what anybody thinks, we take off and just disappear to who knows where; sometimes without notice.
She likes that.
God gave me a good thing. Through her, he has blessed me for 36 years of marriage and two years of courtship.
The bibles says, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverbs 18:22
About that wedding ceremony we never had; we plan to have one on our 50th anniversary! I'll get my son to perform the ceremony; I know he'll show up.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Not throwing in the towel
Dr. James Dobson, head of Focus on the Family, analyzed the massive effort he has led to re-establish Christian values in America as a failure.
Dobson said the massive fight against abortion, homosexuality and a plethora of other ungodly living has been turned around as new generations abandon godly principles in pursuit of their own. He cited some gains but concluded that Christians are losing the moral war. He quickly added, however, that God is in control. (http://tinyurl.com/cy3w9c)
In some respects Dr. Dobson may be right. The present generation seems to be "me" oriented and not "Him" (God) oriented. This generation gives the pretense of worship because it expects something for "me" in return; not simply for the greatness of the Lord. It is long on "me" oriented praise but very short on service.
It seems to shape its values around its own expectations. To appeal to this generation, Churches have resorted to slick packaged emotionally charged concerts that tickle the ears of the crowds rather than the more difficult task of standing on principle.
To draw crowds, the standard has been lowered and social deviance has been tolerated; and in some cases promoted.
Unlike Dr. Dobson, I'm not throwing in the towel. I choose to be among the remnant that believes in old fashioned way. God, family and moral uprightness are the key elements of the old fashioned belief. Like 15 minute grits, home made biscuits, mama's pound cake; the old way is slower, doesn't attract mega crowds, but it's the right way.
There is a thought in Ephesians 6:12-13 that says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "
I suspect that are millions of Christians are not as pessimistic as Dr. Dobson; they are willing to stand, if they have to stand alone.
We're not throwing in the towel.
Dobson said the massive fight against abortion, homosexuality and a plethora of other ungodly living has been turned around as new generations abandon godly principles in pursuit of their own. He cited some gains but concluded that Christians are losing the moral war. He quickly added, however, that God is in control. (http://tinyurl.com/cy3w9c)
In some respects Dr. Dobson may be right. The present generation seems to be "me" oriented and not "Him" (God) oriented. This generation gives the pretense of worship because it expects something for "me" in return; not simply for the greatness of the Lord. It is long on "me" oriented praise but very short on service.
It seems to shape its values around its own expectations. To appeal to this generation, Churches have resorted to slick packaged emotionally charged concerts that tickle the ears of the crowds rather than the more difficult task of standing on principle.
To draw crowds, the standard has been lowered and social deviance has been tolerated; and in some cases promoted.
Unlike Dr. Dobson, I'm not throwing in the towel. I choose to be among the remnant that believes in old fashioned way. God, family and moral uprightness are the key elements of the old fashioned belief. Like 15 minute grits, home made biscuits, mama's pound cake; the old way is slower, doesn't attract mega crowds, but it's the right way.
There is a thought in Ephesians 6:12-13 that says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "
I suspect that are millions of Christians are not as pessimistic as Dr. Dobson; they are willing to stand, if they have to stand alone.
We're not throwing in the towel.
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