TROY
Repost from September of last year
Troy wasn’t a big man but feared almost nothing. As near as anyone knows, he was what society used to call a half-breed, half Caucasian, half Native American. No one ever knew for sure how old Troy was, he wasn’t born in a hospital, so he never received a birth certificate to say for sure when he was born.
Troy’s family were dirt poor sharecroppers. It was the only life he ever knew, so he naturally gravitated toward the family business, where being a sharecropper in the south in those days always left the farmers in need of more.
Troy and his family were no different, his children were something right out of a movie. They lacked the basic provisions, like shoes for school. It was abject poverty that helped entice Troy into his questionable side job; boot legging whiskey.
The need for provision became worth risking time in prison, or worse, losing his life…
Troy packed a 22 caliber Ruger with him on his midnight runs, although to my knowledge never had to use it. He did manage to get shot at while avoiding being caught by the authorities in the backwoods of Arkansas.
While Troy didn’t have too much in the way of fear, he did have a true love in his wife. Troy adored Leetha. She exercised her will in the life of her husband and the father of her nine children.
After enough close calls, the Mrs. insisted Troy move their family west, not only to save her husband’s life, but also to bask in the warm sun and enjoy the land of milk and honey and all it had to offer.
While California is beautiful, Troy would never quite figure out that money is all about how one perceives it. He would struggle all of his working days to make ends meet, probably much more than most.
Troy did the only thing he ever knew how to do; pick cotton. God would use that simple life for many specific purposes.
If not for running moonshine and getting shot at, Troy’s wife would never have insisted he move the family to southern California.
Troy’s children would never have met and married the people God had selected for them.
Of course, God using some questionable characters in the life of people to bring about His will isn’t anything new. If the bloodline that God Himself chose to bring His perfect Son into this world to be the last perfect sacrifice for all of our remission of sins, it shouldn’t be a surprise when it happens to common people.
In that Divine bloodline there were liars, cowards, and even prostitutes. Only God can use the imperfections and weaknesses of humans to bring about His perfect will. Even in our willful disobedience God’s sovereignty over His creation is manifested.
It’s hard for some men who’ve led a hard life to find any gentleness inside to share with family and loved ones. My grandpa Troy was like that. He treated grandchildren like he did his own children. He thought it was the way to ensure strength and independence.
One of the perks of being born into the heritage of poor sharecroppers was the nights on a front porch, listening to our grandpa play the Jew’s harp and harmonica, right up until they sent us, the young ones to bed.
Troy wasn’t perfect, but who is? It’s part of my heritage that God used to lead my family to Him.
I’d really enjoy hearing a bit about your story… We’re not so different, you and me.
It seems sometimes it doesn’t matter how imperfect we are…
God’s will is perfect for us…
Dan Black
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 7:09 am
What a great story. I believe my life would be completely different if my mother did not move from Northern Cal. to Portland OR when I was 13 after getting divorced. All of my friends in the small town I grew up in, let’s just say they are not living a significant life or to their potential. I now thank God I was able to get out of the small town.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 9:36 am
It is truly a heavenly perspective to be able to see the hand of God in our lives as opposed to the lives of the victim. That attitude I believe is why you’re becoming a great leader Dan. Thanks.
Dan Black
Friday, August 17, 2012 @ 8:46 pm
Yes it is. It’s all about perspective. Thank your for the complement Floyd. It means a lot.
Floyd
Saturday, August 18, 2012 @ 7:58 am
You know me well enough to know I mean it…
Nancy
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 9:01 am
I truly thank God for HIS perfection and HIS ability to perfect me as I abide in Him.
Good story!
So your father was one of 9 kids? Wow! That’s something. My bio-dad was one of 7. I was told they had big families to help with the farm in those days.
My bio-grandfather was a corn farmer in Nebraska. It was a rough life and, unfortunately, he took it out on his boys. I am told that he was angry much of the time. He would tie one of his twin boys to a chair in the barn and whip on him at random. Oddly enough, he was crushed by a reaper, during harvest and paralyzed. My bio-grandmother stayed a strong Baptist and dealt with a less-than-perfect life’s outcome. Husband’s family did not help much and she must have had a time of it with all the kids being so young. My bio-dad joined the Navy first chance. All the kids escaped the farm and it was eventually leased out to others. I really don’t much much about those years as my dad never really wanted to talk about them, and we were kept away from his kin.
Thanks for sharing!
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 9:40 am
Regardless of our path, if God used it to bring us to Him, we both know we are blessed. I know your path was a much more difficult one to follow… But I think that God tests the ones He knits together a little stronger than the rest of us. Thanks for sharing the personal story Nancy, it brings much more focus to the subject and makes the brain engage as we ponder the paths that led to our lives in Him.
tcavey
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 9:35 am
Great post, thanks for re-posting it!
God recently spoke to me about the bloodline of Christ- It really was a mixture of good and bad. I think we often gloss over the bad and focus on the good (when it comes to reading the Bible) but the people in the Bible were not perfect and I’m so glad all their imperfections are there for us to read. What great examples of the love of God!
My life, like those in the Bible is full of both good and bad. I am far from perfect. I’ve made numerous mistakes. I let the pain of my childhood dictate my life for many years, hiding behind pride to stay safe. Only God broke through those lies and has set me free.
Nancy
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 9:49 am
@ TC I can relate. Would love to hear “your story”. Only Jesus can free us from childhood pain and disappointments. satan sets us up for failure in any way he can. Once I understood that, and that it was not God’s will for me, the battle changed.
tcavey
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 2:44 pm
Satan does use mind games! Praise God we have the victory through his blood.
I don’t talk much about my childhood. I don’t want to hurt others should they ever read. I guess sometimes it’s hard to let go of family secrets. I know that sounds bad, has you picturing evil things but it’s not a maleficent as so many stories. It’s just not my story to tell. I received second hand “trauma”. I witnessed it’s devastation on others. And it scared me into believing I had to be strong and control everything possible.
I read your comment above. My dad was one of seven. I’ve never had much contact with his family.
I do find it strange that God called him home so young when he was so good. I guess it goes to show God is merciful and doesn’t want any to perish in an eternity without Him.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 9:50 am
Thanks for sharing TC. We all have a sorted bloodline if we go back far enough. It is the grace of God that allows us to seek the truth… and His truth sets us free, from all bonds, including bloodline ones. I spent a lot of years hiding behind pride as well and it is still a struggle, but I know where to find the Strength!
tcavey
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 2:45 pm
Me too Floyd!
I have to surrender my pride daily (sometimes more).
I’m glad I don’t have a “perfect” past. I think I’m more sympathetic for it.
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 12:15 pm
Those histories and stories are important even if they aren’t sanitized. They share where we come from and for the bad, where we’re going (if we don’t allow God to intervene). Mine story is a bit convoluted, but that’s okay. It’ll all be in the book I’m writing and you can read it then. 🙂 Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 2:45 pm
Cool! I’ll be looking forward to reading it! Our bloodlines are all from our ancestors of this fallen world. It is only God in us that lifts us from the muck and mire. Thanks Jason.
tcavey
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 2:46 pm
Look forward to your book Jason.
I’m working on a fiction book God laid on my heart. Maybe one day I’ll share the story I wrote about the journey of caring for my father before he died.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 5:18 pm
TC, that will be great. I’ll be looking forward to it. If you need someone to bounce things off of in the process of writing, you know we’ve been through similar experiences. If you want, let me know. It could be very timely right now for our society.
tcavey
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 8:07 am
Thanks Floyd. I will take you up on that!
You’re a wonderful brother in Christ.
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 10:05 am
It’s my honor TC.
Audra Krell
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 5:30 pm
After my dad left us, relations with his parents became very strained. They believed my mom was to blame for my dad abandoning us and at times were not nice to us. They never helped financially, even when they knew were down to 4 cans of food in the pantry. My dad and grandparents moved to AZ from CO. 13 years later my husband had a job opportunity in Scottsdale. We moved here and eventually got back in touch with my grandparents.
They ended up moving across the street from us. My grandmother has never had a driver’s license. When my grandpa became seriously ill, I drove my grandma every day to the Mayo clinic so she could be with her husband. I had three young boys but happily did it for a month. What my father intended for evil, God intended for good. They both passed away in the past couple years, but what joy it was to enjoy their great-grandchildren for a few years.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 5:43 pm
Awwwe Audra… Those kind of stories bust my heart… You have such a kind and forgiving heart; a gift from God. I’m not sure I could be so Christ like… You’re a good seed… and now so are your children for the exact reason you just shared. What someone who should have given his life for you and your siblings, stole a piece of your childhood… and yet God knew He would use it to make you better, more like Himself… I need to read your manuscript…
Audra Krell
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 2:17 pm
It’s important to note that it wasn’t easy arriving at the place of peace with my grandparents. But like everything with God, I was a work in progress and have no regrets for loving them the way I did.
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 6:04 pm
It’s an amazing story of forgiveness Audra, truly amazing. That’s the kind of forgiveness you know could only be from the hand of God…
Hazel Moon
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 5:56 pm
This post is such an inspiration and a tribute to those who worked so hard to keep food on the table and care for their family. You grandfather and grandmother both deserve praise for their faith and love shown.
My dad came from Tennessee and met my mother here in California, and also my husband was born in Tennssee and moved to Calif in 1936 spending a great part of his life here. He lived just a few blocks from our church, but we never met until 1948 when he came to church and was born again. Life is strange how God puts us together with others as family, and friends.
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 9:57 am
I love the story of how you and Robert met. God works all things to His perfect will. Some of the things we can’t grasp and are the most difficult for us to deal with, often turn out to be the perfect hand of God in our lives. Thanks Hazel.
Ngina Otiende
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 6:25 pm
What a great story Floyd. Amazing how God plans our lives.
My dad was born into a large family. He was an only child as his little brother died from poisoning. His mum too died when he was young. Grandpa was polygamous. Dad grew up with alot of rejection, hatred and infighting.
When he married in his early twenties, he did the unthinkable – he bought land very very far away and moved his family there. My grandpa was furious.
But dad just desired to start afresh and take his family away from all the drama and chaos of his upbringing. We have turned out so different from the rest of the family. We look back and are constantly amazed at the price he paid.
God had a plan all along! I am amazed at how generational He is. He keeps His word and promise to those who honor Him.
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 10:01 am
That’s a great story Ngina. God moved strong in the heart of a man to go against his family tradition and used him to raise up the chosen children. We have similarities, those of us who know God can easily see His hand in the lives of our ancestors and the blessings He meant for us. It is easier to see than the things of our eyes. Thanks for sharing Ngina, those are the best stories!
Ngina Otiende
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 10:22 am
So true Floyd, those that don’t know the Lord may see it as just ‘happenstance’. But we know the Lord get strengthened in our faith and purpose cos we see His hand and blessing.
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 10:26 am
Amen Ngina… and the vision is 20/20.
Mike
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 7:20 pm
Isn’t it great that God chooses the foolish, weak and base things of the world? If not, I never would have been called. I have a great grandfather who jumped off an Hungarian freighter in New York harbor, and a great grandfather that escaped here from Sicily because he got a girl pregnant and her father was trying to kill him. If they hadn’t done the things they did, I would not exist. God certainly does use questionable characters some times.
tcavey
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 8:08 am
Wow Mike. Those would make great stories to make into books!
Ngina Otiende
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 10:24 am
TC, i am just thinking how these great stories we have all shared can make a great book! Just dreaming….. 🙂
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 10:27 am
I like it Ngina! Stories of the paths that led us to Him! Very interesting you two!
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 10:04 am
Wow, what a heritage! But that’s exactly how God works isn’t it? He takes the least probable scenario and then dramatically issues an order of a miraculous path for us to be able to see His hand in the lives of our past bloodline. The common thread in all of the stories of our Christian heritage is the strength our ancestors in difficult times. God made them into uncommonly strong people. I’m fascinated by the stories!
Lisa notes
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 11:09 am
All that’s lacking here is some background music! I can almost make it out anyway. A great story, Floyd. You definitely know how to weave them.
I’d like to have sat on the porch and talked with your grandpa, listening to him play his music and tell his stories. A rich heritage you have.
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 11:14 am
Thanks Lisa. I assume the musical score would be bluegrass huh? !!
I find the stories of everyone’s ancestors and history to be fascinating. I’ll bet your’s might be similar! My grandpa was a quiet guy, he didn’t like visiting us much due to his preferred life style, but he was interesting to say the least.
Lisa notes
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 11:20 am
Both my grandfathers started out as poor Mississippi cotton farmers. One continued that until he died. I don’t ever remember him leaving his house to visit us in Alabama. The other ended up being a barber, a mailman, a chicken farmer, etc. Yep, those ancestors have quite a few stories to tell!
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 5:58 pm
I knew we had things in common! This grandpa, my dad’s dad, was a cotton sharecropper in Arkansas when my dad was younger and they ended up moving out to California. He worked in the cotton fields all his life, when he was older he drove cotton picker. Those stories are so rich in character. Thanks for sharing that Lisa… I had a sneaking suspicion somehow…
Lincoln Parks
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 11:51 am
I see why you should have been a writer. So are you pursuing that? I love how you write and tell these stories. They are so powerful and descriptive. Thanks for sharing this story.
Floyd
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 6:03 pm
Thanks Lincoln, I appreciate the kind words. I am actually pursuing the writing. I’ve written a non fiction manuscript a little over three years ago, that was the catalyst for me to start blogging… What a blessing it’s been. I have also just finished another fiction manuscript and I’m in the editing and proofing aspect of it right now. I actually started it last year and finished it to the point of being able to send it out for proofing this last Sunday… I’m tellin’ you it was like God lifted 1000 lbs. of my back!
Lincoln Parks
Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 9:09 pm
That is absolutely awesome. I can’t wait to read it, you are a great writer and you draw people in. What a blessing that you have been able to do this. God is definitely blessing you and you are using your talent to bless others.
Floyd
Friday, August 17, 2012 @ 9:20 am
Thanks Lincoln, I appreciate the encouraging words. Whatever happens, I’m blessed by this process of fellowship.
Betty Draper
Friday, August 17, 2012 @ 9:06 am
Kellie, my mother’s Dad was a great Grandpa. He had a slow kind sweet smile that made you want to hug him. He never own a car, walked to work and every where else. I don’t ever remember him complaining about anything. He did hate to say goodbye so instead he would say to our goodbyes, “well ok”. But the reason I loved him so much is because he was our protector. Many times we retreated to our Grandparents house after one of Dad’s drunken rages. Dad would come to get us and my Grandpa would meet my Dad at the door with his shotgun driving Dad away. Dad never crossed my Grandpa and I know it broke his heart when Mom took us back countless times to home to live with Dad. Being a grand parent now I understand how a grandparent feels toward anyone doing harm to their grandchildren. Hand me the shotgun!
Looking forward brother to you first book…God has surely gifted you in story writting. Thanks for blessing all of us.
Floyd
Friday, August 17, 2012 @ 9:30 am
The personal stories of people’s lives and how God used that specific path to bring us to Him is thrilling to hear. It proves the sovereignty of God above all odds. While it’s heartbreaking to hear stories like yours, it’s wonderful to see your perspective and love of a grandparent. What a blessing.
And thanks for sharing, I appreciate the kind words, I have say you most certainly have a way with words that comfort and lift me up. Thank you too for blessing me Betty.
Diane
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 6:13 pm
Alot of information on the relatives, thanks for posting! Bobby doesn’t talk about Troy much, maybe that’s a good thing!
Floyd
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 6:41 pm
Bobby hated having to go fishing with our grandpa. He wasn’t the most patient of men…
Diane
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 6:15 pm
He is reading your blog right now and told me to tell you that Troys brother got killed boot legging one night.
Floyd
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 6:42 pm
I forgot about that! Our lives could have been a lot worse… God is good…