There is a phrase “women and children first” first came to use around 1860 in the context of sinking ship. In 1852, the HMS Birkenhead struck rocks off the South African coast and was about to sink. This ship had 643 people. Though many were soldiers there were women and children on board.
The ship was quickly sinking and there weren’t enough lifeboats to rescue all of the soldiers and civilians on board. Lt. Colonel Alexander Seton was in command at that time and in order to give priority to women and children, he ordered his men and other soldiers to form on deck. After the women and children had found a place on lifeboats, the youngest soldiers were to board the lifeboats. At the end, most of the soldiers drowned including Lt. Colonel Seton while women and children survived.
Lt. Colonel Seton’s heroic action led to what became known as the Birkenhead Drill which meant in the case of disaster, women and children are to be rescued first. What a great code of conduct.
I can’t help but to think about the Sewol ferry incident last week in Korea. What if the men and the crew whispered, “remember the Birkenhead” and helped women and children (students) first? What if the captain stayed behind and provided evacuation procedure instead of first one to be rescued?
I am reminded of Apostle Paul’s word, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27). I am whispering to myself now, “Jesus first, others second and me, last.”
Have a blessed week!