by Midnight Freemason Contributor
Bro. Aaron Gardner 32°, MPS
If you follow Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, man has a number of needs in order to survive. Physiological needs would include oxygen to breathe, food to eat and water to drink. It continues to security of the basic needs to survive and further up the pyramid you will find something that is often overlooked—Belonging. Our fraternity offers the companionship that one may need in order to feel that sense of belonging; the Military offers the camaraderie amongst other Soldiers. There is just one piece of belonging that the Fraternity and Military does not offer; Partnership and love. As it is said in the Army, “If the Army wanted you to have a wife, she would have been issued.”
In the military the Service Member’s significant other is known as a "Milso," or Military spouse. In Freemasonry, these women are known as Mason’s Ladies. Both these types of women play crucial roles in the development and support system of the Mason or Service Member. Without these women it is impossible for a Soldier/Airmen/Marine/Seaman to feel that sense of belonging and security while serving their country. A spouse's role is just as important to a Mason as if he were in the Military.
When a Soldier/Airmen/Marine/Seamen deploys he must have the support system his significant other provides back home to secure his mind while overseas. She typically takes care of all the family issues, bills, food, and lives the life of a single mother even though she is married. She is expected to take on the role of both parent figures and is understanding when her man in uniform answers the call to serve his country. There are a number of running derogatory jokes involving Military Spouses, one in particular mentions how the Military Spouse takes the backseat to the Country at all times. However, this may seem true, it could not be more false. If the Non-Commissioned Officers Corps is the backbone of the Army, those in the “Silent Ranks” are the heart.
Just the same as a Military Spouse must understand— a Mason’s lady must understand when her Master Mason must attend lodge. It is known that Freemasonry will never come in conflict with obligations with career, deity or family. However, some Master Masons dedicate a lot of time to the Craft. It is not to take away from those who cannot, instead, a way for that particular Master Mason to fulfill their personal journey. A Mason’s lady is supportive of her husband’s laudable pursuits. If he finds interest in writing and writes about the Craft, she will support his endeavors. That doesn't mean she has to read every article he publishes or attend every dinner, but simply lets him know she admires his efforts.
When a Brother is asked to travel and speak at another lodge, she may or may not go with her husband. That is ultimately her decision, but it makes things more enjoyable for a brother to be accompanied by his wife. If she does not travel with the brother, it may be for the purpose of work, children and the same duties a military spouse will have to accomplish when a Soldier is deployed. None-the-less, it is always nice to see a brother accompanied by his companion.
Freemasonry isn't just a Fraternity and the Military isn't just a job. They are ways of life. Freemasonry’s values and purpose should radiate out of a Brother in his daily life. It is about our own personal journey to betterment, and should be a part of who we are. Our significant others are a part of who we are, and they graciously give up parts of us so we can pursue our Masonic path. A Mason’s lady should be respected and not taken for granted. It takes a special woman to be a Military spouse and/or Mason’s Lady. Let us remember our families and those who encourage us as we travel from West to East in search of a better understanding of this life, and remember the following quote about a Military Spouse pertains to a Mason’s Lady:
“A Happy Wife makes a happy troop, a happy troop makes happy unit. A happy unit makes a good deployment,” or in Mason’s terms: “A happy lady makes a happy Mason, A happy Mason makes happy lodge and a happy lodge is productive.”
AG
Bro. Aaron Gardner, an American Soldier who just recently transitioned into the Reserves after 8 years serving the Active Duty Army. He dedicates the majority of his free time to Freemasonry with his constant studies, writing and traveling from lodge to lodge to learn as much as he can regarding Freemasonry. He likes to relate his everyday life to the Craft and anything he finds he wants to spread to the world. It is his passion to study people, religion, history and Freemasonry. When he isn't working as a Soldier he is dedicating his time to the amazing and supportive Emily, writing about Freemasonry and writing his very own novel. His blog page is Celestial Brotherhood.
