I was a country kid. A horseback-riding, cattle-checking, fence-fixing, Jeep-driving, Daddy’s girl.
Ranch life was the best, and memories remain decades later as if they were made just last week. Those memories sometimes include ones that have nothing at all to do with the ranch life I so enjoyed as a child. Memories like this one…
My brother and I were involved in 4-H, as many country kids were. I learned to sew and cook, thanks to my mom and 4-H leaders. We showed cattle, too – my favorite part of 4-H.
I also loved updating my 4-H Record book, listing exhibits, leadership roles, expenditures, and awards; basically, recording my accomplishments each year. Of course, part of that was because I loved to write; to create a continuous flowing line of ink that formed words and conveyed a message. If I messed up, I’d crumple that piece of paper and begin again. Perfectionistic tendencies? Well, perhaps!
Those who know me as an adult would probably say, “Well, of course!” because I still tend to record life as I live it, writing about random passions and ponderings.
Spoiler alert. This blog is deep! You might want to stop reading if you’re low on bandwidth today. LOL! Why? Because I came across an old document that took me back about six decades; three pages of memories on narrow-lined notebook paper with well-worn creases after being folded and stashed since childhood.
This yellowed document boasts purple ink – oh, so cool back then – in my distinctive childlike cursive.
The title? Religion, the Key to a Full Life. The author? R. E. Dreger.
Ralph E. Dreger (1914-2012) was a psychologist and minister who wrote extensively about psychology, personality, and religion in the mid-20th century. His style is similar to that of a well-known contemporary, A. W. Tozer. I have no idea where I found the article, which I carefully rewrote in my own pen, but it was probably a magazine to which my mom subscribed.
In any case, I chose this article as my first public speaking effort for 4-H, and I did it at the county fair. OMGoodness! I can still remember the content and the moment I stood, facing West on a concrete floor in a building on the Mayse County (OK) fairgrounds. Rows of folding chairs were lined up before me – some occupied, some not. Fairgoers passed by, looking at other exhibits as I spoke. Some paused to listen for a moment.
I remember it well, but I still wonder why I chose such a deep, theological, academic article? I don’t know.
Did I memorize the entire thing? Surely not, yet as I read it now, the cadence of those words returns, making me believe I may have done so. Incomprehensible!
There’s truth to be found in Dreger’s article, even today, but if I were editing his article I’d replace “religion” with “relationship.” The article begins with this statement: “Multitudes of people wonder what good there is in religion or what it is about. Plainly speaking, it is about life – how to live it, how to take it, and shape it into forms of beauty and power and to learn by living what it means.”
Wow – even that is intense. And true. People still wonder what’s good about religion which is precisely why I’d edit it to speak more to the relationship which serves as the crux of religion. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and God – that’s what I consider the key to a full life.
People often confuse the two. They say “I have religion” yet they have no relationship with Jesus. They’ve never asked Him to forgive their sins and live in their hearts; to give them direction and meaning in life.
Dreger says religion is the tie that holds life together. Do you agree? Or disagree? I say it’s my faith that holds me together. He describes a “genuinely religious person” as one who thinks of others first, helps others do their best, accepts responsibility for work even if it’s difficult, and meets life with courage and direction. I’d agree. That is true of most Christians, today.
An influential psychologist and researcher, Dreger mentioned both Dr. Carl Jung and Franz Joseph Haydn in this decades-old article. He explains the correlation between a person’s mental and physical health and speaks of religion as “life’s greatest integrating force.” Haydn evidently attributed his musical prowess to his relationship with God. According to Dreger, the prolific composer from the Classical era (with hundreds of symphonies, concertos, and operas to his credit) once said that when he thought of God, “his heart leaped for joy and he could not help his music doing the same.” How cool is that?
I’m not sure my testimony would be that eloquent or lofty, but I can attest to the strength and fulfillment that comes from my relationship with God.
In summarizing his article, Dreger used the phrase “in our changing times.” Times have continued to change at an even greater pace than he could have imagined sixty years ago. He stressed the importance of learning and mastering how religion brings “integrity, peace, strength, and assurance to the troubled soul.” Again, I would agree, but I would use the word relationship rather than religion. If only we could grasp that timeless truth, even in our own changing and tumultuous times.
God’s Word – the Bible – encourages me to grow in my faith; in my dependence upon God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It spurs me to be the best I can be because I was made in His image. In John 10:10, the Word says Jesus came so we would have abundant life. I’ve heard it said that if – as a believer – you’re not enjoying an abundant life, then you’re living beneath your privilege. I agree. Sometimes we forget the abundance God offers us so freely. In II Peter 3:18, we are encouraged to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. But do we? We are to abide in Him (John 15:1-5); in essence, to have a vibrant and ongoing relationship with Him. I’m forever thankful for His persistence, protection, and plans for me.
In Biblical times, God’s people vacillated between trusting and walking away from God. We still do. Thankfully, God is patient and merciful. We are a people in need of forgiveness, over and over again, just like we read of the Israelites in the Old Testament.
My relationship with God – with Jesus Christ, my Savior – has grown over the years as He has led me through struggles, losses, heartaches, and worry. I’ve walked away, but He gently guides me as I learn from my mistakes. He challenges me to dig in His Word and develop a relationship.
In I Samuel 12, Samuel – the new king – admits to being old and grayheaded as he encourages his people to walk with the Lord. To remain true to Him. To consider all the great things He has done for them. God is still doing great things for those who trust Him. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me He has plans for me and they are good ones.
As a young kid at the fair, I had limited understanding of the difference between religion and relationship. Growth has changed that. What started as “religiosity” – simply going to Sunday School and church, praying, reading my Bible, memorizing scriptures – has matured into an ongoing, ever-growing, powerful relationship with the same God who believed Earth would not be complete without one of me. Oh, how thankful I am for His love. I pray the same is true for you. If not, or if you just want to talk, please reach out to me. I’m no philosopher and I don’t have all the answers but I know a guy who does. My God.
Dreger ends his article with this: “Creative religion requires a personal awareness of God in our lives and in the lives of others.” Again – that’s relationship!
What a blast from the past it was to find this article, and unpack it as an adult. It’s rare for my blogs to be this deep and thought-provoking so thanks for sticking with me. Though the ink is faded on that 4-H presentation, it’s good to know God’s love never fades.
But . . . I still wonder what possessed me to choose this article for an audience at the county fair. I have no clue!
Blessings, my friends! See you soon!
© Elaine McAllister, 2026
Recent Comments