His Grace at Work Testimony of a Preacher |
My parents were of the Catholic descent, although they were not strong practicing Catholics they did have a great respect for religion and the fear of God. They also moved towards a more grace attitude as God being a God of Love and were gracious in their approach to life. I can say that years later it would be a great influence in recognizing the legalism and the works of religion. My parents always blessed their food and prayed with us many times. My mother had a great influence on me by her positive outlook on life. She taught us to be ourselves and do not always follow. Stick up for yourself and don't let people walk over you. Although she was never a brash woman she could be very straight in circumstances. Yet very loving and understanding My dad on the other hand was a man who could show unconditional love and he never put people down. He was a dreamer at times and loved the farm and cattle. He never presented a tough man image like "never cry," He always allowed use to express ourselves, although this did not mean he always accepted it or let us have our way. I saw my parents with great respect, people of integrity and caring. Never ones to take, but always give. They gave food to relatives and friends and when company came over, they would feed them like kings. Much of our life was built around food. Our comfort and times of fellowship. My mom was not cheep and she always made more then enough. We lived a couple miles from an Indian reservation, and the door to the porch was always left open in the frigid prairie winters. Many times I would get up and find individuals in the porch sleeping. In the morning mom would feed them and dad would take them home. Several times my dad pulled people from snow banks close to being frozen to death. Which gained a great respect among the native people of the area. They were also well liked in the community and were always having got together, and sing along. Now again they were not saints but stable in their approach to life and the raising of a family. They showed great respect to their community and others. Something I have never forgotten! |
Chapter Two Religion to Grace |
Roxy Nolin Copywrite - 2002 |
