The Biblical Roots of Southern Courtesy
The Musings of Augustus Merriweather
Dear Reader,
Welcome back to our little corner of the South. If these musings warm your heart like a steaming cup of chicory coffee on a crisp autumn morning, I’d be much obliged if you’d share them with a friend or two. Now, let’s delve into the heart of Southern etiquette, shall we?
🎩 The Southern Way: More Than Just Words 🌺
My dear friends and fellow sojourners on this path of gentility,
As I sit here on my porch, sipping a glass of sweet tea and watching the Spanish moss sway in the gentle Georgia breeze, I can’t help but reflect on the peculiarities of our Southern upbringing. Now, I don’t mean to ruffle any feathers or stir up a hornet’s nest, but there’s something to be said about the way we were raised to address our elders and those in positions of authority.
“Yes, sir” and “No, ma’am” - these phrases are as much a part of my lexicon as “bless your heart” or “I declare.” They’re wired into my system, as natural as breathing or cheering for the Bulldogs on a crisp fall Saturday. But I’ve come to realize that what’s second nature to us here in the South can be as foreign as a snowball in July to folks from other parts.
🌍 A Tale of Two Cultures 🗺️
My dear wife, bless her heart, once shared a story that tickled me pink. She had the audacity to say “No, ma’am” to a teacher up North and was promptly accused of being a smart aleck! Can you imagine? It’s like being scolded for holding the door open for a lady. It just doesn’t make a lick of sense to our Southern sensibilities.
And then there’s the tale of a family who served overseas, where such courtesies were seen as signs of enforced submission. Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! That’s about as far from our intentions as Atlanta is from Timbuktu. True civility is rooted in respect and kindness, not in submission or weakness.
📖 The Good Book and Good Manners 🙏
Now, I’ve scoured my King James from Genesis to Revelation, and I can’t say I’ve found a verse that explicitly commands, “Thou shalt say ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir’.” But let me tell you, the spirit of these courtesies is woven throughout Scripture like butter in a good biscuit.
Take Ephesians 4:32, for instance: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Or how about 1 Peter 2:17? “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” Seems to me that a heartfelt “Yes, sir” fits right in with those sentiments.
👔 The Casual Conundrum 🩴
Now, don’t get me started on the state of modern attire. There was a time when dressing up for church or a night on the town was as natural as grits with breakfast. These days, it seems like every day is casual Friday. Why, I remember when my family moved further South in the mid-70s, and my parents were scandalized by folks wearing shorts and flip-flops to the grocery store!
I must admit, there are days when my sartorial splendor feels about as comfortable as a wool suit in August. But there’s something to be said for putting your best foot forward, even if that foot is sweating like a sinner in church.
This week, make a conscious effort to dress up a bit more than usual. You might be surprised at how it affects your behavior and the way others treat you.
🌱 The Roots of Civility 🌳
Some folks might see civility as a relic of the past, as outdated as a rotary phone. But I believe it’s as essential to a well-functioning society as yeast is to good bread. It’s not about adding to God’s law or becoming legalistic. No, sir. It’s about embodying the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23.
Civility, at its core, is about treating others with the respect and dignity they deserve as fellow image-bearers of God. It’s about putting others before ourselves, just as Christ did for us.
As the great Southern writer Walker Percy once said, “Good manners are the traffic rules for society.” And in a world that seems to be growing more chaotic by the day, couldn’t we all use a little more order and kindness?
🌅 A New Dawn of Civility 🌄
So, my friends, I’ll continue to say “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir,” not because I have to, but because I get to. It’s my small way of showing the character of Christ in my daily interactions.
And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, these small acts of courtesy will ripple out like waves on a pond, touching hearts and changing lives in ways we can’t even imagine.
Until next time, may your manners be impeccable, your hearts be kind, and your sweet tea be ever-flowing.
Yours in Christ and in Southern gentility,
Augustus B. Merriweather III
P.S. If these musings on manners struck a chord with you, why not share them with a friend? And if you haven’t already subscribed to our little corner of the internet, well, what are you waiting for? Join us as we navigate the complexities of modern life with a hearty dose of Southern charm and Biblical wisdom. May your “yes” be “yes,” your “no” be “no,” and may you always remember to add “sir” or “ma’am” for good measure! 🎩🙏