I Would Walk a Mile....
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011
by John Waddey
firstcenturychristian
As the old Indians use to say, I have seen the snows of 72 winters. I grew up during World War II and have lived through all the changes from that day to this.
Someone has said "It is the lot of old men to dream about the past." Having been there and seen the past, there were virtues there that our contemporary society could sure use.
• I would walk a mile to see the patriotism of the 1940s. It burned brightly in the heart of every American. Millions fought for freedom and the rest of use volunteered to support them and honor them.
• I would walk a mile to see a community like I grew up in. There were few divorces, only one couple were living together without marriage. Most moms stayed at home to raise and nurture their children. At night we did not have to lock the doors of our homes and cars. We kids could play out in the streets, even after dark without fear of abduction or molestation. Virtually every family believed in God belonged to one of the churches in our community. They might not be perfect Christians but they tried to live up to its standards. A drunk was an exception. Violent crime was a rarity.
• I would walk a mile to see the kind of homes in which we grew up. Most of them were solid two parent homes. Child-rearing included discipline for kids who broke their parents' rules. I got my share of those spankings. I deserved everyone I got and they did me good. We did not have the luxuries we enjoy today, but we had a caring family, good neighbors and we knew we were loved and wanted. I could easily walk to visit both sets of grandparents. How fortunate we were.
• I would walk a mile to see a school like we had back then. During the Depression, my dad dropped out of school in the 8th grade in order to work and provide for his needs. Yet he knew more about life and especially math and history that the average college grad does today. We were expected to show respect for our teachers. We had no gangs, no drugs, no violence. Our biggest problems were chewing gum and some cheating on tests. Our teachers read us a portion of the Bible and opened the day with a prayer. We had ministers visit and speak to us about character and noble living. If we did not study, we failed the test and even the grade! I never knew of a teacher abusing a student!
• I would walk a mile to see churches like we knew when I was a boy. We had no elaborate cathedrals, but we had wonderful congregations. We went to Sunday School and learned the way of the Lord. We sang the great hymns of the faith. We heard devout men of God teach us the grand truths of God's Word. Our preachers were respected. They conducted themselves in an honorable way. My entire life has been blessed by those early years in church.
• I would walk a mile to live in a community where the citizens lived by a high personal code of integrity. A man's word was as good as a bond. Lying was considered shameful. Neighbors felt it to be a personal duty to help each other. Stealing was a rarity. Drunkenness was a disgrace. We knew nothing of illicit drugs. Everybody worked for a living. It considered to be shameful to be on welfare. We were poor by today's standards but our parents would not have thought of begging or of expecting someone else to provide for them. Their rule was, if you cannot afford it don't buy it. Bankruptcy was disgraceful. Those who were forced to bankrupt, still felt a moral obligation to repay those to whom they owed money.
Like the antebellum South, the scenes I describe above are "Gone With the Wind," but that does not keep me from reminiscing about them and wishing I could find that "Lost World" where the majority of the people lived by that ancient code.
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