An epithet is short descriptive phrase that accompanies a name. For example in Homer’s Illiad such epithets include “swift-footed Achilles” or “grey-eyed Athena.” So if Homer had written an epic about my life (not quite as exciting as the Illiad or the Odyssey I’ll admit!) what epithets would he have given me? Here’s what I think:
Melyssa the Texan
I wasn’t born in Texas, but as the saying goes “I got there as fast as I could.” I love Texas. I love the old pecan trees. I love how in my hometown everyone is at the local high school football game on Friday night and at church Sunday morning. I love the hospitality of the people and the drawls of “Oh darling, bless your heart!” No matter where I go, Texas will be my home.
Melyssa, wife of Thomas
Melyssa, wife of Thomas
While reading parts of the Illiad I always thought the epithets that were something like “wife of …”
or “son of …” were pretty boring, but then I starting thinking about it. This epiphet really does describe me in a lot of ways if you know my husband. For example I spend most of my free time I spend doing things that we like to do together like watch movies, go on walks and visit family. Because of his medical school I’m moving to Dallas in August and will be starting graduate school at UT Dallas. Even some of his personality has rubbed off on me and I think that because of him I’m more patient and kind.
or “son of …” were pretty boring, but then I starting thinking about it. This epiphet really does describe me in a lot of ways if you know my husband. For example I spend most of my free time I spend doing things that we like to do together like watch movies, go on walks and visit family. Because of his medical school I’m moving to Dallas in August and will be starting graduate school at UT Dallas. Even some of his personality has rubbed off on me and I think that because of him I’m more patient and kind.
Melyssa, Conquerer of Computers
Okay, so maybe I got a little carried away with the epic poetry on this one, but a lot of what I do involves computers. My major is computer engineering and so I spend a lot of time on a computer trying to get it to do what I want. I also work as programmer for BYU--currently I’m working on the iPhone app for BYU. So between school and work (and fun) I spend a lot of time on computers.
Melyssa, Disciple of Christ
I don't feel like I live up to this one fully but it is the most important to me. I am trying to make Him the center of all I say, do and think. Everyday I try to become a little bit more like Him and invite you to do so as well.
So those are my epithets, what do you think?
