A Fantabulous Man Called Peter...

The first church I ever attended was a Baptist Church. I will admit, at the time, I was less than impressed with its Baptist, traditional ways. But I find now that I'm a bit further along in my years, I am learning to appreciate tradition more and more. Their Christmas Eve service is one that brings back many fond memories, and few services have rivaled. I think at the time I was a little intimated by all the "gray hairs" in the crowd. It felt like it was too big of a gap, and as a result the church was terribly segregated into age groups. Perhaps that was my own youthful perception, but one that many of my peers shared.

One of my favorite aspects of this church was their library. Probably within a year of becoming a Christian, I discovered the tiny, musty-smelling library. Few visited it. At the time, I was thirsting for information, so I took out books by the bagful. I think you had three weeks, and I could easily devour 5-10 books in that time (sigh, those glorious pre-kid reading days!). I was really into reading biographies and true life stories. Which still are my preference today. Sometimes the library would sell off old books to make room for new ones. The price was often a donation to the library. So one Sunday I picked up a book called, "A Man Called Peter" by Catherine Marshall.

This is an oldie, but such a goodie. It was published in 1951. I recently picked it up again. This will be the third time I've read it. Each time I glean more from it. Peter Marshall was a Scotsman who came to America to be a minister. His journey to America is incredible enough, but his journey through his ministry is so inspiring. He eventually becomes the Chaplain in the Senate. A very powerful, very honorable position. He becomes an adviser to some of the great Presidents of the past. His life journey truly is inspiring, and strongly anchored in God. He died January 25, 1949 from a heart ailment. He was just 46 years old.

A much loved book, not just by myself, but from someone from years before me...

I thought I would share one of my favorite passages from the book. I've typed it out the same way it appears in the book. Its the way he wrote out his sermon notes, which helped him to emphasize certain words and phases while speaking.

"Marriage is not a federation of two sovereign states. It is a
union -
domestic
social
spiritual
physical.

It is a fusion of two hearts -
the union of two lives -
the coming together of two tributaries,
which, after being joined in marriage, will flow in the same
channel in the same direction...
carrying the same burdens of responsibility and obligation.

Modern girls argue that they have to earn an income, in order to establish a home, which would be impossible on their husband's income.

That is sometimes the case, but it must always be viewed as a regrettable necessity, never as the normal or natural thing for a wife to have to do.

The average woman, if she gives her full time to her home
her husband
her children...

If she tries to understand her husband's work...
to curb his egotism while, at the same time, building up his self-esteem
to kill his masculine conceit while encouraging all his hopes
to establish around the family a circle of true friends...

If she provides in the home a proper atmosphere of culture
of love of music
of beautiful furniture (*Do you think this means he endorses my DIY ways?)
and of a garden...

If she can do all this, she will be engaged in a life work that will demand every ounce of her strength
every bit of her patience
every talent that God has given her
the utmost sacrifice of her love.

It will demand everything she has and more.
And she will find that for which she was created.
She will know that she is carrying out the plan of God.
She will be a partner with the Sovereign Ruler of the universe.

And so today's daughters need to think twice before they seek to make a place for themselves
by themselves
in our world today..."

While I can't say I completely agree with everything that he has to say (and I'm sure all you feminist readers are ready to throw your computers out the window!), but I do appreciate the sentiment, and I think he puts it so beautifully. He doesn't make it a chore or a substandard role, but he really paints the picture and shows just how much of a partner the wife is. And that I love. And yes, I fully appreciate that he mentions fine furniture :)