"We've Come Along Way Baby!"

By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

Sometimes I feel like such a relic of the past! 

I was born and raised in modern southern California, so what's wrong with me? 

From the time I can first remember, my nuclear family, was pretty much awesome.

Not rich, not poor, white middle class. Close knit! 

Dad worked hard, mom was a "housewife," she worked hard too.

 Picnics, camping, hot dogs & beer, fun and normal. Like everyone else.

 Dad made his own home brew, in the backyard, & I rolled his cigarettes.

My family partied on weekends. Except Grandma! She read the Bible, 

went to church, didn't allow booze in her fridge, & joyfully took care of her grandchildren. 

While her children went to honky-tonks to dance, drink, 

and hear my mother sing with the likes of "Merle Haggard."

( My grandson just asked me, "Who's Merle Haggard?")

My parents never went to church, I went a few times with "Grandma."

 I did not see her do anything remotely unladylike. 

I didn't know any "Grandma" who wasn't a lady back then. 

That meant no smoking, drinking, or being a "Run Around."

In fact, it would never enter a person's mind, that people 

who attended church, would smoke or drink. 

We even thought YOU had to clean up your life before you could walk thru the church door! (mistakenly!)

 So why are most people who attend church these days,

 not the least bit concerned with "boozing it up?"

 We are "American Christians," not from Italy or France. 

Anyway, why do we want to be like them? They would rather be us. 

It is as if those raised in church, want to flaunt how "worldly" they have become.

 Imagine "Grandma" popping the cork with supper, or lighting up?

 Her 7 sons would have been crushed.

Real sinners want to see real "Christians" who have overcome sin by God's grace.

 Few "Christians" have the respect of today's cynical sinner, Billy Graham maybe?

 Imagine Billy drinking a "Bud?" I DON"T THINK SO!!!


Post Script

 Grandma's prayer's were answered. In 1968 my parents were "Born Again."

 Deeply regretting the B.C. years. (Before Christ.)

 She lived to see my Dad, become a Pastor, and a Missionary to the Philippines. 

To see 4 Grandchildren become Pastors. 

Her legacy continues even now, to great grandchildren 

who are also pastors, preachers, singers, & teachers. 

Thank you God for Grandma.

 When I grow up, I want to be just like her.