“YOU BEST HITCH ER’ UP!”
He seemed old and crotchety at the time – permanently on the edge of grouchy. I guess that’s what happens to people, especially men, living in a rough and tumble physical world. He didn’t appreciate anyone questioning his opinion or word, it was an honor thing with him. If he said it, it was as good as gospel in his eyes.
The what seemed to me at the time old timer especially loathed being questioned by a wet-behind-the-ears-punk-kid… told me so personally with a sneer on his face… My question wasn’t meant to upset or provoke him, naturally curious and doubting youngsters have a way of setting off naturally grumpy elders.
I’m not sure how his goofy old time quotes didn’t ever find their way into the movies – they should have. They’re short, make the point, and are, if not hilarious, at least amusing.
The first time I heard it I wasn’t sure I’d heard it correctly, “What? – What’d you say?” I asked. The slight built man with the grey hair and whiskers who had a permanent ball cap on his head and a pair of cowboy boots on the other end that boosted him a bit taller, repeated himself slowly and deliberately in his southern accent. He wouldn’t be going into detail…
I hadn’t meant to question his integrity, but he was not even slightly amused at my question, “You sure that’s gonna work?” I asked, as much a statement as it was a question. The thin jean sportin’ man stopped his progress, pushed his glasses tight to his face, wrinkled his nose to help, looked at me intently with a hint of disgust in his eyes, cocked his head to one side, and addressed me in a faded Arkansas drawl, “Boy! – If I tell you the duck will pull the plow, you best hitch er’ up!”
I’m sure my nose crinkled and eyebrows shriveled in response when I asked him, “What?” my voice getting higher as I pronounced a hard “T”. Pretty sure that irritated him even more, but he repeated the now famous adage slowly and deliberately to return my sarcasm. I started laughing, “I can’t believe you said that! – I’ve never heard that before! – That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard!” I was belly laughing with tears filling my sockets. The old timer smiled slightly, “You get the point though don’t ya?” he asked smugly. “I get it!” I said still chuckling.
I’ve used that line a few times in the last few decades, but I just don’t seem to have the talent to deliver it the way ole’ Jim did… The adage implied that the man who quoted it was trustworthy and his word meant something. Kind of a “my word is my bond” type of mentality.
I miss people like that. He placed much value on his word… not to mention he was as tough as nails to boot. It seems that people don’t value their word like they did in days gone by. Our society now esteems and celebrates those who lie, cheat, and steal, to win and get ahead… and they don’t even blush… Honor is a lost art and an empty word in today’s society.
Truth is from our Father. There is no falsehood or deceit in He who calls us. Our word and honor are the immeasurable treasures that define us and our legacy, not to mention Who we represent…
I’ve thought long and hard about the goofy adage and the man who stated it along with all the other people that went before and carried themselves with honor and dignity… even if it cost them dearly… It might sound crazy, but if I tell you the duck will pull the plow?
You best hitch er’ up…
Pam
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 @ 6:37 pm
Excellent post, Floyd. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to trust people’s words? Thankfully, we can trust our Father’s.
Floyd
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 10:32 am
Great point, Pam. Our Father’s word is what all Truth is built upon, anything without truth is without His will and heart. You have a way that makes my cogs set to motion! Thanks, Pam.
Dave Arnold
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 @ 6:39 pm
Great post Floyd! You are so right: words are cheap these days. A yes is hardly a yes, and a no hardly a no. People use words so flippant. I guess it’s about the heart, huh? Just like Jesus talked about.
Floyd
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 10:33 am
Absolutely, Dave. All of our words fail from time to time, but His words never fail… They are what have saved and redeemed us! Thanks for the reminder that it is all about the heart! So easy to forget… Thanks, Dave.
Caleb Suko
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 @ 9:08 pm
Ok, that’s a new one to me too. I like it! We do need honor like that in our society and individually in our own lives. People who will move heaven and earth to stay true to their word. That’s a godly thing to do! Amen Floyd! I always appreciate the truths you bring home, thanks!
Floyd
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 10:35 am
That’s a hilarious one, isn’t it? I almost rolled on the ground when I heard old Jim say it! It is a good reminder though of how honest our word is and how much we as Christians should be able to be relied upon when we give it. Thanks, Caleb.
bill (cycleguy)
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 3:25 am
AFLAC! Oops wrong one. Yeah, I know its bad but that picture. However, I do like that quote…and like others have never heard it before. The one thing i do know for sure is integrity and “my word is my bond” is essential and important to me. I’m reminded of that Stephen Seagal movie “Hard to Kill.” One of the sayings of the crooked politician was “you can take that to the bank.’ I want my life to reflect that.
Floyd
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 10:37 am
Good one, Bill! I didn’t even think about it looking like that duck! Our word should be as strong as the One who has given His word to us. I like your attitude toward your word and respect that about you and have known that for a long time. Thanks, Bill.
April
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 5:51 am
That’s one I haven’t heard before! 🙂 My great-grandmother used to have a bunch of sayings like that, the kind that made you go, “What?”.
Floyd
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 10:39 am
I love those old adages! As peculiar as they are, they show the character of the people in a society that is long since past… We need a revival of those old adages and a revival of the heart of this land! Thanks, April. It’s always great to hear from you, sister.
child of God
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 9:00 am
There is great value and wisdom of the old timers. Sadly, they along with their values are dwindling away.
Blessings.
Floyd
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 10:41 am
I’m with you. I miss the character that folks strived to live their lives by. Our society has twisted truth into lies and lies into truths. Praying for a revival… Thanks, sister.
David
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 11:34 am
I totally agree, honor and integrity seem to be dying values in our present culture. The bible says something about letting your yes be yes and your no be no, I think it also mentions a good name as being of great value. Of all the compromise that seems to eek its way into the fallen state of my existence, being a person of my word is one that I battle with diligently to maintain. I mentioned here a couple of posts back about trying to instill in my son the importance of a good name and that character matters. A person of trustworthy words is a person who has a firm foundation as a person with character.
P.S., I love the adage about the hitchin’ up the duck, never heard it before …..
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:29 pm
You and I are on the same page, David. It is a battle everyday to do the right thing, but in the end it is of more value than silver or gold. Good for you for passing these timeless Biblical principles along to your family… you’re a better man for it and so will your son. Good stuff. With you all the way. Thanks, David.
tcavey
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 1:32 pm
That’s funny. I’m pretty sure I would have laughed too!
Ah…words. People used to honor their word…some still do…many don’t.
Oh, how times change.
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:30 pm
Scary how times change. People used to fight over their honor of keeping their word. The world was a better place as far as that goes for sure. Yeah, it was hilarious, still makes me chuckle just thinking about it… Thanks, TC.
Jennifer Dougan
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 3:39 pm
The lines: “Honor is a lost art and an empty word in today’s society.Truth is from our Father. There is no falsehood or deceit in He who calls us.” –Yes. Good stuff, Floyd.
Thanks, Floyd, too for your prayers for this weekend. It is such a treat to be there opening up God’s word with them.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:31 pm
Thanks, Jennifer. And thanks for doing your part with honor and integrity. I hope you have a good time as you lead and teach at the retreat.
Betty Draper
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 5:46 pm
A few weekends ago we were in Florida at our mission headquarters. One of the highlight was being able to visit with some older missionaries…I mean older, in their 90’s. They went to the field with little except faith God would take care of them. They stuck it out, some burying their husband, mother and grandson while there. Aunt Mable is her name, cut of the same cloth as your Jim and just as crusty. She plays piano, by ear, sings still and gives her opinion on most things and is usually right on. For an hour we talk loud, she is very hard hearing but we hung onto every word she said. It was the most blessed time I have had in a long time. To be around hard earned wisdom is priceless…makes me pray I will be called crusty someday…Aunt Mable is only 25 years ahead of me. Great post brother, how blessed we are to have memories such as those.
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:34 pm
We are blessed by memories and visits with the faithful of our Father. We learn so much from the people that went before us with honor. I’d love to sit and listen to the wisdom and heart from Aunt Mable. I guess “crusty” isn’t all that bad after all… Thanks, Betty.
Barb Raveling
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 7:08 pm
Love that saying, Floyd. Too bad I didn’t hear it when the kids were little – that would have been a fun one to tell them in a western accent! I can just hear an old cowboy saying it. Love it.
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:35 pm
You would have laughed too, Barb! His slight grin at the end sticks in my mind to this day… he knew he’d just taught a wet-behind-the-ears-kid something I’d hang onto for a long time. Thanks, Barb.
Hazel Moon
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 10:35 pm
Interpretation: “If I say it, you better believe that it is true.”
When we questioned our mother when we were kids with the big “WHY?” She always said, “because I am the mother and I said so.” I think I repeated that many times to our own too.
Today we hear and read so many lies going through the government and media each day a different story, so it is difficult what to believe. Soon the public says “What’s the use? – – and hopes for the best.
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:38 pm
It’s saddening to hear the blatant lies of our politicians now. They don’t even care that there is no truth in their statements. I hope we come upon a revival and fire all the people who tell lies as we embrace the Truth of our Father. Being honest brings honor to all who know us and builds a grand legacy that points to our Father. Thanks, Hazel.
Doug Blair
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 12:49 am
A delightful image Floyd! We remember old starches like him. Sort of reminds me of the oft-used statement of one evangelist, “If He said it, He meant it; and if He meant it, He’ll bring it to pass.” Word is bond. But what seems to happen today in advertising, politics, law courts, labour negotiations, marriage vows?
Sometimes time-travel back about fifty seems like a good plan. Dreamin’ right?
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:40 pm
Word is bond… A word or handshake should mean something to people… I would never have imagined as a kid that it would be the way it is today. It might sound like a dream, but we’re still praying for a revival! Thanks, Doug.
Mia
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:05 am
Dear Floyd
Oh, I can just see that old guy looking at you as if the cat has brought you into his presence! Somewhere along the line of this world, the father of all lies has deceived humanity into thinking we need rights and can demand them. With that honesty and integrity have all but disappeared. I often meet people who do not trust my integrity when I am in so much pain, but I have learned to ask Pappa to forgive them for they are really clueless. Andre and I was just talking the other night about the spirit of anarchy and the anti-Christ spirit seeming to take over the world. But we know, my brother, we know! It is just the beginning of the birth pains of the new world Pappa is preparing for those who love Him.
Much love XX
Mia
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:43 pm
Isn’t it funny that the ones who don’t trust are almost always the ones who can’t be trusted? You’re right, people are willing to trade the only true treasure they have; their word, for material things that don’t add up to zero! It breaks my heart, but it allows us to stand out in a disintegrating world. Thanks, Mia. Appreciate the thoughts and perspective, hang in there, sister. I’m praying for you.
Jason Stasyszen
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 9:09 am
Love it, Floyd. Like you said, so many celebrate the outlaws and liars and thieves. In movies, music, television, and more–it’s a regular theme. We can begin to believe that honesty and integrity are what hold us back from our wildest dreams being fulfilled. There’s a cost to giving in to the “dark side” so to speak. It costs us and costs others. Then the same people who celebrated the outlaws are being hustled by them and they no longer cheer them on. Such a fragile world we live in, but I’m thankful that we know the One who keeps it in the palm of His hand. Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:46 pm
Great point, Jason. All of us are in the palm of His hand. Out of reverence to our Father we cling to Truth and keep it in our hearts and it is more precious than all the riches of this world that the lost are forfeiting their souls for… It’s heartbreaking. Thanks, Jason.
Lisa notes
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 11:16 am
My dad was one of those type of men. If he said it, he meant it, and you could count on him keeping his word. We definitely need more people like that around. It’s nice to know you can believe someone when they tell speak.
Floyd
Thursday, October 3, 2013 @ 4:55 pm
There is something powerful knowing a person who keeps their word. Emotions rule the weak, but our Father guides the strong. Thanks for being like your dad, Lisa. You and I have been blessed for sure.
Dan Erickson
Friday, October 4, 2013 @ 6:08 am
I’d never heard that saying, but I love it. Maybe I’ll use it with my students just to see the looks on their faces.
Floyd
Saturday, October 5, 2013 @ 7:54 am
That would be great! You gotta let me know their reactions! Thanks, Dan.
Hutch
Friday, October 4, 2013 @ 8:41 am
That’s excellent! I love the adage and I love your point about honor. I declare that honor and honorable people are going to change our culture!
– Blessings
Floyd
Saturday, October 5, 2013 @ 7:55 am
I so appreciate that attitude and perspective, Hutch. That’s exactly what we need to begin to change the direction and deterioration. You have a gift, man. Thanks, Hutch.
Rick Dawson
Saturday, October 5, 2013 @ 12:31 am
Bill beat me to the one-liner, I see – but then again, I’m a tad late to the party. 😀
Great tale, told well. Warren doesn’t much go for expressions like that, but that is a large part of who he is. The neat takeaway for me on the core of this – integrity – came a few months back when pastor reminded us that “You know how you get your integrity back, if you’ve lost it? One day at a time, live as a man of integrity.”
Good stuff, as always 🙂
Floyd
Saturday, October 5, 2013 @ 7:58 am
“One day at a time.” Yup. Good word. It truly is one action and choice at a time. Great point, Rick… And yeah, you gotta get up pretty early in the morning to get a step on Bill! Thanks, Rick.
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, October 9, 2013 @ 8:33 pm
I chuckled and I truly understand how our world, life has changed in this generation or two. Most of the time people didn’t yammer quite as much as we do now…and the kids, etc., do it even more. We are so buried in FB, blogging, computer bits and pieces, iPhones, etc. Quiet and thoughtful has almost left our world. Sometimes it’s fun; sometimes it’s very confusing and complicated. YOU had a treat, a sharing bit and piece that stayed in you forever. How cool is that? Bless you, you dear ducky guy. 😉
Floyd
Thursday, October 10, 2013 @ 9:46 am
I did get a treat. It’s funny how things can stick with us, isn’t it? All things, the good and the bad, can be used to grow in wisdom with a heavenly perspective, you’re living proof of that, sister. Thanks, Joanne.
Loren Pinilis
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 @ 9:09 am
As a good ol’ southern boy, it’s rare that I hear a new southernism – but I love this one. I’ll have to remember this one for when I talk to my kids!
Floyd
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 @ 12:22 pm
It is a good one! I use it on occasion with little effect… but I chalk that up to my delivery and ear to ear grin! Thanks, Loren.