Posted in Family Life

 The following is my entry for  Ladies Against Feminism's Men of Virtue essay contest. 

My husband, Gilbert I. Miller, is a truly amazing man. That may sound biased, but when I explain my reasons for feeling this way, you will likely agree. My husband is a hard-working man, taking very seriously his responsibility to provide for his family. Through his diligence and hard work, he has always taken great care of us, and I have been blessed to have never had to work outside our home. Owning his own cabinetmaking business for more than twenty years, my husband has shown a dedication to and a desire for excellence in all his pursuits. He is a master craftsman whose work is so well appreciated by his customers that a large percentage of his work comes to him by word of mouth. Several of the kitchens he has built have been featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, one of which was pictured on the front cover. The small number of employees who work for him know him as a fair and honest employer who works alongside them and never expects them to do anything he wouldn’t do or work harder or longer than he does.

Not only is he a skilled artisan when it comes to woodworking, he is also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, trapping, shooting, hiking, and snowmobiling, among many other pursuits. He is a student of history and theology and spends much time learning and reading about both subjects. He enjoys collecting antique guns and all sorts of books. He is actively involved in grass-roots politics, devoting time and resources to important issues, attempting to help preserve the freedoms and ideals of our founding fathers. He has a passion for restoring the old ways of sef-sufficiency of our fathers’ fathers, such as gardening, raising livestock, making maple syrup and apple cider, keeping orchards and beekeeping. His interests and hobbies are widely varied and his thinking always creative.

More importantly, he is a devoted father and husband. He is truly the man of my dreams, a kind and loving servant-leader. His love for his children and his vision for their future, and that of his children’s children, drives him to better himself, to draw closer to his God, to spend more time in prayer and study of Scripture. All this makes my husband an amazing man in my estimation, however, there is one more thing that sets him apart and makes him truly remarkable. Not only is he an entrepreneur, a craftsman, and outdoorsman, an outstanding father, and an exemplary husband, he is also legally blind. My husband has achieved every accolade, every accomplishment, while living with a handicap which severely limits his ability to function at a “normal” level.

Growing up on military bases, the son of a career Army sergeant, my husband dreamed of one day following in his father’s footsteps and serving his country in the military.  He looked forward to the time when he could join the ranks of the heroic men who willing sacrifice their all for the good of others. When he was seventeen years old, he walked down to the local Army recruiting office to enlist. However, the recruiting officer, upon finding that he was legally blind, rejected him for military service. He left the recruiting office that day, his life-long dream crushed. Not long after this disappointing incident, he became a Christian. He began to realize that God had set him aside for another purpose, a different sort of service. He became involved in his church and community, developing his skills as a builder and using those skills to help and encourage others. He has spent his life since that time using the unique gifts and talents—and even the limitations—God has given him for the service of God’s people. He has served as deacon, missionary builder, and all-around helper and encourager. Though not a member of the United States Army, he has been a faithful soldier in the battle for Christ’s Kingdom, which he believes is a far more important fight.

Because of his blindness, my husband has battled prejudices, stereotypes, and simple logistical challenges, as well as personal struggles of frustration, discouragement, and the temptation to give up. Throughout it all, he has persevered with a sense of humor and graciousness I have come to love and appreciate. His determination and strength of will are an inspiration to me and many others who know him. Like anyone, he has his faults, but it has never been said of him that he is a quitter. Yet, he takes none of the glory for himself. He gives it all to God. He rarely even mentions his blindness, unless it is with the self-deprecating humor for which he is known. Often he praises God’s wisdom in making him the way he is.

My husband’s incredible dedication to God, devotion to his family, and desire to achieve true excellence in all he attempts—in spite of his personal limitations—are an example and inspiration to all who know him. He truly is an amazing man. Wouldn’t you agree?