TODAY THE WORDS are EVERYONE HAS A LITTLE STORY. As I begin this message, I am smiling. Most of us, and I could almost say, all of us have a story or a pile of them. Some people openly tell them without coaxing; others blurt them out any chance they get. The funny part is how the story changes from time to time or is it our memories which play tricks on us. If I may, please allow me to share one of the most famous “Holt” stories which gets told at the family reunions. My Mother, who was a Holt before marrying had several brothers and they can hold their own in conversations, quick witted, and have a good sense of humor. This story involves two of her brothers, Cecil and Earlie.
When they were teenagers, and boys of little money, came upon one of those traveling shows. Inspecting this cage closer and hearing the circus man tell of a $50 prize to anyone who could beat the ape; their ears perked up. It was known that Earlie was a scrapper and was pretty doggone strong and Cecil suggested Earlie go in and win that $50. Earlie saw the ape huddled in the corner and from that position the ape didn’t appear that threatening. They decided to watch others before Earlie tried out his skills in taking down the ape. Man, that money sounded good and that ape didn’t look too mean. His courage was getting higher. He thought he could do it. Well, a young black man entered the cage and was pumping up his muscles. The ape took a look at him; stood up slowly; and the young man got ready. Well, it took only a few seconds before the ape opened his big arms up and grabbed that young man who was slinging his arms trying to get a hit into the ape. He slung him across the cage and that “so called fighter” started yelling to let him out of that cage.
The story would normally end if I didn’t have some stubborn uncles or maybe some broke uncles but again, Cecil built Earlie’s courage up. Cecil told him he was stronger than the other guy and if he could move as fast as he normally did in a fight; he could get around back of the ape and take him down from the back of his neck. Somehow, Cecil was either a great salesman or Earlie was not thinking that day but into the cage he went. That ape took one good look at Earlie and came out of his corner and round and round they went. He was slinging Earlie around like a rag doll with Cecil hollering, “You got him now Earlie! Take him down as that ape was slinging Earlie some more. After a few more tosses and I will have to admit it sounded like Earlie did stay in longer than most; he hollered to “Let me out.” There was no glory in Earlieville that day as that ape had worn him slam out.
Now for the deeper thought…..Families are precious and we need the bond of the family unit. In today’s world, many families have drifted apart. When family members try to put together a reunion or dinner, too many people look at the date and say, “Oh that is the weekend we thought of doing….”
and they come up with excuses. God created families for a purpose. Think of the times in your life when a beautiful grandmother or respected grandfather passed away and the first thing you remember was something you shared with that matriarch and how special it meant. The thought of not seeing that special person hurt your heart and brought the tears. You might, one day be that grandparent a young person will cry when you pass if you take the time to share your time with them. Live life; love life; and live life to the fullest by filling your live with what counts most in the end….YOUR FAMILY.
DAILY FEATURED BIBLE VERSE:
Psalm 127:3-5 ESV
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(c) copyright 2014 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission.
