There are days I find the Oregonian an absolute delight. In Saturday's paper (10/10/09) on the first page of section 'C' was a one column article about Richard Dawkins. I have read some of his ideas before, but when I came to his quote, "There is no controversy in science" I couldn't help but smile and that was enough for me. I did Google that exact phrase, controversy in science and in 0.48 seconds Google responded and in the top right corner it said, of about 18,100,000. So much for no controversy.
What was particularly delightful for me was the four column article right next to his. Its title was 'Silver thread of faith leads centenarians's life. The centenarian is Margaret Nothiger Morse. ' You know, I grow weary of all the trash talk about Oregon being the most unchurched state in America. If Jesus was in the flesh I wonder how many churches would find him sitting in their pews? I will never forget the young woman in seminary who said her Jesus was standing barefoot on broken glass under a concrete underpass with the wounded and the homeless. I think that is probably where the famous unchurched of Oregon expect to find Jesus. Is that wrong?
The article about Mrs. Morse was too short for me. I wish they had given its author, Nancy Haught, more space to write more. They should have given her the space filled with "no controversy in science." Anyway, it was a wonderful article about a woman who has lived and seen and felt more than most of us ever will. Do you think we might learn something listening to someone who is one hundred years old, has four children, eight grandchildren and twenty four great grandchildren? Having been with her husband for sixty nine years do you think she might know something about not only relationships, but what covenant means?
One of the questions she was asked was what all centenarian's are asked. "Do you have any advice for those who will listen?" Sorry about that. Actually the question she was asked was "Do you have any advice for your well-wishers?" I love the answer that has kept her since she gave her heart to the Lord when she was nine. She said, "The most important decision of my life was to give my life to the Lord, and I feel he has guided me step by step."
Mrs. Morse has been without the companionship of her husband for seven years now. He died at 97 in 2002. What is it like to lay next to the same person for 69 years, to share the same struggles, failures, successes, sorrows and joys? I imagine they attended many funerals and wept together for mutual loved ones. Imagine the pictures and stories! What is this kind of sharing all about and how many of us will ever know? Mrs. Morse said, "We'd spent 69 years together, and I have precious memories."
There is a two column picture of Mrs. Morse on page C1. She has a kind face. It is the face of someone you know you would like. When asked about her husband being a Friend, or Quaker, she said it didn't make any difference. She said the important thing is to have in Christ in you. The reporter than asked the billion dollar question, "And what difference does that make?" Margaret Morse replied, "You're able to love the people you couldn't love on your own."
I am so grateful the Oregonian printed and shared such a wonderful article. I am sure the placement was just a coincidence, at least on the Oregonian's part.
Comments