Good God (or, God is Good)

A couple of weeks ago, a long, lost cousin got my email address and contacted me. She and I have chatted quite a bit about family and the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, and a number of other subjects. One such, was about which church is the “right” church, and this is what she said:

“Mama always told us that if a person was good and did their best to be good they would go to Heaven or the New World or wherever people went to after death. She said that her grandparents didn't go to church and she knows they went on to wherever it is. She also told us that if you lived your life according to the bible and treated everyone as you wanted to be treated that you were fine. Also to believe in God. She always told us considering no one knew what God's word truly is to believe in ourselves and our raising. That the Bible was written according to King James and MEN wrote the Bible according to their interpreting scrolls. And they may of not got everything right. And since we know for a fact King James decided not to have all the books put in because he decided they weren't needed. So to always use our own judgment. Do what is right and treat people right. Never cheat someone. And be kind to Children and elderly and we couldn't go wrong. So a lot of people wouldn't agree and that is fine but that is the way I believe.”

I can hear her Mama’s voice as I read this, even though she’s gone now, and it brought back to me, memories of family and a childhood long gone. I could add quite a bit, of why this philosophy feels so right, even in this troublesome world, but, when it comes down to it, her Mama’s words of wisdom can’t be beat…