I was off for MLK Day, so I went exploring an abandoned home out in the woods. The day was pretty warm, so I was somewhat concerned about snakes, but thankfully didn't see any. I did scare up some quail though (and they scared me up too). It wasn't until I'd been home for some time when I noticed a tiny tick crawling up my arm ... ewwww {shake} ... now that's something I totally forgot to look for!
I grew up in a good home with a legacy of Christian ancestors—parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. I always knew security, love, encouragement, and laughter, so I find it odd that some of my earliest memories would be that of fear. I was born in England and lived there until I was about 3 years old. The only thing I remember about England is a visit from a stranger. He was a door-to-door photographer who came to our home to take pictures of our poor little family. He directed the children to sit on the back of the sofa so he could frame the shot and I absolutely didn’t want to have anything to do with him. No! No! No!
My family: Mom, Dad, Darlene, David, and me.
We later moved to Texas and then to Alabama where we lived while my father was in Pakistan. I have a lot of good memories there like going to church, watching Tarzan on TV, swinging, eating watermelon, and playing dolls, but I also remember sitting on the dried lawn on a brisk January sun-shiny day watching shadows, fearful that someone would slip up behind me and take me away. Somehow knowing that evil lived in the world and one always needed to be watchful.
I’ve tried to think of other instances when I was fearful and I’ve had a hard time thinking of any, with the exception of one incident at Sea World when Matt was 5 years old. We were in a tour group, following a guide, watching Matt ahead, when suddenly we came to a congested intersection of other tourists and our guide went right and Matt disappeared from sight. We ran to the front of the tour and he was nowhere. We ran around panicked trying to find him as the tour continued. Dave backtracked to the intersection and found him sitting beside an old gentleman. Matt told the man he was lost and sat down to wait until he was found. He wasn’t fearful, he was just matter-of-fact about it.
I don't live in fear.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been fearful many times in my life, but have found that most of the time it happens when I’ve done something wrong or been dishonest. It's the fear of being found out or disappointing someone. I've been a Christian since I was 10 years old, but I'm not perfect. I've found it's easier to fess up to my mistakes rather than cover them up. Honesty really is the best policy. My Christian walk also gives me peace that no matter what happens in my life, I'm never alone. There's really no need for fear.
How about you? What’s your earliest memory? I hope it's a happy one.
11 comments:
This is a beautiful post... I enjoy your writings and musings. You are adorbale here. It's a nice family photo.
So nice to learn more about you!
What a story ! Thanks for sharing !
I share with you the knowledge that with God in our hearts we are never alone. This is such a comfort. Thanks for sharing this part of your life. Bt the way,I was probably about 10 when I accepted Christ as my Savior,since then I have had to do a lot of growing in my christian life,but God is with me each step of the way.
So nice to learn more about you. I soooo remember a photographer coming to OUR door too, and my mom making me and my two sisters get a "professional" portrait done. I had completely forgotten about that until I read your post. So thanks for YOUR memory and thank you for sparking MINE :)
Kathy
I like that indoor shot of the old house. I hope you did more. You sure can tell by the look on your face in that childhood photo what was going on in your mind at the time. Nice write-up.
It looks like you took a peek into our garage! hehehe
The picture of your family is a lovely treasure of memories.
How blessed to have the legacy of Godly parents who share faith with their children.
I also share your struggle with fear. I may have to write a post on this one day.
Blessings
~a
thanks for sharing your story, it helps to fill in the parts we dont know about you, all we do know is you are very talented with a camera, and now I know you are talented with words. i like the photo of your family, fills me with nostalgia for the past. my life was pretty much like yours and I became a christian at age 8. my dad was a Baptist Minister and I lived with fear of him and HIM, so it kept me pretty much on the straight and narrow. but my life has been full of fears from early age, like my fear of DARK real dark, as no light, just freaks me out. we have nightlights in our house because i don't do dark. also I don't like to be dropped off anywher, i fear you will not come back for me and have had that fear for 67 years
I am happy that you didn't run into any snakes! I had a run in with a tick last year. I so know what you mean when you say "ewwww [shake]".
I agree with Kathy. It is nice to learn more about you. The family portrait and the individual pictures of you and your siblings are ones to treasure.
One of my earliest memories is about a doll that I received from Santa Claus 3 years in a row. The only thing different about the doll was a new outfit each year.
It took a bit of bravery to go into that abandoned house. Nice shot!
I enjoyed reading about your early memories.
Beautiful composition and color!
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