HOW FAR WE’VE COME
photo courtesy of americangraffiti.net
With each sunrise and sunset, we get farther away from it. There was a time that I longed exactly for that… but now… now I long for days to slow down. What I long for now is the opposite of what I longed for then. It was the night of the election… Disappointment doesn’t begin to define the beginning of my grieving process.
I knew there would be little if any sleep, which is usually the last thing I have to worry about. As I surfed through the worthless channels on TV I stumbled upon my comfort food… An old rerun. I was comforted by something familiar; a movie from my childhood, maybe the best thing for what was ailing me… or maybe the worst…
As I watched the movie I heard songs you just don’t hear anymore, not even on the oldies stations… I guess the songs are too old now for radio play. I still enjoy the cameo appearance by Wolfman Jack in that old movie. He was past his popularity and prime when I was a kid, but I still appreciated his persona and the short era that he represented.
Back in the seventies we all looked back with fondness at the first era of rock and roll. We even had a “Fifties Day” at school that we dressed up for to represent and relive the treasured era. Even as kids we knew that the world was changing. We knew that era of the fifties and the early sixties represented a simpler life; a life before the extensive corruption in politics.
Those old memories meandered through my mind as I sat watching the movie American Graffiti. I sought comfort in the old songs and cars that I don’t see or hear anymore… The generation of my parent’s youth, the world has forgotten …
The kids in that movie were facing changes in their lives. The were forced by a set of beliefs and values established by the majority of society that made them face the real world – To take on life with little help from anyone else. Most people in that era struggled to provide for their own but never thought to give up on trying or imagined it somebody else’s responsibility.
That generation appreciated a simple song, a simple car, and a simple life… Greatness was measured by work ethic, character, and integrity. I guess there is no place for that generation in this one… The means by which this current generation measures its success and value is almost the polar opposite of the generations that made our country a strong and independent nation.
Hope and change… I guess everything does change… The sunrise brings a new day… Yesterday can’t be visited ever again… That’s too bad… I think much could be learned if we could… While we can’t go back in time, history is a great teacher to those willing to learn. Hope in anything other than God brings disaster upon people and a nation.
It dawned on me that night just how far we’ve come away from Rock Around The Clock…
Sunday, January 20, 2013 @ 7:07 pm
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20
I think what I like about that time period is that we, as a nation, knew what was right and what was wrong, and measured success by that standard–whether a particular individual was Christian or not didn’t matter. Right and wrong were virtually the same across the cultures. That gave us a common place to start for a discussion about Christ. If you tell someone today, “The Bible says…” they are likely to shrug and say, “So?” Or call you intolerant.
Blessings,
Voni
Sunday, January 20, 2013 @ 8:56 pm
Wow! You hit the nail on the head, Voni! That is so exactly right! The lost are now so far down the road of foolishness I fear it will take more than a revival… Nothing worse than learning things the hard way… Thanks for the critical wisdom, friend. Nice to know I’m not alone… Thanks, Voni. Blessings to you and yours.
Sunday, January 20, 2013 @ 7:30 pm
Although we can’t go back into the past, it was a great time with songs you could understand the words, and movies and TV without the bad language. We have a “Guardian” filter on our TV that blanks out the swearing and bad talk. Sometimes there is no noise and you know it is being blanked out. Thanks for sharing this and I plan to place it on “Tell Me a Story” for Tuesdays story days.
Sunday, January 20, 2013 @ 8:58 pm
If only our Father would put that guardian filter on our lost brothers and sisters… Thanks, for letting me share even the tough stories at your wonderful and ever growing site. Tell Me A Story is fast becoming huge!
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 12:21 am
Oh the good ole days! Back when things were so much simpler and safer. Our only worries were getting in trouble for talking out of turn, running in the hallways, cutting in line or if we would be asked to the winter dance? Today there is a whole different set of worries…drugs, pregnancy,rape, guns in school and so many pressures kids are committing suicide.
I often wonder what it would be like to go back knowing what I know now and what I would do differently. But all in all, I wouldn’t trade a thing. I wouldn’t be who I am today. Besides, I kinda like having this computer to comunicate with!!
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 7:00 am
The world has definitely gotten more complicated. You make a great point. With technology and time comes changes, but not all bad. I too appreciate this technology of communication. It’s not all bad, Thanks for pointing to that, Gail.
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 3:41 am
Even though i was born in the early 50s, I was too young to really appreciate its historical spot. I would have to say I was more a child of the 60s. but I remember my parents talking about the “good old days” of music-the lounge singers and some big bands. I also remember my mom talking about how her parents didn’t care for Frank Sinatra, Pat Boone and then Elvis, etc. 🙂 I sometimes long for the days of no credit cards and a simpler lifestyle. But it will never be. But it is always good to reminisce. Maybe that is why Back to the Future rings in as my all-time favorite movie.
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 7:04 am
I know it’s natural to look back and romanticize the past and I too recall my parents sharing some of there parents opinions. I remember that generation specifically could have used loopholes and justified actions to lower their character, but chose to do the hard things, the right things, the things of great character. That’s what I miss…
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 5:29 am
I remember those days, the movie, the songs. I still love to watch and listen to the old movies and songs once in awhile, but I’m glad I chose the path I have that has led me further away from certain aspects of my life from those days.
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 7:08 am
Yeah, good call, Dan. I too don’t miss some of the paths I crawled down. It’s only God that can change the heart. This generation is so caught up in the flesh and character, which can’t be measured on the outside instantly is turning our world into an even uglier place I think. It’s a good day to reassess “the content of our character.” Thanks, Dan.
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 8:13 am
Hi Floyd! Enjoyed your post, even though the topic is a rather hard one to contemplate. I’m sure you recall all the times you rolled your eyes when your parents would begin to reminisce about ‘their’ good old days. I know I did. Now my kids roll their eyes at me! But it’s so true that the older we get, the more we think back on the way things used to be. I try not to romanticize those days—every generation has had their own unique problems—nothing this side of Heaven is ever perfect. BUT, you’re right. We begin to long for the simple days, the simple life that once was. But there’s no going back. Friends of mine don’t get it when I say that one of my favourite sitcoms is ‘Leave It To Beaver’. The traditional family…strong leadership and wisdom from a Dad (who wasn’t an idiot, as is so often portrayed today) and a Mom who made time for her kids, no matter what. There was mutual respect and honour and honesty and integrity. Children went OUTSIDE to play! They were safe. Neighbours knew each other and looked out for one another’s kids. I often tell my husband that our grandparents would roll over in their graves to see what is presently considered ‘entertainment’ in these days on our T.V. screens. How far we have fallen! And HOW, just HOW, do we even BEGIN to change it, unless it be in our own homes? Walk against the current tide. Teach our children well. Raise them in a way their grandparents and great-grandparents would be proud of. Instilling in them a healthy respect and fear of The God who is watching all. It’s all I’ve known to do.
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 5:34 pm
Oh man, I’d say you just hit that out of the park! I posed a question, and although the answer isn’t easy, I’d say you nailed it perfectly. It does start with us in our own homes and maybe paying a little more attention to the other dimension and Who sees all is a great way to start. Awesome comment, Jillie! I’m inspired!
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 9:42 am
Over the last few years, I’ve taken a strictly practical approach to politics. What’s the use in getting myself worked up if I’m not going to do anything? So I pray. I vote. But other than that, I don’t think I’ll do too much with politics. I think if I were going to spend my time and energy on something, I would want it to be for the name of Christ, not for politics.
And it’s been oddly freeing. I just leave it up in God’s hands.
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 5:35 pm
You’re right, Loren. The truth is if we live our lives for Christ, all else takes care of itself. Good wisdom. Man alive, there is so much wisdom to be shared from my brothers and sisters in Christ! Thanks, Loren.
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 10:59 am
I was riding in the car with my mom and she laughed when I changed the radio channel from Christian to the Oldies. She told me I didn’t have to do that for her. I took at her and laughed. I didn’t do it for her…I did it for me! I was in the mood for some upbeat songs that still had some morals.
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 5:42 pm
I love it! Your mom had to love it too! I enjoy all music, but there is something to be said for the music that sought to inspire good in character. Before it became so hip to rail against society. It’s so prevalent now that their is nothing to stand against! My youngest was listening to a group that was singing the same story as the rock and roll bands of the sixties and seventies. I told her, “That was my generation, they were being independent, mocking the old folks who didn’t think we should be listening to that music. Those older people are gone! It’s us, and we are the older generation and we understand! These kids now are making up straw men to rail against! No one is fighting them or their cause! It’s old and worn out! Get over it!” Not sure she got it, but she will… Thanks, TC.
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 7:05 pm
She probably didn’t get it, but one day she will.
I enjoy listening to fifties/sixties music (and some older than that- love the roaring 20’s).
I think it’s funny when kids today sing a song that’s been re-done and they don’t even know it. I remember about six years ago my niece was singing a Britney Spears song and she had no clue Joan Jett had originally done the song…she didn’t’ even know who Joan Jett was! Made me feel ancient. What these kids don’t know could fill a library!!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 @ 6:50 am
Too funny! Truth can be! What they don’t know could fill a library! Party because they don’t know how to use one or where one is! I drive my family crazy with my close to worthless music trivia!
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 7:32 pm
“Hope in anything other than God brings disaster upon people and a nation.” Boy, you said a mouthful there! And just after that era, isn’t that exactly the wrong turn we took as a nation? It truly does seem a tremendous slide downhill began just then, when we officially excluded God from many areas of life. Disastrous!
That was the collective story. Personally, it was a couple decades later that I put my hope in Him. Maybe worse times will show some people how badly we need Him, like they did for me. Something to pray for!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 @ 6:53 am
I think you’re right. I just hate to see the pain that will follow… In the end if it wakes us and brings us to our Father, it will be worth it. In the meantime all we can do is pray and share His truth. Thanks, Sylvia.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 @ 7:35 am
I know what you mean about that, Floyd. I feel that way about our kids, and others I know, who are making or may make foolish choices bound to bring painful consequences, or at least cost them great blessings they’ll miss out on! So, praying, and aiming to share His truth. Thanks.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 @ 5:59 pm
I’m with you, Sylvia. Hard to tell a person about wisdom… In the meantime we’ll encourage one another to keep the faith! Thanks, Sylvia.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 @ 11:38 am
I think with any time period there are things that we’re better and things that were worse, but I definitely understand what you mean. Our faithful prayers birthed by His Spirit will produce great fruit. Our living out His love and compassion in the midst of the darkness will be a beacon of hope. The Church, the Body of Christ, has to stand strong and wait on Him. Jesus is the only real hope to bring true change! Thanks Floyd.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 @ 6:00 pm
Amen, brother. That is our hope or confidence. It is a good thing that we have a burden for all the souls. True change starts and ends with our Father! Thanks, Jason.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 @ 2:46 pm
You took me on a stroll down memory lane. I use to dance to Rock Around The Clock at this cafe that stayed open after the Drive Inn. For a couple of years I worked at the Dog n Suds waiting on people in cars on skates. Skating was an every week thing for me, I actually worked at the rink for a while. Growing up in a small town I never heard of smoking pot till the Viet Nam war. Not that we were without sin, drinking was a huge thing and a few others I won’t go into. Anyway so much for my walk.
I am with Loren…I did my part, I voted, doing my part now by praying. But the bigger picture is the spiritual war going on. It makes the political wars fade away. God is big enough to use those in office to get us to trust Him more.
Our children are grown but we still challenge them to live fully now, not in the past, not even in the future. Live now for the things of God…NOW for the day is coming when we will have no more time. Good post brother, as always well written for you see all it drew out of us who read your post. You are always willing to step out of your comfort box.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 @ 6:05 pm
Thank you, my sister. Love your wisdom… NOW is the time. I guess if we don’t get anything else we should get that. God is lifted up and He and all of us are honored when we are obedient. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Betty. Just reading the words brings comfort.
I am not even a little surprised that you roller skated! How I loved to roller skate as a kid too! When we lived in CA they had a “skating donkey” at the outdoor roller rink… I think you’ve sparked another post in my mind too. Thanks, Betty!
Saturday, February 16, 2013 @ 8:17 pm
Floyd, I was thinking “yes” over and over as reading this. Definitely knew much of this when I was younger. WELL, you made me end with a big GRIN!! One of my favorite songs… I miss hearing so much … is “Rock Around the Clock.” Some of the “rocks” in those days really were simple and true and fun. Not a lot of seriosity… just FUN!!
One of my favorite songs by the Statler Bros. is one of my mottoes. The song is “The Class of ’57″… and the sentence…”life gets complicated when you get past 18.” I use: “Life Gets Complicated” … and you may have seen in my “Annie” book for Part 3. It’s a truism.
You made me smile. That’s a good thing. Hope to make it through your others that I missed b/c of my own complications this past stretch of time. You are important.
Blessings.
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 2:22 pm
You’re too kind, Joanne. I’m happy you got to laugh and I got to be part of it! I think it’s God’s medicine! I appreciate your time and effort, but you don’t have to catch up. You can just catch on now! I don’t want it to be a burden. I know you have things you need to write as well! Don’t spend it all here! I want to read yours over there!!! Thanks, Joanne. You are special.