…AND JUSTICE FOR ALL…
It was Arkansas in the early 60’s. Ignorant people, vicious temperaments… My dad grew up poor, one of nine kids to an Irish/German mom and a half American Indian dad. Being a sharecropper had no prejudice, it didn’t care about the color of a person’s skin, it ensured a life of poverty.
Right after I was born we lived with the threat of being kicked out of our house; I guess the landlord didn’t like my parents perspective on life. With time and age, I too would come to understand that perspective and support it 100%… Even if it cost me or us. Sometimes money, inconvenience, and even pain are prices worth paying in order to do what a person knows is the right action in their heart.
Humble origins and God-given wisdom directly from God’s word gave my parents eyes that didn’t see skin color. Our landlord wasn’t so lucky… My dad was in the Air Force and we lived a stretch from the base. My dad had a friend he served with and would take turns driving back and forth to the base.
This was long before they called it car pooling, it was called survival in those days. Sharing wasn’t a matter of conserving energy or trying to save a few dollars, it was a matter of having enough money to feed your family. On occasion that friend of my dad’s would show up early to our house while my dad was still getting ready.
It didn’t make a difference to my mom when she invited the family friend inside, who happened to be a black man, for a cup of coffee. It mattered to the landlord… The man expressed his disapproval of my parent’s choice of friends, but it didn’t change my parents actions for a second.
My guess is the old guy was a sight scared of a young virile man who boxed for the Air Force and stood up for his beliefs, not in defiance to man, but in obedience to God.
I’m honored and blessed to have had parents that didn’t need the call of society to inform them of the basics of right and wrong. They had the word of God to lead them in their hearts for that purpose. The path of any society can be measured and tracked by how closely it follows the precepts of God’s word.
Have you noticed, even from history, when a society or country doesn’t buy into the Biblical principles it always veers off course? A collision course is more appropriate. I’ve also noticed the people that follow God’s Biblical principles for their lives have infinitely more peace and joy.
There is trouble in this life… We all get a turn getting to make a choice and the choices aren’t always a cake walk. Consequences follow our choices. The right choice might mean some discomfort, maybe even some pain, but the long-term investment is backed by God Himself. The only safe investment we’ll ever make in this life…and justice for all…
I was an infant at the time… I ponder what was going through my dad’s friend’s mind when he lightly knocked on our door the first time… I know for sure he smiled when he heard my mom say, “C’mon in”! – “Let me get you a-cup-a-coffee Frank”!
I’m pretty sure God smiled too…
Rosemarie Malroy
Sunday, March 18, 2012 @ 8:36 pm
Dear Floyd,
Rosemarie Malroy
Sunday, March 18, 2012 @ 8:49 pm
Dear Floyd, Our sermon today told how Jesus Christ came from such humble beginnings. I didn’t know why Nazareth was considered such a bad place.It was because the Roman army had a garrison there and they had plenty of places to gamble, drink and be with wild women. Nazareth had a terrible reputation. Isn’t it something that God chose that place for Christ’s home town? As your essay tells, He chooses the humble and the unimportant to be His own. It doesn’t matter the place or the color of skin. I liked your blog very much. God bless, Rosemarie Malroy
Floyd
Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 7:04 am
Ahh thanks Rosemarie. Those are wise words that drive the point home even deeper. Thanks for your wisdom and time that you’ve shared, they are a blessing.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, March 18, 2012 @ 10:43 pm
Poverty is more than just being without a lot of money. Poverty of mind is an attitude that can run you wild when you can’t view god’s children as valuable regardless of their color. I have had some wonderful black friends, and my children have too. Your mom and dad did the right thing do welcome Frank into their home.
Floyd
Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 7:06 am
Thanks Hazel. Poverty of spirit is worse than struggling. What a wise point, you never cease to amaze Hazel.
TC Avey
Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 7:19 am
Doing what is right is often not doing what is easy.
Our society has been veering off God’s course for a while and we are reaping what we have been sowing. History (not just Bible history) teaches us this. America is great because America is founded on good Godly principles. I always wonder why people balk at hearing our country is founded on Godly principles- what’s wrong with not stealing, killing, lying, adultery, etc? Don’t we all agree these are good things to follow? Why then does it matter that God preach them?
Floyd
Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 9:19 am
I hear you. The only reason could be that they are the enemies of God. They serve their father, they’ve replaced God with their intellect. It’s just ironic that they can or should be able to see the fruits of their efforts, and yet they turn a blind eye to Truth. I’m with you TC.
Jason Stasyszen
Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 10:29 am
Yep, ‘collision course’ about sums it up. I’m completely convinced that the only thing that can save our nation is an incredible awakening and move of God. Things that took years to bring destruction can be reversed in a day as true repentance takes hold and we walk in the destiny He gave us in obedience to His truth. It’s not over until it’s over and He gets the final word so we keep standing. Sorry, not sure that was the point of your story, but you got me stirred up and felt like preaching. 🙂 Thanks Floyd. So glad there are true believers (like your parents) who will stand up for what’s right no matter the cost.
Floyd
Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 5:45 pm
Thanks Jason, that was definitely part of the point. Besides, I like it when you preach!
Nancy
Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 1:37 pm
I enjoyed hearing about your parents, and they way they purposed “right” in their hearts.
It made me think of the recent christian movie, “Courageous”. If you haven’t seen it, I won’t give it away, but doing the right thing cost each of the characters.
I am pretty sure I didn’t get a couple of promotions in earlier years because I wouldn’t be dishonest. When I was in the place where I could hire, I gave a chance to many that others might not have opted for. My bosses had opinions, but mine was the only ATM repair team that had no losses (no thefts by employees).
You come from good spiritual stock – that really counts for a lot, Floyd! God is still smiling – notice I didn’t say laughing…Ha ha
Floyd
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 5:40 pm
Thanks Nancy. It isn’t always easy, but it always seems to work out for us doesn’t it? God honors the honorable actions with a pure heart. I appreciate the fact that you stand for the principles of God and the thought of Him smiling is great feeling…
Sheral
Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 9:50 pm
Wow…how blessed to be raised in a home with the real LOVE of CHRIST!!! And how cool is it to be able to read such a great blog!!! Its great to have a computer to read nice things again, oh the music is pretty fun to 🙂 That is I am sure why you have such a good and careing heart & God blessed you with such a precious wife and kids. Thanks
Floyd
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 7:03 am
Thanks… My sister’s pretty good too!
Pat
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:03 am
Beautiful post! I always love it when you write about your parents; there’s something especially tender underneath your words.
Floyd
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 1:46 pm
Thanks Pat. It is my soft spot for sure. I appreciate you finding more than what’s in just the words, for being able to read my heart. I think that’s a gift.