I was Excited and Scared - Episode 25
Isn’t it a mysterious, wonderful, complex part of being human that we can feel two or three, seemingly opposing emotions at the same time? Susanna shares how it felt to graduate, get married to a military man, move across the country, away from family and friends, and have her first child, all in short order. How hard the first years of marriage were, being lonely, finding a job, new friends, a new community. Feeling so many things. Some of them exciting. And some of them scary. This is real and not all uncommon for any of us in many, (most?) situations. Embrace the juxtaposition.
Loyal.
Compassionate.
Faithful.
— Susanna
“Honor”
I am someone who loves words. I like to understand their meaning and select with intention. Of course this isn’t all the time. That would be too much. But this word honor. It comes back to me. About 25 years ago when I met my husband, I was really into what this word means and how I wanted to be a woman of honor, and to partner with a man of honor. Of course we both fall short because that’s part of the deal. While we don’t discuss it I know it is part of who we aspire to be. People of honor.
In looking up the history of the word, its usage peaked in the 1850’s - early 1900’s. Sure, we hear it from time to time now but I would venture to say we have lost living it out along with some of its impact. The definition from Websters Dictionary 1828: True nobleness of mind; magnanimity; dignified respect for character, springing from probity, principle or moral rectitude; a distinguishing trait in the character of good people. (Ok, that last word said “men” and I just had to change it.)
During our conversation Susanna said, It is our honor to serve. She was speaking about her and Tyler’s sacrifice to live a life for others. For those in our country. Using that word just tumbled out of her mouth as smooth as velvet and I KNOW it is a very part of her fabric, part of her essence. So once again I am inspired by a fellow woman this time who has put honor back on the map for me. (And for me as a believer, Christ is the ultimate in showing what honor means. He exemplifies love and every attribute that comes from it.)
I was struck by this word again when I thought of Ruth Bader Ginsberg who died this past Friday, Sept. 18. She was certainly a woman of honor amongst many other deeply-held beliefs that led her to live a life of service. A life of honor. Can we all be just a little bit more like that? Committed to a life of honor? True. Noble. Dignified. Generous. Forgiving. Respectful. Principled. Honest. Decent. Wow! Wouldn’t that be something?! Let’s give it our best shot. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.
— Corrie ten Boom
