His Name First: A Lesson from Grandpa

Many years ago while in elementary, I vaguely remembered writing a report about my family…or something along those lines.   I’m not sure if the assignment was to tell about my family, or if it was an autobiography.  That was too long ago!

What I do remember about the report was having my Grandpa Hannah read it.  He was always studying writing and grammar, so I thought he would be a good one to help me proofread.

Like I said, I don’t remember much about what was in the report, and I don’t even remember if I ever showed my report to anyone else in my family.  But there is one piece of advice I will always remember.  I had written about my parents.  In my report I had written about Mom, and then I had written about Dad.”  Grandpa said he enjoyed reading my report, but I needed to fix one thing:  I needed to put Dad's information first, and then Mom's.  I remember thinking, “I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, but if Grandpa says it is, it must be.”  So, I changed it. 

"For Adam was first formed, then Eve"  1 Timothy 2:14

Before you judge my grandpa as being too conservative and overbearing, I should tell you that I’ve not yet met a finer example of what a Christian man should be (although Billy’s, my husband, is a tie!).  He ran his household and ran it well.  He loved Granny with his whole heart.  He made sure that her needs were met and that she was happy, but it was obvious that he was head of the home (and that in itself made her happy!).  As I look back on it, his advice was right on the mark!  The husband is the head of the home!  The woman is to work and strive to make her husband look good; to put him first! 

"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land."  Proverbs 31:23

Submitting to the husband is lost in today’s society, but I have always remembered his advice.  I try to make a conscious effort to put the man’s name first when I send out cards or letters, and I always sign Billy’s name first when I send something from us.  I thought no one noticed or thought about this simple act anymore, but in our ladies meeting the other night, someone mentioned the fact that the husband’s name should be first!  I was so excited to share my story and pass along what Grandpa taught me all those years ago!

Putting your husband’s name before yours may not seem like much, but if you put his name first in speaking and writing, you’re more likely to put his needs above yours.  It’s just another way to use your meek, gentle spirit as God intended!  Remember the old saying:  JOY = Jesus, Others, You.