Pit and Rock

The Bible teaches us to praise God for everything. For everything? Really everything? Yes, everything! We are to praise and thank God constantly, "in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), "at all times and for everything" (Ephesians 5:20), "always asking God with a thankful heart (Philippians 4:6,TEV).

During the height of one of Cyprus' political crises, Sir Hugh Foot became governor of the country. He exchanged telegrams with his father, the Rt. Hon. Isaac Foot. The first, from England, read:"Foot, Government House, Nicosia. See 2 Corinthians, chapter four, verses eight and nine. 'Pit and Rock.' Love from us all, Dad."

The reply from the son in Cyprus read:"The Rt. Hon. Isaac Foot, Pencrebar, Callington, Cornwall. See Romans, chapter five, verses three and four. 'Pit and Rock.' We are all in fine form. Love, Mac."

Scholars have been attentive to the texts cited and what they suggest about the ongoing nature of the political struggle. But the really interesting part of the story is the sobriquet "Pit and Rock." "Pit and Rock" became a slogan in the Foot family, one of the most distinguished and service-oriented families in British history. Sir Isaac Foot, a popular member of Parliament, was a fervent Methodist and lifelong local preacher whose sermons were as renowned as his...