I don't know why I'm even blogging about this but when I came to the keyboard, this particular post seemed to just write itself. I was going through my sock drawer and I saw it... a small copy of the New Testament. My grandmother gave me this when I was a small child. I've had it in my pocket at some point in time most of my life. She and my grandfather told me that if I was ever alone and afraid, to just read a few verses and to "talk to God... he's always listening."
All these years, this Bible is now literally falling apart... the back has come loose and has been taped together many, many times. The pages are falling out and it's in such bad shape, I can't carry it around with me anymore. It remains in its resting place in the bottom of my sock drawer. I have since purchased another pocket sized version of the New Testament. It's in considerably better shape.
I was never one to openly admit being afraid of anyone or anything out in the streets. Especially where I grew up and with the circle of friends I was running with. You just didn't and couldn't do that... but, at key times, my grandmother's words and that little Bible were on my person. When it was on my person and I was indeed afraid. The words were comforting and the knowledge that my little keepsake was on my person made me feel that much more secure.
I've been afraid many times. I've had a guy pull a gun on me and rob me and I was with a drunken kook who waved a gun in my face. I stood tall and stoic both times and said nothing. My face never betraying my fear yet, a peak inside my mind would've revealed a terrified man at those times. Yet, in both instances, no harm came to me. I always felt like this keepsake was my contract with God.
I had this Bible in my upper left coat pocket the entire 15 weeks I was pledging Kappa Alpha Psi. I was frightened many times when I was pledging but, only God and I know about it. I can't recall opening the little Bible at all while I pledging but, it was in my pocket the whole time. It made me feel secure I suppose. The knowledge of it being there helped me make it through the day.
That Bible was with me the very first time I got on a plane and flew to boot camp in San Antonio, TX. It was on my person the entire time I was going through that experience. In fact, I've carried it with me on every single Air Force mission I ever went on. I didn't have it on me when I was "sinning" with women though. Yeah, I somehow couldn't have my Bible on me when I was off doing that, which says a lot about my double nature doesn't it?
This Bible was in the pocket of my tuxedo the day I got married and it went with me on my honeymoon. It was with me the day I passed my driving test and it was with me the day I bought my first house. Where I've gone, so has my little Bible. Because I can't carry my keepsake around with me anymore, it sits at the bottom of my sock drawer right next to my shiny new New Testament. (It's funny but, I've never carried the new one around with me.) Yet, the words, the meaning behind it, and the sense of security it brought goes where I go and stays with me always.
23 comments:
Great post. Your sinning statement reminded me of movie scenes where people remove the picture of Jesus from the mantle before they get busy. Guess that's why years ago I always kept the mantle clear.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
Some post, actually most of our POST come from the Lord. Even the ones that aren't spiritual have a message in them, if you digest it correctly. I have one similar to your pictured post. My grandmother left it for me. It is dated 1963 and I've taped it all around, inside and out. It holds such significant meaning to me because I use to be a Muslim and the entire time, I had my granmother's bible tucked away. Somehow, after my marriage ended, the book resurfaced and I just picked it up and began to read what Jesus was trying to tell me all along.
Great Post. God is always using us and with all of your followers, this may be one post to ring someone's ear to go purchase their own "New Testament."
Love for a great weekend!
During every major moment of my life, I've always had my Bible with me. I may not have read it all the time, but just something about having it with me makes me feel as though everything will be fine.
Excellent and Heart warming Post!
Wow! This was so poignant and Honest..
This was such a beautifully touching post Keith.
This Bible has a history of Faith placed in you, my Brotha. Having been as present as The Creator Himself, and it remains the Truest Truth of Life. Through all the good, bad, hazardous & harrowing times, it's so comforting to know there is something has sustained you, and it's something in which you can ALWAYS depend upon.
Nice entry, Keith.
SJ!
One.
Thank God for the people who've loved and cared enough to encourage us and feed our spirit. Bless ya, Keith, you're doing the same for us :-).
Great Post My brother...Your Grandparents were right..God is always listening.
Very Poignant and touching.
Incredible post fam...We all should have such a keepsake to shelter us through life's storms.
Not what I expected for a Saturday post ,but interesting and introspective just the same.
God is always listening to us..Whether we talkin to him or not..and watching over us..even when we don't ask. Great Post Keith, nuff said.
I have a Jesus Peice that I've always worn for pretty much the same reasons bruh! Nice post.
Thank you for such an inspirational
post Keith.
This was so nice.
Simply Beautiful!
You keep me coming back with such good stuff...on both of your blogs.
I was mesmerized by this...it was ,as your last few posts have been..filled with love and tenderness and introspection.
Little by Little you're giving us a look into your tender side Keith.
I like it.
Keith, This was beautiful.
Very touching post. I carry mine in my car.
This was a really nice post. I love being able to remember the little (but important) things that have gotten me through life (thus far)
You pledged for 15 weeks? Wow. You needed that Bible.:)
Post a Comment