That’s a very inspiring and thought provoking speech, Brett. Good job.
I hope I will make a habit of this correct behavior. It will be neat to see more ladylike and gentlemanly behavior among Rebelutionaries. :)
Elizabeth Felmey | Homepage | 08.25.06 - 9:50 pm | #

Oh this post speaks truth to so many young people. And some are unaware of just how much the women of today need this messege too. Feminism is rank within our society, and the ideas of 'equality' are fused into our media and education systems. You're absolutely right about the fact that its a mindset, not just a list of common curtesies.
Thank You
Anna C. | 08.25.06 - 10:45 pm | #

This is another excellent post.

I know it is a big issue for me to let guys do stuff like that for me, not that it happens much anymore these days. But recently I had an issue involving crutches and I think that made some guys at my church think, "Oh yeah, she might need help with the door." It was hard for me to accept help, so this is an area that I've felt convicted that I need to work on.

Thanks for the reminder!
Elyse | Homepage | 08.25.06 - 11:22 pm | #

Wowsa! Great stuff. Hee hee - I want my brothers to read this now, but you're right in saying that the responsibilty rests on both the guys and the girls. And with God's grace, we'll all get better at this serving thing. Thanks for the thoughts!
Elizabeth Hardy | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 4:38 am | #

Great analysis, Brett. It is disappointing to see young men growing up without the least bit of understanding of how to treat young ladies. But, because of this, it also makes those who are gentleman to stand out, thus shining God's light to a dark world.

Excellent post. And thank you for your sensitive heart towards this topic. It is rare these days, but a blessing to see. Your young sisters in Christ appreciate it. :-)
Veronika | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 6:32 am | #

I love how you indentified the cause of the problem: self-centeredness that manifests itself through carelessness and thoughtlessness.

We forget. We need to be reminded. That's really the crux of the issue.

It would be great to see a post about how ladies can develop/show consideration toward gentlemen, as well, becaues the struggle with self-centeredness is quite relevant for us, as well That's been my biggest are of conviction lately.
Karen Kovaka | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 7:09 am | #

Everyone: I'm glad this message was a blessing to you. I am planning on following up on this post with another one which will address some of the issues you have mentioned. God bless!
Brett Harris | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 8:54 am | #

Great speech! I know that it does take work from both the ladies and gentlemen. I am accustomed to accepting courtesies from my father and brother, but it is harder with other people. There is so much room to grow!
Elizabeth | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 9:10 am | #

Thanks for posting this wonderful speech! It was really an encouragement to see that chivalry is still alive and well among some. I look forward to the follow-up post.

God has blessed me with a wonderful, gentlemanly brother... who just went to college. I miss him so!
Anna Lofgren | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 10:30 am | #

I applaud you Brett for given this speech.It is a much needed massege for both,genders.I`ll be looking forward to a post on ladylikeness. I know that this is what I`m striving for...
Cristina Irizarry | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 10:46 am | #

Hey! Great Post!
Notice anything though as you read the comments?? 'Cept for Brett, everyone that has commented has been a girl. I just found that interesting...
anyway, let me just say I really appreciate the gentlemen that a know and have known!
Our culture tells us that we girls aren't worth a whole lot as girls, in fact we are worth a whole lot more if we act like men and do jobs just like them. The culture puts almost no value on those of us who aspire to be homemakers someday. But when I read a post like this, or when a guy shows what a gentleman he is, I know that there are still guys out there that appreciate the fact that I've chosen to be a real girl! thanks Brett, for a great post!!!
Gabby | 08.26.06 - 10:51 am | #

Great post! I can't wait to see the next post! It seems like it so easy for us, as ladies, to just grow acustomed to getting our own doors, and carrying our own bags. It's refreshing to see guys who still care about being Godly gentlemen. Thanks.
Christine | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 11:15 am | #

In the movie, A Man Called Peter, soon to be Mrs. Catherine Marshall makes a speech that is a great message every girl and woman needs to hear today. If I get a chance I will post it on m y blog.

My favorite part of her speech is when she says, "Woman had to step down to be equal with men." Her point is Christianity has always treated women very well, and because of the feminist movement, women have lost that special treatment.
Erin | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 12:11 pm | #

Gabby,I agree with you.I`m glad that I`m a young woman,yet the world demands that women be someone who they are not.The results are,well evident;divorce,broken families,children uncared for,ect.It is a great encourgament to know that there are gentlement out there who will see me and treat me like the lady that I am.
Cristina Irizarry | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 5:34 pm | #

I am also surprised that only girls have commented:-) But, since I have three younger brothers I should be sure to *help* them along in this area. I.e. make them open the doors, carry my stuff, etc. They are usually very open to it but since they are so little they just don't think about it that much.
Brittany | 08.26.06 - 8:32 pm | #

Hi guys,
nice post!! Judging from the comments, though, we need more guys reading this article. Why is it always the case that more women than men seem to read/think about these things?

One of my workmates ( a 40-something male, who's not a Christian) recently went to open the door for one of our female colleagues - she looked him in the eye and with contempt said 'Get over yourself!'. I was surprised when I heard about it, but it's proof that this kind of situation does occur. Ladies, please be gracious when we try and help!!

In the article, you mentioned that the response is crucial when help is offered - I have found this to be true of both men and women. I know of many men who do not willingly accept help when it's offered - if they're sick, or injured, etc. alot of guys have trouble saying 'yeah, I'd appreciate your help. thanks!!'

I think this issue connects to a deeper question of how you value yourself. If your value of yourself is based on what you can do, what you can achieve, and how capable you are (and let's face it, we're all guilty of this to some extent) then you will have difficulty accepting help from others. If your value is based on the fact that you are created and loved by God, then you should be in a much more secure place. Just a thought...
Martyn | Homepage | 08.26.06 - 10:45 pm | #

Great speech! This is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed, as much for the girls as the guys. I have noticed over the past several years that guys I grew up with who would once-upon-a-time have offered a girl a seat when she enters a room, or offered to carry her bags/books, have ceased doing so, and I think it's a shame our society has quenched the role of the gentleman. I look forward greatly to the follow-up post!
Adrielle | 08.26.06 - 11:17 pm | #

I feel like I'm repeating what everyone else said (except that I'm a guy), but that was great post.
The idea of gentlemanlike behavior being centered around self-centeredness is something that I wouldn't have thought of. It's not that I don't agree with it, it's just that I wasn't raised that way, and neither was my dad. I would like to say that I'm a gentleman, but if I think about it, I'm not anywhere near being comparable to its original deffinition (besides the fact that a girl I know rated me at 5 on a 1-10 scale). :-)

Very interested in seeing the next post!
Jadeon | 08.27.06 - 6:20 pm | #

That was a great post Brett!

The response of us ladies is definatly very crucial. My mom always says, "If ladies would be ladies, than men would be men." :)
I've always appreciated being treated like a lady, maybe it is because I grew up with gentlemenly brothers. :) But yes, lets be rebelutionaries and stand out as different! :)
Christina | Homepage | 08.27.06 - 6:21 pm | #

Hey, very nice. I totally agree with you and I've tried to maintain a gentlemanly behavior. And you have a good point that our mothers and sisters aren't guinea pigs. It's a lot easier to treat other girls kindly than it is to my female family members. It's something I need to work on. thanks for the good speech and the reminder, keep it up. :)
Micheal Middleton | 08.27.06 - 8:13 pm | #