IF THIS BE NOT LOVE
The Jay and Baby Story
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Our ten car caravan drove slowly along the meandering auburn weather-worn roads. Rows of narrow trees flanking a half-dozen homes and open lands rolled past our windows, evoking a collage of thoughts. How often had Jay raced his cars, Granddad’s 1929 Chevrolet to his last, 1992 Buick, down this stretch on his way to town, church or on a joyride? As a young man, how many of his young buddies did he leave in the dust? I could only imagine and smile, for the Jay that I knew, was somewhat of a “hot rod.”
The rise of the church steeple paralleled the sense of immensity that marked this sacred occasion. The cars settled amid an ever swelling crowd and those among our caravan lined up, then slowly filed into the sanctuary where my father had served so faithfully, and where he would be faithfully honored. Again words entered my thoughts, “If you honor me, my Father will honor you.”
One after another took his place at the lectern offering words of praise to the man, friend, neighbor, Christian, and deacon that he had been throughout his life. He was born September 22, 1915; he died November 28, 1997 at the age of 82. The outpouring of praises to this man, my father, who had lived a life well worth modeling by his seven surviving children and generations to come, was most inspiring. I, as well as many others in attendance, was so proud to have had him in our lives. But none of us could experience the richness and beauty of the life that he had shared with his wife, Baby.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
These pages are a mirror that reflects the gamut of defining experiences common in countless families. Episodes of triumph, resiliency and victory abut periods of dispiriting failures, regrettable conflicts, and struggle. The realities of Jay and Baby’s lives evoke more than sympathy, but empathy – where readers see themselves, their lives and their families. IF THIS BE NOT LOVE resonates on multiple levels and ultimately points to a simple yet poignant truism: i.e., regardless of the problems facing family units today, we are blessed and most fortunate, if we find ourselves within a family where love, loyalty, unity and commitment have been a mainstay. For the reader, who by tragic misfortune has not experienced such a family, hopefully this story will inspire and motivate him/her to become the one who sets the course and lays this foundation for generations to come.
About the Author
Margie Summers-Gladney was born in
She was principal of
Prior writings include an in-depth study entitled "The Black Student's Perception of the Black Teacher" lauded by her professor as publishable material and "My Special Guest," a published poem. She has edited two published books.
Margie is the proud mother of two sons: Michael, an attorney, and Craig, a community developer. She presently resides in