At one time there were in America a unique kind of citizens. They were the kind of people who made quilts by hand and also did embroidery, stitchery, crochet and knitting by hand, doll making, and almost any kind of arts and crafts at home. Sometimes they sold these art works but most of the time they just gave them away, usually to a family member or friend who needed the item or who had a child who needed it.
The other notable feature of these people was their spiritual life. Activities at home where connected to activities at church. Church attendance on Sunday mornings was not a doubtful item. Everybody went. In church they would sing songs, study the Bible, plan group events and apply themselves to bringing loners and losers into the church for revitalizing. They did this because they thought their Heavenly Father wanted them to do this. Sick people in need were not viewed as the cause of the economic problems of the world. They were an opportunity to justly serve God.
You don’t see these kinds of people much any more. At least I don’t. They were mostly citizens of small towns or small neighborhoods with discernible boarders within the city. Or they were defined by the geographic reach of the neighborhood church. So what am I getting at here?
Not much of anything, except to notice they seem to have vanished. But still, now and then, a request from someone with a concern for prayer comes my way. It stirs an old long asleep memory in me of some strange kind. Sure, I’ll pray for you. Here is what it sounded like many years ago in the wee hours of my child hood.
great article, like it
In my village this is still a reality, in rural Ontario this can also be found in big cities in bible believing churches, they have small caring groups, but Jesus is wherever we are as near as breathing and believers are still he same they care and pray.
Have a great day God Bless Will pray for your friend
Yes, I agree with lauralu. I live in a fairly big city. But I find that what you described in your article, Wrath, is a very apt description of the community where my church is and how it reaches out to others. I know that so much that we see is not like that, but Christian community does exist in this world. And mine in the present is even more active, faithful, accepting and wide reaching than the one I grew up knowing.
What a nice article. The times you speak of remind me of my 2 favourite TV series Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons.
Thanks Sweet Mary and Laura Lu. Back in the 1950s when I was a child the church was just everywhere, right there in your life each and every step of the way, but now days I see very little of what I saw then, so I assumed it had gone extinct. Interesting that it is alive and well, though maybe not as in-your-face as it used to be. Laralu is definitely one of those down home names.
Wonderful great sentiments
Best Wishes
stevetheblogger
Nice article)
Do you think America was better then than now, Terry?
Hi Lady Sunshine. I thought a lot of the things people in those days counted as sensible where dumb. For example I was not allowed to take typing in high school because, according to the staff, boys don’t type. Girls yes, boys no. Pure dumb. And you could not reason with these people at all. They were unable to think outside the box. I am glad it is no longer like that in many ways in America today.
This is a wonderful article. I too, get prayer requests and am always happy to offer up my words. While I live in a very suburban city, most of the churches and places of worship are full of adults and children alike, on every Sunday morning. I have several friends who are active “quilters” and donate their precious handmade treasures to those in need and not for money. And, I just have to add a comment to your comment above me, and when I was in high school there were boys in both typing classes and shorthand classes – go figure!!! Actually, my first typing class had MORE boys than girls…
HI Lady Sunshine and Kitty K. Another time in high school I was in the counselor waiting area to discuss why my number 1 test result in a high school wide test was not published as such and why was a lesser score published as the highest, and while there I met a girl in blue jeans waiting her turn. I realized she was in trouble because girls were not allowed to where blue jeans in that school then. They had to wear skirts and panty hose. The girl said that is was way to cold that winter to wear anything but jeans and said she would not comply with the rule no matter what. Her family supported her and went to court against the school because the school kept sending her home and wrote derogatory things in her records that might affect her ability to get into a good college. She won the case in court and the school was forced to change the policy. That is what it took in those days to get local officials to institute in a reasonable way in my home town. Thank God things have changed some since then.
thanks
yes..they do seem to be gone..i guess they’re no longer needed in a world that doesn’t have the time or inclination to care about anyone other than themselves. It’s very sad, i agree!
Well written article.
In rural Britain, you’re a social pariah if you don’t go to church and join the Women’s Institute. Can you imagine how I HATED living in the countryside??? AArrrrgghhhhh! Great article, Terry.
I know, Sheila..That was the problem here in the States for many people too.
I remember those times and those types of things that kept a community together. It’s not like that anymore…we all seem in a small universe, trying to protect ourselves. It’s so sad. I was born in my huge town, so I know how cool neighborhoods could be. thanks for a warm, eye-opening article.
Yea, Jswana. I was remembered when I wrote this also. I had completely forgotten it all. Thanks for sharing.