Chris and Margaret, our church’s Music Minister and his wife, are two of the nicest people I have ever met. When Brett and I started attending our church, they took a special interest in us. They invited us over and were very kind and thoughtful toward us. For a while, we thought it was because we were new and perhaps we had been “assigned” to them. But, after a couple of months, we realized they were just like that – nice.
They are nice to everyone without being one of those cloying, sweet couples that make you want to make a break for the door. Sincerely nice and yet completely human and down to earth.
This Sunday, we had a guest speaker. He and his wife work on the front lines in persecuted countries to free missionaries who are unjustly accused, imprisoned, and/or tortured. After the service, I found myself standing by the special speaker’s wife, my husband, and Chris.
Brett and Chris were making plans to get together later in the week, and Chris made a joke about Brett having to check with “the boss.” Brett makes that same joke all the time – “I’ll just have to check with “the boss.” Ha. Ha.
There are days I wish I was the boss, let me tell you.
Anyway, I laughed and said something along the lines of “I wish I were the boss. Ha! Ha!” Being as we were at church, I didn’t want to let on towards my egalitarian leanings.
The special speaker’s wife stepped in and said, “I’m just so glad to be submissive to my husband. I’m only responsible to follow him, but my husband is responsible to follow God.”
(Picture me mentally rolling my eyes in my head while nodding politely on the outside.)
Anyway, Chris had a great comeback (truly funny). He said, “Well, I don’t know. I think I’d rather follow God than some guy who doesn’t know where he’s going!”
We all laughed (although I did notice the special speaker’s wife looked a little shocked that a man made a joke against submission).
Then Chris made another joke.
He said, “I’ve heard it quoted that submission is simply ducking so that God can deck your husband.”
I laughed all the way home.
I’m definitely using that quote to break the tension the next time someone goes off on a submission fueled rant.
11 comments:
On that note, submission is a good thing? Adam did take it for Eve.... Egalitarian... I had forgotten that word. Ahh the memories!
Instead of continuing to criticize well meaning people, I would enjoy hearing your well thought out biblical argument for your position. By the way I find it interesting how a couple of week ago you wrote an entire blog about mean things people have said to you and yet you now seem to really enjoy people being put in their place.
Even if Aaron didn't enjoy that Humor... I got a kick out of the joke :)
*waving at Aaron* at least I hope that was him.
I think that I am going to have to put that somewhere prominent at our house.
Ouch, Aaron! Ouch! I wasn't trying to put anyone in their place. I just thought it was funny. I didn't mean to be offensive. Why'd you take it that way? Let me know.
A bit strong of me? Yes, having read it again, I see that. I thought the joke itself was funny. Both Linda and I got a good laugh out of it. I guess I was feeling a bit bad for the poor lady. Her position is not foreign to that circle and she may have felt slightly accosted when her position was made fun of. That is why I took the story that way.
By the way, was it Tancy who waved at me?
Remember, I still think your the greatest cousin.
Aaron
I agree, Chris and Margaret are wonderful people.
I wouldn't put it past Chris to say something like that. I think I just read that quote yesterday (or one similar) in John MacArthur's parenting book. I remember laughing at it then, too. :-)
Aaron -
I'm glad you "got" the joke.
I know, I know - I need to work on being accepting and kind to everyone, no matter what their position. I don't think the lady was offended - I spent the previous 20 minutes nodding and smiling while listening to (very interesting) stories about their mission agency. She was very sweet, and (shock, gasp, and awe) I think she even liked me.
Why is it that people always like me better when I manage to keep my mouth shut? Hmm...perhaps I'm removing all doubt of my being a "fool," when I open my mouth, huh? Ha! Ha!
I'm glad you're not offended. You'd better watch out, though, Mom is telling everyone that the two of us are exactly alike! YOU might start getting some of MY bad reputation rubbed off on you!
P.S. - You are also a marvelous cousin! We miss you, guys!!!
hijacking to say Hi to Aaron. Yes, Aaron, this is Tancy. I tried to follow your name and it didn't find a blog. don't tell me you aren't on the blog wagon? I know that the two of you have to be VERY busy. I can't imagine twins. I would love to catch up with you guys. Tried to send a baby card, but I just don't have the right addy anymore.
TTFN
So I read the post. Then I came back to see if you had posted anything else, and that's when I realized why you titled the post "The Sunday Comic". Very cute!
What an interesting read!! I also think very highly of Chris and Margaret. Interesting factiod: Margaret used to babysit me way back when, and Chris' rendition of "Oh Holy Night" is the reason that is my favorite Christmas song.
I, too, got quite a laugh out of the jokes but maybe for a different reason. Yes, I very much believe that the man is "the boss" of the family. But I am sure I am not alone in this one. My hubby often jokes about what a great card or gift he got someone, only to look at me and say, "what did we get them?" Everyone who knows us well knows that I am the one who makes all things flow. But... he is "the boss!!"
It sounds like this lady just could not see the humor in something that many of us joke about.
This is to Jennittia,
Yes we know you well. That is kind of how it is around here. Submission is commanded in scripture, but it goes both ways as a mutual respect for one another. By saying "the boss" does not mean that we grovel at his feet saying "your majesty", it just means that we look to him as support.
I also enjoy Chris' O Holy Night. I always miss it though as we are never in town when he sings it on Christmas Eve.
Post a Comment