Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Polite Society

Posted on By jennifer

I grew up saying “Yes, ma’am/No, Ma’am” and “Yes, sir/No, Sir.”  Both at home and at school.  My children grew up doing the same.  At their Christian school, it was even in the handbook.  Not only was it second nature to us, but it was an ingrained habit.  Sadly, on more than just a few occasions, I saw my children corrected and even rebuked for using the response.  When my son was a young adult, he almost lost a job because his supervisor was apparently so offended.  Who would have imagimed that signs of respect and simple courtesy could be that offensive.

I could use plenty of examples showing how much the same thing has happened with many areas of politeness in our society.  Table manners.  Phone manners or simply polite conversation.  Small habits that make us less rude and more considerate.  That help us show regard for others.  The list is endless (but this is a five minute free write….that I am somewhat struggling to write so as to not offend): however, it is does seem that being impolite is more and more the norm.  It is even more disturbing when being polite is scoffed at or frowned upon.

STOP.  Well, I did not get very far with my thoughts on this morning’s Five Minute Friday prompt, polite.  Honestly, I was concerned with being offensive.  Trying to be polite, maybe??  I suppose everyone has their idea of appropriate manners for the table, for the phone or for showing respect to adults.  But that is just it.  As a society, there seems to be so few  “norms” and I think that is a shame.  Politeness is not something reserved for a certain class or age group.  It should, in fact, acknowledge all people as worthy of respect and common decency.  I will admit, I am focusing on the negative.  No doubt, there are some things that are polite “norms” in our country.  Probably more than I can bring to mind just now.  Can you remind me of a few?

Do you ever watch British TV?  We do not watch tons of tv but we certainly have been doing so more in these last, long winter months.  All we watch is British TV.  We stream BritBox and Acorn TV.  We enjoy the real estate shows, the Agatha Christie mysteries, and the other murder mystery shows.  Lately, we have been rewatching the Inspector Lewis series.  It is one of my favorites.  Every time Robbie interacts with his supervisor, he calls her Ma’am.  It’s not weird.  Or offensive.  It shows respect.  And is polite.  Imagine that.

I’m glad you stopped by today.  Have a great weekend.  Is it supposed to be spring where you are?  That is what our forecast is promising…and I am here for it!!  I don’t even mind the time change.  Just one more sign that winter is behind us!

Five Minute Friday

Comments (5)

  1. Having been raised in the South in the 1950s and 60s, I, too, always (and still do) say yes/no ma’am and yes/no sir. I’ve had adults laugh and comment, not understanding it’s a form of respect! Sad on our society as a whole. . .

  2. Interesting topic, polite, for your five-minute writing activity, Jennifer! Like you, I was raised to say yes/no sir or ma’am, hold the door for someone, saying thank you or responding you’re welcome. Now, each one of those items can be misconstrued as offensive to someone.

    Spring is slowly making its appearance with the warmer temperatures, clusters of daffodil greens popping up and even groups of Robins in the yard. Yay!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

  3. Hello Jennifer,
    Thank you for your thoughts.
    Polite society sadly in my neck of the woods has flew the coop. The language I hear on the playground as I walk by, F*** YOU seems to be the new normal for young children.
    Young adults, political leaders, news anchors, celebrities and I can go on, say it any old time they want in society and during TV interviews.

    Can you tell I have an old soul. Thank goodness my son’s have continued to be polite, even when the society says you do not have to be. We shake hands, say hello, thank you, and you are welcome.

    Thank you for your thoughts today.
    Carla

  4. My mom and I were just talking about manners. It is so awful today. Adults correcting children telling them not to say ma’am or sir amazes me.

    I love British shows and when I do watch things it usually is British.

  5. You know, I agree with you so much. I am not “tooting my own horn” as we say, but Steve and I have tried very hard to instill respect and good manners in our children. And, you know what? People notice. I think they notice because it is no longer the norm, which is sad. I mean, I was thirty years old and still calling my teachers Mr. and Mrs.! I appreciate you sharing this, my friend. Have a cozy Sunday!

Comments are closed.