Yes, I have owned a number of bibles, and they aren't all in the photo, but these four are especially memorable, for they were all gifts.
The New Testament at the top right was the first: a gift from my mother for my ninth birthday in 1956. My father was also very religious, but he didn't get in on the inscription, so I think my mother saw this as a very special and personal gift. It may have been in recognition of me getting SAVED from my dastardly eight-year-old sins earlier that year although I had thought that momentous event had occurred a year earlier. Who knows at this point in time?
The next two on the left were both from the same year, 1968, and also for my birthday — my 21st. The blue one (that I gave too much space to in the photo) is the JB Phillips translation into modern English of the New Testament from my soon-to-be-at-the-time inlaws. The one below that is a spiffy-looking bible in the King James version. It was a full bible and a good size to carry around, which, of course, I did quite proudly back then whenever I went to church — which I did with regularity. It looked good too with that rich, brown leather cover and the gilt edging.
Finally, for this post at least: a study bible from Sue for our first anniversary in 1970. I remember being really pleased to receive it at the time.
Bibles, church, spirituality and religion were very important to me in the first half of my life. I would never have guessed that I would, on one distant day, become a non-believer. Nevertheless, all these bibles remain as treasured possessions. They are an important part of my history after all.
I love my Bible because I love The Lord.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you kept yours. It is the Living Word.
God is and always will be with you.
Love,
Jackie
I understand. I have kept mine too.
ReplyDeleteI haven't kept any but hold much of the New Testaments philosophy close to my heart. The "Old" not so much...:)
ReplyDeleteI could have written this, but with different dates. With you.
ReplyDeleteI have only ever owned one bible and that was one used in the parochial high school I attended. I would be hard pressed now to locate it and it may be back at the VA house.
ReplyDeleteI too am a non-believer but I treasure my grandmother's bible and the bible she gave me when I was young. The beauty of the language of the King James version has enriched my life and finds its way into my writing (I have a retentive memory -- for some things.)
ReplyDeleteI've kept my first few bibles as well. They are precious for the people and times of life they represent. Whether we leave these lands or not, these represent the things that have made us who we are, and are worth keeping and perhaps peeking into, now and then. I've found interesting things tucked away in mine, keepsakes from meetings, encouraging cards from treasured people, study notes, etc.
ReplyDeleteI have two bibles that came down from my Brattleboro, Vt. great grandparents. It is fascinating to read the handwritten comments that they wrote ... their interpretations of certain Bible quotes.
ReplyDeleteI have my grandmother's Bible and my husband's grandfather's Bible as well as several of my own. We used to get a star in Sunday School for bringing our Bible. Interestingly, I haven't used any of them recently. The only Bible I use regularly is on my iPhone/iPad. I notice when I see someone walks into church carrying a Bible now because it is so exceptional.
ReplyDeleteI understand! I ended up burning some, as they were in such bad shape and didn't want to throw them out.
ReplyDeleteI've had more grief from church people than not. I find that biblical philosophy, spirit of reciprocity, et, is common to all religions, however. I try to follow hat.
I was a church girl, choir member until my divorce. Then it all went to hell as they all sided with my ex! Good post.
I am saddened whenever I hear that someone has become a nonbeliever. I always wonder what happened to make them leave their religion behind. My faith means so much to me. Of course, I also know that just because one is not "religious" doesn't mean they don't appreciate the world, nature and what is provided. It's a question of "where did it all come from?" I don't believe in the "big bang." And I don't believe that one has to attend a formal worship experience to believe in a "higher power." Sometimes organized religion, no matter the domination, can become tedious.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I think it's neat that you have hung on to your Bibles because they mean something to you and are part of your history.