HE STANDS WITH ME

None of us are immune to the pain, fear, heartache, and disappointment of this world. I have been told by many people; I was born in the wrong era, and I agree! When I was young, there was a TV series set in the 1870s that told of the adventures of the Ingalls family.

Little House On The Prairie had the right idea and like Michael Landon, I found comfort in the relationships and values that were represented in that weekly series. The strong bond of a husband and wife, and the values they shared and upheld together, inspired me. The children respected authority and truly loved each other. Other than nasty Nellie Olson, children new the value of a gift and, more often than not, worked their fingers to the bone to get enough money to buy one. They appreciated any gift they received and cherished it. They wanted to help with the chores because it gave them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Hand-me-downs were part of life, and you made things like shoes and Sunday clothes last because you had to. There was joy in serving each other and joy in the harvest. Girls were raised as ladies, and boys were raised as gentlemen. Community picnics were full of modestly dressed families who were focused on having fun, sharing food, and catching up on each others lives, and the only thighs and breasts you saw were on the fried chicken plate!

 Today, as I watch husbands and wives play on opposite teams looking for instant gratification outside the marriage and children turning into wild animals with no regard for anyone or anything, I am reminded that the one thing the town folk of Walnut Grove had in common was FAITH. Faith that God is real. Faith that no matter how much pain, fear, heartache, or disappointment they felt, God was with them. He stood with them (as he does with us) and gave them strength to endure their daily hardships.

 God said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Today, as I read 2 Timothy 4–17, I am reminded that I have a never ending well of strength standing by my side. So when you are feeling overwhelmed by the troubles of this world, or even the troubles of just one day, remember to keep the faith and draw from the well.