Perceptions #200214

"The Third Verse"

by Jerry Hodge

EDITOR'S NOTE: This "Perceptions" feature is different from any article we've ever printed. Jerry Hodge is a minister of the gospel. His father, Charles Hodge, is also a well-known minister, but Jerry's mother and his wife are the unsung heroes in the family. Jerry compares preachers' wives to the third verse of the songs in our hymn book - often unsung and unnoticed. His thoughts on this subject touched us deeply. They reminded us that there are many people who serve God out of the limelight. We need to pay more attention to them.

Have you noticed how often we sing the first, second, and last verse of a song? What happened to the third verse. Is it written somewhere in the Bible that the third verse is optional?

"Nobody will sing this verse anyway." I wonder how much ink and paper we could save if we just stopped printing those verses. Maybe it is like the middle child syndrome. You are not the first, or the last. You are trapped somewhere between: "You are not old enough." and "Stop acting like a baby."

Whatever the reason we neglect the third verse. Have you noticed how easy it is to overlook the preacher's wife? She is the one in the background with the tired smile. She is usually holding one of the kids and looking for the other. She is like the single mom during services as her husband takes center stage. If the truth be told her job is far more difficult and her rewards are far too few.

That is why I am so pleased at this congregation's love for Lori. When Perry told me about the counter tops, I immediately called my mom. (I couldn't call Lori because it was still a secret) Mom was overwhelmed and commented on how special this congregation must be. She then said, "Most of the time the preacher's wife is like the third verse in a song." I immediately knew what she meant."

I want to thank this congregation for buying Lori the solid surface counter tops that she has wanted. Your generosity is appreciated. Thank you for not overlooking the third verse. In our song it is the best one by far!

top of page    previous article    Perceptions Index