Taking a break from
the usual time in the studio, Keith presents a short series from the world of
old time radio. Despite being about 70 years old, the topic of marriage is
timeless. Times may have changed, but the drama in relationships is as old as
the first relationship. These radio shorts were written by Carlton E Morse, and
featured well known radio actors of the day. Though Carlton E Morse wasn't
particularly known as being overtly religious, from the scripts he was famous
for on radio, he clearly had strong religious upbringing. His observations on
human relationships also shine in the advice and counseling he offers here.
There is little known about the Upper Room program, and no other shows exist,
other than those presented today. Dates are unknown, but are from 1947.
So You Want to Stay Married. A 6 part series.
1 Those Whom God Hath Joined Together.
Bursting with excitement and emotion, Barbara and Tom share the news of their
engagement with her father. Dad is all for the marriage, but wants to offer
some substantial advice, to guard against the time when the initial emotion and
excitement wears off. His claim: Unpleasant emotions stem from fear.
His advice falls into a few basic points.
Security, not of money. Security in each other.
Affection. Not romantic love, but a love that grows through the years, even
through difficult times.
Recognition. Living in, and for each other.
Has all this scared Tom and Barbara away from marriage? No way.
2,) For Richer, for Poorer.
Against her father's advice, Laura married Fred, but that was 20 years ago. At
the outset, Fred showed no visible signs of support, but with love and
ambition, they opened a service station together. Hard work pays off in early
successes, but life brings tragedies that mean a lifetime of barely making a
living. Through ordeals of loss, a strong chord of love was tied to bond the
couple together.
As children arrive, Laura sees teaching the kids honesty, integrity,
citizenship, faith in God, and love mean more than success in making money.
Through the ebb and flow of fortunes, the comfort that a good marriage is
built, is important to her as well.
3. Romantic Life VS Marital Love.
Howard and Mary Andrews tell their story. Each see the good qualities in the
other, but something was missing in their lives for the intellectual couple.
Having been trained in the matters of religion as children, they both had left
it behind them. When Howard felt compelled to wander into the local church,
their lives were revived with the counseling of the minister.
Reacquainting them with a few fundamental basics on love, the minister reminds
them of facts that any young couple should know before getting married. love
survives a test, while romance fades like the mist. Enduring, realistic love
grows.
The Andrews are reminded that being honest with each other is important, even
at the risk of a little conflict. Wearing a mask of deceit only grows
resentment. It's OK to share emotions, or disapproval. Sometimes an unrealistic
self image needs to be revealed, so the other will be aware, and healing can
begin. As weaknesses are cleaned out, strengthening, growth, and joy can begin.
The minister relaunches them on the right track with prayer.
4. Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Fortune.
Where there is marriage, there is conflict. Differences of opinion are
discovered, and lead to dissolution. A fight is ripe to explode when David gets
home from work. His attitude sets off Elizabeth, who is annoyed over hearing
about the secretary at the office.
Thinking rationally, and drawing from a book on marriage, David diffuses the
problem, and gets to the root of the matter. Some of the book's advice include:
Don't let silly little things cause fights. Lashing out is a way of relieving
tensions that built up. David apologizes, Elizabeth calms down, and they work
through the 8 points listed in the book.
How well did they do with the 8 ways to fight constructively?
Conflict is normal
Find out what is eating the other.
Ask yourself why your annoyed.
Don't let tensions pile up.
Try to agree on the next step in a serious conflict that can't be worked out at
the moment.
Help the other save face, don't humiliate the other.
Be patient.
When it gets beyond you, get outside help.
5. Two Heads Are Better Than One.
According to the author, divorce is the worst crime against human beings.
Gordon and Ruth Hardwig speak to the judge about a divorce. The complaint is
said to be Ruth's idea, and Gordon is willing to grant the matter, based on
incompatibility.
Listening to Ruth tell of her boredom in the marriage, and loss of romantic
love, the judge discovers that Gordon is behind her feelings, even if he was
unaware of his part in it. He's a hard worker, pampers his bride to the point
of Ruth having nothing to do. Though the claim is that they're sacrificing
having kids until they can afford it, Gordon hires a maid, so Ruth can keep her
girlish looks, and not have to worry about the housework. Ruth is finding she
would rather work, have kids, and have something to do, other than be put on a
pedestal, or hid away in a box.
The judge puts the ball into Gordon's court, and offers some advice. A common
goal is needed, whether on the job, or at home. Working through problems
together, and even having kids to work through the struggles of life will
ensure the challenges Ruth would thrive on.
6. A Child Shall Lead Them.
Arthur and Ann tell how they put off having children. They had left their
childhood religious training behind them, and despite hours reasoning why they
shouldn't have kids, they had one. The event sparked a return to going to
church, if only for the sake of teaching the kids.
Family devotions and prayers together are instituted, and they share how a
child enhanced their life. More kids came, and the rejoicing was further
renewed. It doesn't mean there weren't low moments, but the urge to teach kids
about god, and eternal matters became a driving force to be faithful in church.
Ann tells how the children revived, and strengthened the love she and Arthur
had before they became a family.
When their children are brought in to participate in the lords prayer at
devotions, the parents discover they learn life lessons as they teach them. The
teaching moment meant for kids, can turn around to cause parents to also have a
better understanding. A fundamental fact: train a child, and become a better
person yourself.
I know the show today was a bit long, but I couldn't help but put all these
timeless lessons all in one spot. What do you think? Life lessons from the
generation of your grandparents, next time you talk to them, tell them what you
learned here. If they aren't still around, put these lessons to work yourself,
and pass them to your grandkids.
keith <http://podcast.heltsley.net/?author=2> | March 21, 2017 at 7:27 am |
URL: http://wp.me/p5uvFj-8b ;<http://wp.me/p5uvFj-8b>
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