Altar Call – Opelika-Auburn News

Walter Albritton

May 27, 2012

Some old fashioned values should not be discarded

My doctor encourages me to eat nuts – in moderation of course. I like all kinds of nuts – Walnuts, Pecans, Cashews, Peanuts. A handful of nuts makes any day brighter.

Some of my best friends are nuts. And they don’t hesitate to tell me that sometimes I am as nutty as a fruitcake. Since my Mama made delicious fruitcakes I know how nutty a fruitcake can be. But I don’t apologize for my nutty moments; sanity can be boring. Life without a wacky side would be devoid of humor and humor oils the gears of the brain.

One of my friends is actually named Nutt, Charles Nutt. I guess adding a “t” gives the name a little class but Charles is still a nut -- and proud of it. With a smile he will tell you that his whole family is nuts. Or it is “his whole family are nuts”? Whatever, they are all nuts; I have met most of them. But I will admit they are classy nuts.

Charles likes to eat in Cracker Barrel Restaurants and for the same reason I do too. We like to look at the old product signs on the walls. We know we are getting old when we recognize the products and even more when we remember the prices we once paid for those products.

A nostalgic place like Cracker Barrel reminds us of old fashioned things – like cooking with lard and bacon grease. My wife’s mother ate bacon and eggs cooked in bacon grease every morning – and that stuff finally killed her at age 99.

Old fashioned things remind us of old fashioned values, some of which the younger generation has discarded. But I insist some of those old fashioned values are worth keeping. Patriotism is one value that remains important to me.

My friend Charles Nutt tells me that he went to see the new blockbuster movie, The Avengers. I have not seen it but on the recommendation of a nut, I am going to see it. Charles tells me there is a striking conversation in the movie that got his attention.

Federal agent Phil Coulson says to Captain America: “We’ve made some modifications to the uniform. I had a little design input.”

Captain America replies, “The uniform? Aren’t the stars and stripes a little old fashioned?”

Coulson says, “Everything that’s happening, the things that are about to

come to light, people might just need a little old fashioned.”

Charles tells me he agrees; people might just need a little old fashioned. And being a preacher Charles is unable to resist reminding me what dear old Jeremiah the prophet said: “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancientpaths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls” (6:16). Today is a good day to give thanks for heroes of the “great generation” who set an example for us by walking the ancient paths of goodness, integrity, love of country and honor.

New gadgets are helpful. I like my I Phone – and most of the apps are useful. But I am unwilling to throw out the old fashioned values that helped to make America a great nation. I am proud to be an American and on this Memorial Day weekend I will proudly display my flag and give thanks to God for the soldiers who paid the supreme price for our freedom.

There are some old fashioned values and traditions that need to be preserved for future generations. If believing this makes me a nut to some people, then I am proud to be a nut. + + +