I quoted the following poem by Lena Lathrop in my book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. (I've since learned that the original title was "A Woman's Answer to a Man's Question"). It had been a while since I'd read it, but I shared it this past Sunday at the conclusion of my sermon from 1 Peter 3:7. It went hand in hand with the text which reads: "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered."--1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)
Ever made by the hand above--
A woman's heart, and a woman's life
And a woman's wonderful love?
Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy,
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy?
You have written my lesson of duty out,
Man-like you have questioned me;
Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.
You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart to be true as God's stars,
And as pure as heaven your soul.
You require a cook for your mutton and beef;
I require a far better thing.
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts;
I look for a man and a king.
A king for the beautiful realm called home,
And a man that the maker, God,
Shall look upon as he did the first
And say, "It is very good."
I am fair and young, but the rose will fade
From my soft, young cheek one day,
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,
As you did 'mid the bloom of May?
Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.
I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give all this, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.
If you cannot do this -- a laundress and cook
You can hire, with little to pay,
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way.
You can listen to the sermon A Word To Husbands (And a Few More to Wives) here.
6 Comments
Wow...I must have skipped over that when I read the book...good stuff to share with students I work with, as well as my own 15 year old daughter...and my 3 sons! Thanks.
Amen.
The first time I read Lena Lathrop's poem in "I Kissed Dating Goodbye", I copied the entire thing out into the journal I'm keeping for my future husband.
Love. It. Even now, I can't read through it without punctuating each stanza with "amen!".
Thanks for posting! :)
Hi, Josh, thanks as always for such good reminders, especially for those of us still looking for a spouse.
God bless you and your ministry!
--Tim Mills
www.timothydeanmills.com
Thanks for posting this. I remember the first time I read IKDG, I read this particular poem through several times. It is simple, but powerful.
This poem always reminds me, that marriage is not for me.
I cannot pay these prices.
Especially the last stanza speaks to me.
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