Well, gather ’round folks, and let ol’ Mary tell you a story that’ll make you yearn for the simpler times. Now, how many of you remember a time before everyone had their noses buried in those little glowing screens? Oh, those were the days when life was about family, faith, and good, honest fun. If you don’t want to be inspired by some good old-fashioned nostalgia, you might want to stop reading right now. But if you’re curious to explore a precious memory from my childhood, settle in and let’s go back in time together.

Let me paint a picture for you: it’s a warm summer evening in small-town America, and the scent of freshly mowed grass is wafting through the air. The year was 1965, and I was just a wide-eyed 10-year-old girl. My favorite childhood memory, one I wish I could relive, involves a red-and-white checkered blanket, a basket full of homemade fried chicken, and a small radio crackling out the sweet sounds of the local gospel station.

Picture this: my mama had a knack for preparing the best picnic spreads you ever did see. She’d wake up at the crack of dawn to fry chicken so crispy it would make Colonel Sanders jealous. There’d be potato salad, coleslaw, and homemade lemonade that we’d sip with sticky, syrupy fingers. My daddy would pack up the family in our trusty station wagon, and off we’d go to the local park, where the tall oak trees provided the perfect shade to lay down our blanket.

Those evenings were a lot like a chapter out of a Norman Rockwell painting, and, boy, do I miss them. We’d sit around, talking about our day and dreaming about the future, with none of the noise and nonsense we have to sift through nowadays. My brother Billy would chase fireflies, while my sister Janie would make daisy chains to crown us all in summertime glory. Oh, and of course, there was plenty of gospel music to fill our hearts and souls, reminding us of God’s ever-present love and guidance.

It’s funny how the simplest things can bring the most profound joy. Nowadays, it seems like everyone’s chasing after something—be it the latest gadget, a viral video, or the most likes on some social media post. But back then, all we needed was each other and a little faith. And let me tell you, that was enough. We didn’t need cancel culture, safe spaces, or any of that modern hullabaloo. Our safe space was right under the good Lord’s sky, surrounded by the people we loved and trusted.

I remember one particular evening, we were all sitting on that checkered blanket, enjoying the twilight while the crickets started their nightly serenade. Billy, with his ever-present curiosity, asked my daddy why the stars twinkled. My daddy, in all his wisdom, replied that the stars were God’s way of showing us the beauty of His creation, guiding us even when the world seemed dark. Oh, how my heart would swell with pride and love during these moments. Those times were rich in faith and family, two pillars that seem to be teetering in today’s topsy-turvy world.

Now, not everything was all sunshine and daisies back then. Sure, we had our share of challenges, but we tackled them head-on with grit and determination. These days, it seems like folks are quick to throw in the towel at the slightest inconvenience. But what if we could all press rewind and learn from a simpler time? A time when hard work, faith, and patriotism weren’t just buzzwords—they were the fabric of our lives.

When I think back on those cherished evenings, I can’t help but laugh at how much we cherished that little radio. We’d huddle around it like it was a magic box, listening to the Reverend Hargrove preach the Good Word. We’d all sing along to our favorite hymns, our voices rising up to the heavens in harmony. There was no division, no strife—just a community bound by love and faith.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could bring a little bit of that back today? Instead of being divided by politics or social ideologies, we could find common ground in the things that truly matter: faith, family, and the simple joys of life. Imagine setting aside the smartphones and sitting down for a meal with your loved ones, without any distractions, just like we used to do.

And let’s not forget about the power of humor. My daddy could tell a joke so funny it would have us all roaring with laughter, tears streaming down our faces. He’d always say, “Laughter is God’s medicine,” and I believe that now more than ever. These days, people seem far too serious, and it wouldn’t hurt to lighten up a bit and enjoy the humor in life’s little moments.

So, if you’re still reading (and I hope you are), my advice is to take a page from the good ol’ days. Put away the distractions, gather ’round with your family, and relive the simple pleasures that made life beautiful. You never know, you might just find yourself smiling a little brighter and feeling a little closer to the ones you love. After all, isn’t that what life’s really about?

Until next time, stay blessed and keep those memories alive.