Twists & Turns: The Real Ebenezer Scrooge and Others

TWISTS & TURNS: THE REAL EBENEZER SCROOGE AND OTHERS BY JUDY CAUSEY LOVE, SOUTHEAST ALABAMA CONTRIBUTING EDITOR TWISTS & TURNS generous man.

Many early stories of pain, anger, selfishness and greed had roots in the truth and were intended to, hopefully, help readers see themselves and begin to change their ways.

Of course, I cannot say how many of these stories have had a positive effect on the general population of the world, but I do know of one other man who wrote his autobiography, “An Authentic Narrative”, and a life changing as well, “Amazing Grace”.

John Newton’s

early life, as he himself described, was arrogant, rebellious and recklessly sinful. Trying to help his son get his life in order, his father forced him to enlist in the British Royal Navy. This only led him to become more angry and rebellious.

Time passed and he took a job with a slave trader, only to find his conditions became dreadfully worse. In his autobiography, he was known to write later that it was the lowest point in his life as he ended up starving and begging on the street for food.

During his low point, he began to read the Bible. After a year in his captivity, he escaped and signed on with another ship, The Greyhound, based in Liverpool. It was during this time that a terrible storm came up and Newton feared for his life.

He recalled reading of God’s grace and began to pray. He was ultimately saved from death but it took another year and a serious illness to bring him to his final spiritual awakening.

In the song, Amazing Grace, we learn of his trials and sorrows that brought him to his senses. In 1764 he was ordained an Anglican minister.

There are many other impactful stories that teach forgiveness, love, understanding and redemption. Some of these include “The Clockmakers Gift” by Emily Watson and Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies.

Hopefully, we can all learn things from stories such as these. I think this is the time to enjoy a little heartfelt reading. So, get your cup of coffee or hot chocolate and relax with a book that not only entertains you but warms your heart as it reminds us of what is really important in our lives. As Tiny Tim would say, “God bless us everyone!” A MISSISSIPPI CHRISTMAS WISH LIST,