« October 2004 | Main | December 2004 »
November 25, 2004
Happy Thanksgiving!
Psalm 100
A Psalm of praise.
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
May we bless the Lord with our manifold thanks and gratitude this lovely day! Be safe, enjoy the food, and give thanks!!
Posted by Grant at 03:30 PM | Comments (1)
November 13, 2004
Of Trains and Feminists
Robert L. Dabny recounts this humorous story from the late 1800s:
A solitary female entered a car where every seat was occupied, and the conductor closed the door upon her and departed. She looked in vain for a seat, and at last appealed to an elderly man near her to know if he whould not "surrender his seat to a lady." He, it seems, was somewhat a humorist, and answered: "I will surrender it cheerfully, Madam, as I always do, but will beg leave first to ask a civil question. Are you an advocate of the modern theory of women's rights?" Bridling up with intense energy, she replied, "Yes, sir, emphatically; I let you know that it is my glory to be devoted to that noble cause." "Very well, Madam," said he, "then the case is altered: You may stand up like the rest of us men, until you can get a seat for yourself."
~R. L. Dabney
Excerpted from Robert Lewis Dabney: The Prophet Speaks, edited by D.W. Phillips
That story always makes me smile, because it is so true. However, my policy is not affected by it. Since most every woman today is a feminist in some way or another, it would do no use to act in such a manner. To do so would alienate you from society. Back in the 1800s, people knew what humor was, but now they are sensitive in the extreme, and the effect of such a jibe would be lost on them.
Instead, I hold to my steady course of treating all women with dignity and respect. The fact is, no women, no matter how feminist or ultra independent she is, loves to be treated like a lady. Some years ago, the ancient and venerable duty of the man to open the door for the woman was all but forgotten, and if not forgotten, eviscerated by the new surge of independence in women. I was taught by my dad however, and I shall stick to my duty as long as I live.
I find it clearly amusing and satisfactory when approaching a door nearly the same time as a women, that although she approaches with an independent air, and a face saying "Don't touch me because I can fend for myself" , the minute I stand aside, and hold the door open for her with a sligh inclination of the head, she changes. The haughty look is replaced with one of female delight and wonder, the chin holds itself in a perky pose of sweet thankfullness, the eyes twinkle in gratitude, and as she sweeps by in her newly found mantle of respect and veneration, she is transformed by just one small instance of repect. Her cheeks flush, she steps lightly, and her thank you is very heartful, if not tinged with a trace of surprise and admiration.
No woman, no matter how independent she is, can resist the delight that awakens in her bosom when a man steps out of his way for her. It is the living and true testimony that feminisim is a lie. It makes her something special and someone respected. It rekindles that age old dignity and gentility that marks her as the flower of man's existence.
And that's what makes it all worth it.
Posted by Grant at 03:42 PM | Comments (3)
November 02, 2004
Cherished Rights and Cold Skies
It is a cold, cloudy, and misty day today, down in Central Texas. It's the kind of day I love, the kind of day I call a "Celtic" day, because everything is so soft and moorish in our area. The gentle breeze laden with tiny drops of mist softy greets your face, and the smells of fall are in the air. Everything is deeply damp and it's a perfect day for cocoa and cherished books.
However, this morning and afternoon, I was out and about in the cool air and rushing mist. It was time to vote! What an exciting and simple privilege is voting! Coutless lives have been laid down, and untold volumns of blood have been spilled, so that Americans may walk unmolested into a building, take a simple sheet of paper, and with a Number 2 pencil, make their mark on American policy and history.
Such a simple thrill it was! Once my vote was cast, it was time to meet people from our community, people who if it were not for voting, we would never see. It made me realize how important community events are. I've written down the date for the community dinner, and I shall make it a point to become more involved in my community. There are people to meet - neighbors - and things to do! How could I overlook something like that?
If it weren't for voting, our community would be sheltered, and isolationist. However, because of voting, our community is brought together.
Voting is a right to exercise, and right to cherish. If you haven't already voted, don't delay any longer! The blood and memories of our fallen legions cries out to you from every corner of the earth, "Oh! If only we could vote!". Let your voice be heard!
The right to vote is something to cherish. In my case, it is also something chilly! A cherished and chilly right.
What a wonderful thing is voting.
Posted by Grant at 03:15 PM | Comments (7)