Jan. 5, 2010 — First Lady

The first First Lady to be called the First Lady was Lucy Webb Hayes, who married future president Rutherford B. Hayes in 1852.

When her husband fought in the Civil War, at age 40, she became known as the mother of the regiment for her nursing work. That led to her future work on mental health, orphanages and homelessness.

As First Lady, she not only worked for temperance and women's suffrage, she also gave White House servants time off to attend school.

Although devoted to her husband, she pursued her own interests in ways that profoundly benefited many others. Defining our role so that we can help and serve others is the core of the spiritual journey.

Just a thought. I'm Sid Batts from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greensboro, fpcgreensboro.org.