Molly's Zone

   (January 1948: Lincoln County, West Virginia)   The passing of four years and some months happened in the blink of an eye. The loving presence of our family and unwavering faith in the Lord provided so much strength through a period of unimaginable grief. Life back on the farm introduced us to the love of new faces. One of Frank’s great adventures led him to bring home a whole slew of dogs one afternoon: Newfoundlands Otis and Maizey, Basset Hound Libby, Minnie the mutt, and Ody a precious black labrador. At first, I wasn’t sure how we would care for them, but they immediately stole my heart.   I loved watching Gordon have a chance to make his own farm life memories; he was always playing Cowboys and Indians with his cousins and enjoying the beautiful seasons that surrounded us; the sweet reminder that time is precious. The smell of mama’s tomato hamburger soup always brings a smile to his face. It is his favorite meal. Finding joy in those small blessings was sti...

                                               (December 1943: Lincoln County, West Virginia)   The tragedy unfolded one day before Mavarine’s birthday. The next time we saw our precious girl, she lay peacefully in an open casket with a gentle netting draped over her face. The days that followed proved to be the hardest days of our lives. Mavarine wore a pale pink dress with the doll she had begged us for tucked at her side. Our whole family would never be the same. Despite the heaviness of loss, we knew that the loving presence of the Lord would help us through the valley. The comfort of His refuge would fill the sorrowful space in our hearts.   “If I hadn’t asked yall to come to the parade, this wouldn’t have happened. It’s all my fault,” Della’s voice rang of guilt. She began to cry after the service was over and we were alone as a family. We all needed ea...

                                              (December 1943: Charleston, West Virginia)   December rolled around before we knew it and the Christmas parade came to town. Della’s baby, Anna, would be in it this year. An evening spent with family was the perfect way to drum up some extra Christmas cheer. There were blessings to be thankful for this year: Frank made a full recovery and both Mavarine and Gordon had accepted Christ as their Savior. Life on the farm wasn’t the same as our time grew busier.  The newness of everything brought so much peace and joy to our lives.   “Awe, look there she is!” Della shouted excitedly. Mama and I smiled, looking on as baby Anna made her appearance on a tiny float wearing the cutest red dress and black buckle baby shoes. The whole family planned to watch the parade, and then Frank and I were going to go Christmas shopping ...

                                           (October 1943: Lincoln County, West Virginia) The year and a half that followed planted the seed for new beginnings in our family. The daily farm routine became strangely unfamiliar as the ongoing presence of war tested our faith beyond our comprehension. The road of life was teaching us to lean on God through it all; to trust in the power of His might. Frank always says that change is a good thing. I love his love for great adventures. I knew wherever we would go, the Lord would be there.   Our brothers came home last year and Frank soon found a job building tanks in a nearby plant as part of the ongoing war effort.  The world found itself recovering from the attack on Pearl Harbor. Life was always unpredictable and no one could prepare us for what would happen next.   “You’re so tired, and your lungs sound terrible,” I ...

                                            (November 1941: Lincoln County, West Virginia)   A time of war brought forth a lot of uncertainty in our family. The past six years were full of precious little blessings and memories that we were thankful for. But if time is a teacher of any lesson at all the most important one is that taking a leap of faith is sometimes the only choice you have. Life hasn’t always been easy for us, yet through it all God has remained faithful. We knew no war would make a difference.   World War II placed America in the midst of a global battle and its draft affected many families. James and Frank’s younger brother, Everett got sent overseas a little over a year ago. Working on the farm, the house chores, and life with little ones proved to be a welcomed distraction. We stuck together as a family and took leaps of faith daily; still trusting...

  (March 1935: Lincoln County, West Virginia)   Birthdays are a special time in our family. The past seven months were quite an adventure for us as a family. We never forgot the Lord’s faithfulness throughout life and its rocky roads. We were especially grateful for the love of family and friends. The Great Depression was at its worst, but we weren’t wanting for anything. I long looked forward to my sixteenth birthday, and today was the day. I was ready for whatever great adventure came my way. Frank and I had grown quite close as friends and decided we wanted to be together. Frank has taught me to not be afraid of living life to the fullest. He’s the sweetest, most compassionate guy I’ve jever known. His love has been one of my greatest blessings. You just never can tell what surprises he might have up his sleeve. Mama and my sisters put together a little birthday dinner for me at the house. Frank, Mr. Lemaster, and his brothers all came. It was crowded in our tiny shack, b...

                                      (May 1934: Lincoln County,West Virginia)   The way Jesus started workin’ in my life was unlike anything I had ever seen before; the last seven months filled with so much goodness in our family. A new beginning brought us closer together, even though nothing would stay the same. I was still struggling to find my peace. My heart still felt torn. Even so, I knew and trusted that Jesus was with me. I knew He would always be that solid anchor for me.   The sun started to set as I headed back into the house. There’s something about fresh air and farmland that is soothing. I still enjoyed havin’ time to myself. As I said, things were changing in our family: Della married a couple of months ago. She was never too far away, while my brothers, other sisters, and I were gettin’ older. We had lots of new friends around.   The Lord was dealing with me an...