TV stories can be more than entertaining; they can be inspiring as well. I’ve often been touched by The Walton’s and Little House on the Prairie.

Recently, I recalled The Walton’s story of ‘The Burnout.’

The Walton’s family home caught on fire; resulting in structural damage and emotional trauma. John-Boy’s novel was destroyed in the fire and family members were displaced. I was particularly touched by daughter Erin’s feelings of guilt and shame.

Erin was in her bedroom trying to save her favorite dress from the flames. When overcome by smoke in the hallway, John-Boy rescued her. Sadly, his heroism resulted in the destruction of his novel.

Blaming herself, Erin lost all joy in life. Reverend Hardwick and wife Rosemary had taken her and younger brother Jim-Bob into their home and were concerned about the abrupt changes in Erin’s behavior.

Gone were the smiles, laughter and frills; she wore only drab cotton dresses. In reality, Erin was proud of her humility. Job was righteous; yet, he lost wealth, children and his health; he wore ‘sackcloth.’

“I have sewn sackcloth over my skin,
And laid my head in the dust (Job 16:15 NKJV).”

Garments of praise…

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV).”

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
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