Our Roots
(By: Ray Hawk, TN)
Friday, December 7, 2012 came and went with little more than a whimper, caressed with a soft falling rain. On that date in 1941, I was five, excitedly looking forward to Christmas. That day, the nation was inundated with sorrow for those who lost family members at Pearl Harbor and angered by the surprise the Japanese had subjected us to. No one had to instill patriotism into the young men of our country. Right away they began joining one branch of the service or another. A few months later, my father joined the Navy and was assigned to the Construction Battalion. He referred to it as the CB's.
I don't ever remember going hungry during the war years although some food items were rationed. Almost everyone in town had a sizeable garden and canned a lot of food during the summer and fall. My grandfather owned the ice dock and made deliveries to the homes in Stratford, OK, but he always seemed to have enough gas for his route, even though it was rationed. Because sugar was rationed, my grandmother didn't make a lot of sweets until after the war. All of my mother's brothers served their country honorably and thankfully we mourned none of them.
Radio during the war was an important way of learning what was happening. Even in our little town of 1,200, telegraph messages were received and delivered to families that grieved.
There were three of us rug rats staying with Grandpa and Grandma Chandler at different times. When the evening news came on, we learned quickly that it was "quiet time." Granddad didn't tolerate any childish noise while he was listening to the news.
People didn't make much money back then, but one's purchasing power was a lot better than now-a-days. Twenty-five cents was hard to come by, but if you had it, you could buy what today a couple of dollars has a hard time paying for. Gas was 19 cents a gallon, bread, 9 cents a loaf, postage 3 cents, and the minimum wage was thirty cents an hour.
My mom believed in going to church as did my grandparents. God was daily called upon and church assemblies were sought and attended.
On May 7, 1945 the war ended in Europe. I remember the excitement. I was asleep on September 2, 1945 when Japan surrendered. Sirens woke me up. Grandmother told me the war was over. There was jubilation throughout the city.
The sacrifices of that war have been forgotten by those born after it was over. We've seen a lot of changes, some good, some bad. Our society has enjoyed affluence like no other. Many of us can remember when God was honored in public and thanks was given to Him. Now, one person can complain and God is removed from public view. Jesus is being replaced by Frosty the Snowman. The Bible Belt is shrinking. People know more baseball and football statistics than they do about Jesus' good news.
Yet, in spite of this, God is providing a wonderful opportunity for us! We have something to rejoice about when worry is plaguing others (Philippians 4:4-7). Peace will be ours even in turmoil. We can thank God because He dwells within us (1 Corinthians 3:16,17)! Our lives may light the path, illustrating God's grace for a dying world! Because our faith is firmly rooted in Jesus, we have the privilege of showing the value of belonging to him.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:10-13).
KEEP THE FAITH! JOE
