THOSE WERE THE DAYS “In God We Trust”
It is a walk on the dangerous side when one actually questions the will of God or in fact, questions if there is a God. We need only look around us and wonder why a God, any God would allow such evils to happen; but if we do seek the answers, we can actually find them predicted and explained in the bible. Yes, I know, words can be twisted and meanings altered to fit any situation, and depending who is translating, some words usually are. One preacher simply said, “God does not condone suffering and sorrow, He created man and has let us make our own decisions no matter the outcome”.
On the battle field when soldiers are wounded it has been recorded they cry out to their mother and God. Even if a soldier had never set foot in any church or synagogue, they will still plead, “God help me.” How many times have we all looked to the heavens and cried those same words, “God help me.” And when your prayer wish is granted whether it be positive or negative, how many actually give God the credit or say thank you?
My brother Len was a year and a half older than me; he was my best friend. We never wore the traditional white shorts and sneakers, but we still beat all comers in doubles tennis. My brother was one of Windsor, Ontario’s top five-pin bowlers and I bowled in the ten-pin classic league. I was terrible at five pins so Len changed and bowled with me.
His wife Marilyn played the accordion and was quite musical, but we used to chide Len saying he could not carry a note across the street. Marilyn bought him a ukelele where you just push one button for all the chords but Len was totally unable to keep the beat.
On Christmas Day 1959, we all gathered at Mom and Dad’s house for dinner and celebrations. Nursing our full bellies, we heard a tenor singing O Holy Night in one of the upstairs rooms. His voice was beautiful, the notes clear and soulful. It was Len, we couldn’t believe it. We gathered at the bottom of the stairs not wanting to interrupt the impromptu concert. What a wonderful gift on Christmas Day, not only for Len but for all of us.
A few weeks later on January 20th I was playing hockey when my wife and sister came to the rink. I went to them saying, “Len is dead, isn’t he?” They simply told me to go home.
How did I know my bother had died? Was O Holy Night a final gift from God as a reward for being a devout and faithful Christian? But Len left a widow and three wonderful kids, would God do that?
There have been many killings, uprisings and wars all in the name of God, surely, He would not turn away from such false claims.
I was one in a family of nine, they are all gone. During the Christmas and new year holidays yes, I admit I do wonder, I miss them deeply.
Wishing you a happy 2024 new year and may God be with you.
Russ Sanders
epigram@nexicom.net
