I met Jesus in a Tulsa courtroom in the early 1950’s. My friends know that my Mom was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. Mom and Dad met at a bus stop in Glasgow during World War II -- love at first sight. So the Scottish lass and the American sailor married in the Church of Scotland. In my Mom’s great storytelling there would be hints of “war brides” being frowned upon. They were sometimes seen as manipulators, conivers and users -- using marriage to gain entrance to this blessed land of freedom. Growing up in a home which hosted new friends from many lands I never picked up on any “con artists” who traveled to our country. Mom loved America. As soon as she was legally qualified she began studying for the exam which would allow her to become a United States citizen. The day arrived for the test and she passed it with flying colors! Shortly after there would be a swearing in ceremony in a Tulsa courtroom. I remember hearing Mom and Dad talking about the ceremony beforehand. They indicated that it would be small and private -- no cameras or press. One of the participants had escaped a country where freedom did not exist. He was literally risking his life for this new found gift. Even as a child that was very significant to me. Freedom comes at a high cost. I have never taken my citizenship nor my freedom for granted. It has been a blessing to be a citizen of this country. At about the same time my family began attending church. It was through Sunday School teachers, pastors, Scripture and good ol’ gospel hymns sang with an Okie twang that I discovered a deeper, more costly freedom. “I heard the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” I learned of a man who literally gave his life so that you and I and all the people I love and all the people who get on my nerves would be set free. I love to tell that story! Meeting Jesus in the courtroom that day began to plant the seeds of faith and freedom. Jesus’ sacrifice gives us a powerful knowledge of the freedom meant for all God’s children.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 16:05:52 +0000
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