The Good Samaritan
by
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As she stood in the middle between myself and an older deacon who assisted me, this young lady began running her fingers through her long blond hair. As she did this, she smiled at the congregation as if she was filming a commercial for shampoo. She then walked up the three small steps leading out of the pool, but as she did she continued to run her fingers through her hair while smiling at the congregation. The thin wet khaki pants and white blouse were partially draped by the towel, but the young woman’s stride up those steps reminded me of Marilyn Monroe’s performance of “Happy Birthday” for JFK. At the top of the steps, she stopped, turned toward the congregation, waved, and said, “Wooo…wee, I mean O’ hal…leeee…luu…ya!” She then ran her fingers through her hair and exited the baptism area. The old deacon in the pool looked at me and said, “I don’t believe that took, do you preacher?”
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About the Book
The Good Samaritan reveals an insider’s look at the effort for perfection in the Christian character. While the faces and places are not historically factual, they are characteristically revealing of the story—a story every honest person can relate to because they have experienced it or know someone who has had similar experiences. From the pew to the pulpit, from the secular to most sacred, from the accepted to the unacceptable belief, this story summons courage—courage to lay aside pride, prejudice, and custom in disclosing the truthful condition of one’s belief. Working as a paramedic, deputy coroner, EMS director, pastor, and registered nurse—as well as seeing life from many perspectives—offered author Sonny Harris a panoramic view and evaluation of core beliefs. These beliefs and findings are shared throughout this story and the evangelistic blues written and performed by Harris. The music and the stories within that music find daily acceptance in different cultures across the globe. Being born and raised in the Southeast during the baby boom generation gave the author the courage to challenge custom, belief, and practice for what lays ahead for the church and the world.
About the Author
This is a story told by one of the South’s best storytellers, with a tapestry of colloquial years spent in the South as a pastor, paramedic, deputy coroner, EMS Director, and registered nurse. The story reveals the fallen nature the church and presbytery wrestle with in measured effort. It is the story of the battle for the truth and the price of that truth. The grand old South’s refusal to die marches along side the civil rights movement into history. Before there was an emergency medical technician, there was an ambulance driver. Before there was a pastor or evangelist, there was a preacher boy. Understanding where you came from, and what you were, and what you are now, are the only strengths enabling one to reach the place God intended you to be all along, regardless of what others may think. It will be only that kind of courage that will sustain the faithful in the frightful challenge of full disclosure.