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Synergy – Behind every good man… A look at John and Abigail Adams

July 31, 2010 on 12:14 pm | In Politics, Spirituality | Comments Off

“Behind every good man is a good woman,” a saying which can just as easily be reversed. Not to say, there aren’t good men and women who are single, of course, but the truth remains, having a solid beautiful relationship with one whose core values you share strengthens, encourages, and helps one to remain on the correct path whatever struggles and mistakes may be made. What a blessing to have another who, in their love, for you will help you, encourage you, and share a perspective with you perhaps no other could or will. Such was the case with John and Abigail Adams.

Our society has many more prominent men of note historically who are recognized as having significant impact upon this nation than it does woman. Some of that, certainly, is due to tradition and the society at the time, but these men did courageously advance this nation by establishing its founding principles, and for me, it is always good to learn of a man who achieved much good who was accompanied by a too extraordinary female.

This is why I’ve been most pleased to learn in the past couple years so much more about John and Abigail Adams, reading and viewing documentaries, film, and their writings, etc.

And, today, I want to recommend the PBS series “American Experience” episode “John & Abigail Adams: American Experience” which I just viewed a few nights ago.

A superb two hours, based heavily upon the correspondence between the two, expressing just what an extraordinary female to John Adams Abigail was. If ever there was a couple evincing the phrase “Behind every good man…” they are. And for a time when females weren’t looked to for political input, hers was astute.

John Adams alone would be a good man, but with his wife Abigail, he soared despite enduring much troubles (including his own personal weaknesses of character demonstrated in personality, actions, and his own self-doubt and other feelings of inadequacy) into achieving for us, as a nation, greatness from which all benefited. The strength his work required was buttressed by the love of his wife. Her strength helped his…and vice-versa.

That, to me, is the beauty of relationship. To help bring out the best in another, to encourage their talents and abilities, to focus on what they can do and the good of who they are…so that they, in their free will and conscious choice, can become all and accomplish all they set their sights upon. Teaching and learning from one another simultaneously – creating a synergy for themselves and consequently blessings others beyond what the two could do separately is a magnificent manifestation of what it means for the two to become one. Even in trying to achieve liberty, whatever the immediate appearances of the state of things, in the trying I believe much good is happening.

Male and female strengths and abilities differ…discernment, strategy, awareness, and so much more are different in us. To come together, in love, for a purpose is stronger than what one can do alone. This truth is demonstrated both in couples like the Adams, as well as friends and family. We as men and women are different, and we need and benefit from each other.

Even if you’re familiar with their letters, and the history, and may have viewed other films regarding his work and their marriage, I recommend this 2-hour PBS episode – it was done very well! Informative!
So, I recommend this film about this remarkable couple to you. Here is its Amazon page, John & Abigail Adams: American Experience.

(p.s. I also invite you to read a blog piece I wrote Jan. 28, 2009 about John Adams and the 7-part HBO miniseries which was another excellent story of them.)