The music played softly. Immediately I recognized the song. "Friendly Persuasion" brought back a flood of memories from the 1950's. And it brought back the young feelings of a 17 year old girl who had a crush on the neighborhood football hero. Let's just recognize him as Johnny Mc. I think they called him "Mick"
I knew Johnny from the local dance held on Friday nights at St Francis Xavier Church Hall. He would make my heart beat fast. And maybe I even swooned a little when he walked by. He had just broken up with an old girlfriend. I don't remember the details of how it happened, but Johnny asked me out, and his friend, Sonny asked my best friend, Rainy out too. We would double date. They took us to see the movie, "Friendly Persuasion."
I can't quite remember my feet touching the ground that date. I floated in mental and heart bliss. I was seventeen and I was with the boy of my dreams. The romance didn't last long. Actually, Rainey's romance lasted longer. Johnny went back to his old girlfriend. For awhile I was brokenhearted. Such is life.
I know that when many of the youth look at their "OLD" grandparents and the OLD people around them, they can't imagine that romance stirred the heart and soul of their youth. They can't imagine that we might understand the power of first love, passion, and surrender. We can!
I did not have sex with Johnny! I did not sell my soul or give it away for a price because of a passion that drives our emotions. I have no regrets for the way I was raised back in the 1950's. I had a strong conscience then. And, by the grace of God, I still do. Yes, later on I rebelled and went into territories that almost destroyed me. However, because my parents had integrity and taught me the way I should walk and live, I found my way back to the "Ancient Ways."
I grieve for the youth of today. Many have not been taught the significance of a good reputation. Many have sold their souls and body again and again. Whether they realize it or not, they have shattered their identity into many fragments. A piece of their soul remains bonded and connected to those who possessed them. It can be corrected. It can be healed. You can be delivered. However, it takes the courage to admit where you have been wrong and it takes the courage to turn to a God who loves you very much. He waits for your return.
It is a wonderful feeling when I hear a song like Friendly Persuasion and suddenly inside I feel young again. It is a good thing when I also feel intact and whole. My Father God has healed my broken heart of my foolish ways. He can do the same for you.
Let me persuade you, in a friendly way, think about it.
by Rita Burton
...remembering the ancient ways.
